Humanities and Languages
Humanities
Term Three has been, and always will be the biggest term in the school calendar, and 2023 did not disappoint! We have had excursions, extra-curricular activities and memorials to attend, as well as our normal core business of learning! Here are just two of the exciting activities that have taken place this term.
Box Flat Memorial
Earlier this term, the Ignite and Humanities students were given an opportunity to help commemorate the Box Flat Mining disaster. Coal mining has been an important part of Ipswich's history for many years. The Box Flat mining disaster on 31 July 1972 claimed 17 lives, with an 18th man passing away in 1974 due to the injuries he received that day. This accident impacted many families throughout the Ipswich region. Our students joined the community to commemorate those lives lost 51 years ago.
During the ceremony, students raised banners in memory of the miners and later spent time with their colleagues and families, gaining a deeper understanding of both the incident itself and how the impacts were felt by families and the community. It was an honour to share in such an important occasion. It was also lovely to see the students interact with those who survived.
Archaeology Club
Has been running again weekly at lunch times. Students have been learning the basic skills of excavating, one of the core requirements for an archaeologist. Once they have these skills mastered, they will be moving onto a real project-based excavation. Students are enjoying this lunch time activity, as they engage in hands-on activities, and learn the valuable skills of historical understanding and significance.
Cecilia Hall
Head of Department - Humanities and Languages - Year 9E to 9G
Japanese - いそがしい です！
Year 7 and 8 classes have been extra busy (いそがしい) with filming in the green screen room, creating role plays and cooking obento meals. The students cherished the experience of planning, and then cooking in the school kitchen with Ms Montel. The increased popularity of bento and its term can be traced back to the 12th Century when cooked and dried rice was transported to be carried to work. To follow on with their assessments of obento traditions, Year 8 shared their presentations in 日本語. Additionally, some groups will enter their role plays in the short film competition in September which is promoted by the Japan Foundation: https://jpf.org.au/language/for-learners/contests/video-matsuri/
On the 9th August, the Year 9 Japanese class attended Movie World’s Tourism – Today and Tomorrow lecture, and they learnt that at Australian theme parks, 96 staff speak two or more languages. Sea World and Movie World are the bigger parks for Japanese and international tourists. The students were encouraged to know that they are at an advantage for interviews in jobs because they are learning a second language. Other attributes taught to the students are that a big smile and a guest service focus, punctuality and reliability are also key requirements for all positions. The Year 9s have completed terrific assessments and if you would like to compete in a sugoroku game, they are keen to compete!
Congratulations to the 100 participants in several languages including Japanese who entered the recent Education Perfect Languages Competition from August 7th – 11th. There were 17 awards given to our students during Junior Assembly on 28th August. Special congratulations to Athish (Year 7) Emerald, Shaylee (Year 7) Gold, and Ella (Year 8) Silver! Well done to everyone who participated!
The trip to Japan in April 2025 is organised to include stops in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima and will include a homestay. We will be expecting deposits in March next year, for families who would like their child to travel. We will keep you posted with more details soon!
Georgina Wellwood
Japanese Teacher