Humanities and Languages
Welcome Back to Humanities – Semester 2
As we dive into Semester 2, we extend a warm welcome back to all our students and staff across the Humanities faculty. Whether you're returning from a well-earned break or diving back in after some time away, we’re so glad to have you with us for another exciting chapter.
This semester promises rich learning experiences across our Humanities subjects – including History, Geography, Legal Studies, Business, Tourism, and Social & Community Studies. Students will explore diverse cultures, analyse real-world issues, and critically engage with the past and present to better understand the future.
Our dedicated team of teachers is looking forward to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and respectful discussion in every classroom. With new assessment opportunities, excursions, competitions, and hands-on learning ahead, Semester 2 is shaping up to be a vibrant and rewarding journey.
As always, we encourage students to stay organised, ask questions, and make the most of the support around them. The Humanities are all about people – their stories, choices, and impact – and we are proud to guide students through these important explorations.
Let’s make this semester thoughtful, courageous, and full of growth.
Welcome back – let’s make it count.
Cecilia Hall
Head of Humanities and Languages (Year 8)
Japanese
Year 7 are Ready for a Delicious and Cultural Adventure!
This term, students will embark on a fun and flavourful journey into the world of Japanese food and dining culture! They’ll discover the art of food presentation and learn about traditional Japanese table manners and etiquette. Through engaging manga stories, students will explore common Japanese phrases and gestures used at the table, comparing the dining customs of Australia and Japan.
They’ll also dive into delicious Japanese and Australian dishes before designing their very own menu—a creative reflection of what they’ve learned!
✨ Key Highlights This Term:
✨Week 4 – Obento Box Cooking Experience
Students will step into the kitchen to prepare their own beautifully presented obento box as part of their assessment.
✨Japan Foundation Video Matsuri
Students are invited to participate in this Japan Foundation’s exciting national competition, creating a 1–3 minute short film. It’s a fantastic opportunity to show off their creativity and cultural understanding!
Find out more here: Video Matsuri Details
Year 8 Japanese
This term, students have begun their new unit “Festivals and Celebrations”, exploring the customs and significance of various Japanese cultural events. They are reflecting on how special occasions are celebrated in Japan and how they compare with traditions in Australia. Later in the term, students will demonstrate their learning by creating and performing a roleplay based on a chosen celebration.
We’re also looking forward to an exciting excursion to Brisbane City, where students will experience elements of a modern Japanese birthday celebration. This includes enjoying karaoke, dining at a Japanese restaurant, and practising real-world language use in a culturally immersive context.
Several students have expressed eagerness to create a skit for the nationwide Video Matsuri competition, intermixing creativity and language skills. Students are also encouraged to take part in the upcoming Languages Speech Contest at Griffith University. Both offer valuable opportunities to build confidence and extend their communication skills.
See Miss Stevens or Mrs Wellwood for more information. Ganbatte kudasai! (You can do it!)
Georgina Wellwood Emmalene Stevens
Japanese Teacher Japanese Teacher