The English and Humanities Department have a busy semester planned out. RVSSC will be participating in the Readers Cup Challenge until the 28th August, and then we have Bookweek coming up between the 17-23rd October. Our teachers are working hard at organising exciting events for both of these occasions, and we look forward to promoting these events via our Social Media Platforms and upcoming newsletters. 

We have put together an update of what our students have been working on in class below for you.

ENGLISH

How socially conscious are you?

What are your thoughts on important issues in our world?

How does the media influence these thoughts and concerns?

These are some of the questions being investigated in English, in Year 7 this term.

Students have been focusing their attention on documentaries related to topical issues and debating with one another on its’ validity and bias. Students have been learning the art of presenting speeches and participating in discussions on how the elements and film techniques of media can manipulate and sway an opinion or view. We look forward to seeing some more socially aware and confident speakers in the coming weeks!

Is it ok to do bad things for good reasons?

This is the idea that has underpinned our learning in English in Year 8 this term. We have been looking at what it means to be Australian and how culture and background defines identity. Students have been reading the novel “Tomorrow When the War Began” by John Marsden and have been investigating this idea of good vs evil.

HUMANITIES

Humanities, this term in Year 7, has been full of discussion around what makes a successful business. Classes have been learning about what is involved in setting up and running a business, how bartering was once an effective form of payment before money was placed in circulation, and how price and demand are intertwined when selling products and services.

Year 8 Humanities, this term, has seen a turn of the tables with the students teaching the teachers the intricacies of Minecraft!

While learning about landforms and landscapes, students have spent time making and explaining these while modelling new worlds within Minecraft.

Leith Montel

English and Humanities Teacher