From the Senior Years
The past fortnight has been productive and event-filled for Senior Years students. For Year 11 students, this week has seen the culmination of their learning in Unit 1 subjects in their school-based examinations. Students in Year 11 are to be commended for their measured approach to their examinations. The calm way in which they have approached the examination period has been noticed and applauded by staff. This has provided excellent modelling to students in younger year levels that a level-headed approach to this period of summative assessment is the norm. These examinations are important learning opportunities and are instructive on their preparation, their areas of strength and areas for refinement, and how they have managed the timed conditions.
For Year 12 students, there have been a number of key milestones as they reach the midpoint in their studies with the completion of many Unit 3 outcomes. Year 12 students have enjoyed the arrival of their Year 12 jumpers and have enjoyed several off-site excursions, including half of the Year 12 cohort travelling to Hardrock climbing on Wednesday 11 June. This was a time to enjoy and challenge themselves with a non-competitive physical activity. There is much to be gained through physical exercise and the enjoyment of challenge-by-choice outdoor educational activities such as rock climbing.
There are a number of key components for overall wellbeing gained through this experience. These include experiencing a sense of adventure through managed risk taking of scaling heights that are genuinely very high, collaboration and trust between student climber and student belayer who is responsible for taking the slack and managing their partner’s safe descent, as well as the feeling of personal achievement and competence gained by scaling to a height that reflects their individual aims and goals. The smiles and joy are evident in the photographs captured on the day below.
Reflecting on the experience, Ruby C writes:
This week half of our year 12 cohort were able to participate in rock climbing. It was a great opportunity to face both physical challenges and mental blocks as we were able to test how high we were willing to go through the challenge by choice approach. This experience was a great chance to test our limits, learn to trust each other and most of all have fun.
The second half of the Year 12 cohort will travel to Hardrock climbing on Wednesday 25 June for their experience.
Additionally, VCE VM students in Years 11 and 12 students took part in an excursion to Melbourne CBD. This was a learning activity as part of their VCE VM Literacy learning on the food culture and traditions of Melbourne – a renowned food destination. This was organized by Mr Kerry Taylor and Ms Audrey Abelardo and enriched student learning of Melbourne’s famous laneway eateries.
Year 12 student, Alessia P reflected:
Our excursion to the CBD with the Year 11 and 12 VM students was a great experience. We went on a food tour with Walk Melbourne Tours, exploring numerous hidden laneways and cafes. It was fun trying new foods and learning about the city's food culture and history behind it. The tour helped us build teamwork and confidence while enjoying something new outside the classroom
At midyear, these are important experiences that enrich learning through engaging, adrenaline filled challenges that promote unity and joy for Senior students as they strive for higher things.
Ad Altiora
Tom Crowle
Senior Years Leader