the learning journey: years 7 to 12...the learning journey: years 7 to 12 our commitment is to...
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The Learning Journey: Years 7 to 12
Our commitment is to empower every student to enjoy learning and strive
for their personal best. We develop the academic and personal skills that will
support students throughout their schooling and beyond.
Personalised Learning & A Strong Community
Personalised learning is central to our approach at every year level. Our smaller size allows us to provide a level of individual attention that is highly valued by students and parents. Whether students need acceleration or extra support, challenges and opportunities are quickly identified. Individual learning plans give every student a pathway to strive for excellence and experience learning success.
The sense of community at Elwood College is another special feature. Teachers, students and families work together to create the optimum learning environment.
Our parents rank us in the top 20th percentile of all Victorian Schools for Student Motivation, Social Skills, Transitions, Behaviour Management, School Connectedness, Student Safety and Parent Input (2014 Attitudes to School Survey).
Junior School
Years 7 and 8 each has its own dedicated ‘community’ within the college. Students work with a core group of teachers in flexible spaces where they can learn in larger groups or break into smaller teams for intensive learning. Students form positive working relationships and develop a sense of belonging at school.
Year 9: It’s Up↑ 2 Me
Our Year 9 program engages students with ‘real life learning’, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Community Projects.
Senior School & the VCE
Our Senior School includes Years 10 to 12. Our comprehensive range of academic, arts and vocational studies allows students to create a VCE plan that complements their individual skills and aspirations. Our VCE Centre provides an environment for students to focus and work hard while enjoying their final years at school.
A big focus at Elwood College is developing ‘future-ready’ students, equipped for life beyond school in a competitive global environment. Independent learning and inquiry skills are incorporated throughout the curriculum. eLearning underpins the curriculum from Year 7 onwards, giving students essential mastery of technology. The aim is to develop students into ‘lifelong learners’ who can respond and thrive in a changing environment.
Listening to students and developing them as leaders is at the heart of what we do. Students are expected to contribute to their community as both local and global citizens. This starts with our expectations of them as members of the school community. We ask our students to become advocates for themselves and others.
Classroom activities are designed to teach responsibility and collaboration, reinforced by our rich program of sports, arts and music, school camps, debating and public speaking.
Students are regularly asked to lead groups, speak at school and public events, and mentor younger peers. Leadership roles are further encouraged through the Student Representative Council, Year 12 Leadership Program and Peer Support Programs. As part of our Year 9 program, students participate in community service and fundraising projects and complete the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. They can also apply to attend the Alpine School Leadership Program.
Skills for Life
Languages
To further our students’ global outlook, studying a language is compulsory from Years 7 to 10. Students learn Japanese and French in year 7, with most specializing in just one from year 8 onwards. Both languages are available in the VCE.
We offer optional study tours to France and Japan in alternating years. Many students also take the opportunity to go on student exchange. Our ‘sister school’ relationship with Obu Higashi Senior High School is particularly strong.
Beyond the Classroom
Sport
Elwood College celebrates excellence and effort in sport. To assist student wellbeing, physical exercise is incorporated into college life both formally and socially.
In addition to Physical Education in Years 7-10, Junior School students participate in weekly afternoon sport. Year 10s can qualify as lifesavers by training for the Bronze Medallion. In 2015, we introduced the Elwood College Basketball Academy, a fee-based program offering professional coaching on site.
Our students proudly represent Elwood College in the Beachside Interschool Sports Division. As well as swimming, athletics and cross-country, our PE classes prepare students to compete in a diverse range of interschool sports. We bring a sense of fun to sport with our lunchtime running club, students vs teachers events and house camaraderie.
Our rich co-curricular life allows students to explore their talents while
building friendships and leadership skills. Students are encouraged to take
advantage of our renowned music and arts program, competitive and
social sports, debating, school camps and international study tours.
The Arts
Elwood College is renowned for its music, drama and arts program. These subjects are compulsory from Years 7-9. Music Performance, Media, Theatre Studies and Studio Arts are popular VCE subjects.
We give our students regular opportunities to showcase their talents and improve their performance confidence. The annual musical production, art show and talent quest are huge whole-school events, creating a fantastic camaraderie in our student body.
Theatre Sports is a popular activity where students can represent their House and the College on stage. In 2014, students coordinated the inaugural Elwood College Film Festival to great success.
School Camps & Study Tours
We operate annual camps for Years 7-10, all with a focus on leadership, independence and feeling connected at school. Year 9 students can apply to the Alpine School of Leadership. There is also an optional annual ski camp.
As students study French and Japanese, we run cultural study tours of Japan and France in alternating years and student exchange programs in both countries.
Music
In Year 7, learning an instrument is compulsory, giving all students the opportunity to try a new skill and build their confidence. Tuition is available in a diverse range of instruments, including voice. From Year 8 onwards, continued tuition is a popular option. Music Performance is offered as a VCE subject.
The commitment required of students in the music program benefits them socially and academically too. The college choir and band require weekly rehearsals and dedicated private practice. Students regularly perform at school events and in the community, acting as wonderful ambassadors for the college.
Debating, Clubs & Leadership
Students can join debating, computing and chess clubs. There is house debating every year and interschool contests.
As well as SRC, House and Year Level leadership roles, public speaking and leadership is built into college life for all students. Year 9 has a big focus on volunteer work and leadership.
Our dedicated teachers are fantastic at finding specific opportunities for students to pursue their talents. Those interested in writing and photography can act as ‘reporters’ for the school news blog.
Year 7: Welcome to Elwood College
Elwood College parents rank our Year 7 program in the top 20th percentile of all Victorian schools for
Stimulated Learning, Student Morale, Classroom Behaviour, Learning Confidence and Student Safety
(2014 Attitudes to School Survey).
Our comprehensive Transition Program starts early in Grade 6. Features include:
Regular taste-test visits and samples classes.
‘Year 7 Perspectives’ our students return to their primary schools to offer Grade 6 students advice
and support for the journey ahead.
A fun Orientation Day helps students feel excited about the beginning of Year 7.
Transition Week students learn expectations for behaviour, organisation and work.
Term 1 theme of ‘Getting Involved’ helps all students to feel happy, safe and connected.
Detailed student reports including NAPLAN, VELS, OnDemand data and teacher insights give us a
head-start on delivering our differentiated learning programs, extending and supporting each student.
This year is dedicated to helping students feel safe, happy and excited
about learning in their new school.
Subjects
Subjects for the Year 7 curriculum are:
Mathematics
English
Humanities (History and Geography)
Science
French and Japanese
Health, Physical Education
Arts (Music, Art and Drama)
Food Technology
Wednesday sport (a choice of six sports)
E-learning underpins the entire curriculum, giving
students an essential confidence with technology.
This is supported by our Bring Your Own Device
laptop program.
Acceleration & Support
Our curriculum gives students regular opportunities to celebrate their achievements, empowering them with confidence in their learning.
Individual and small group tuition is key. We tailor
each student’s learning plans to suit their skill level
and interests. Every subject has specifically
designed extension and support curriculum.
Find out more:
Junior School Director: Helen Bebbington
T. (03) 9531 9566
Year 7 Learning Leader: Emma Robbins E. [email protected]
Feeling Connected
The Year 7 curriculum is packed with opportunities
for students to develop trusted relationships with
peers and teachers.
The Term 1 Grampians camp is a highlight. The
entire Junior School joins in Wednesday sport,
helping Year 7s get to know their older peers.
Students are also warmly welcomed into the college
choir, band, drama production and house events. In
its first year in 2015, the Elwood College Basketball
Academy is proving very popular with Year 7s.
Skills & Expectations
To give students a strong foundation for secondary
school, we start teaching the practical skills and
behaviours required for the years ahead. This
includes using the college diary to stay organised,
understanding teacher feedback and learning our
school values and expectations.
Year 8: Exploring Directions
Students continue to build on their skills and sense of belonging at Elwood.
We encourage students to develop as individuals, growing their confidence
in the classroom while exploring their talents with co-curricular activities.
Celebrating the Individual
With a team of teachers dedicated to Year 8, our program ‘Exploring
Directions’ revolves around harnessing and rewarding each student’s
‘magic’. This means regularly celebrating all students’ achievements,
measured against their own tailored learning plans.
All classes are tailored to point of need, whether it be acceleration or
support. Individual learning plans ensure any challenges are quickly
addressed. Similarly, students who are excelling in a particular area are
given opportunities to stretch themselves.
E-learning gives students an essential confidence with technology, which
they will build on throughout their schooling.
In the classroom and beyond, we help students develop
their MAGIC through the following themes:
Motivation & Action: Encouraging students to work collaboratively and motivate each other. Working with students to find solutions to learning challenges, set goals and plan how to achieve them.
Growth: Activities are built into the curriculum to develop resilience and independence.
Involvement: Students are expected to become more accountable for
their own learning. They will learn essential skills for the rest of high
school, including time management, homework habits and team work.
Connection: Classroom activities help build friendships and we strongly encourage Year 8s to take advantage of co-curricular activities. This helps them explore their talents and feel excited about school.
Developing Skills & Talents
Our passionate teachers excel in helping students
find opportunities to pursue their interests. This
in turn leads to improved confidence in the
classroom.
In addition to Physical Education, all Year 8s
participate in Wednesday afternoon sport with
their Junior School peers. Other activities include
the college band and choir, Basketball Academy,
debating, theatre sports, the annual musical and
cross-country running.
The Year 8 Art Camp in the CBD is a popular
experience, helping students build independence
and friendships. There is also an optional ski trip
and study trip to France.
Subjects
Subjects for the Year 8 curriculum are:
Mathematics
English
Humanities (History, Geography)
Science
French or Japanese (with option to study both)
Health and Physical Education
The Arts (Music, Drama, Art)
Food Technology
Wednesday sport (a choice of six sports)
This is the perfect time for students
to explore their interests and
talents before homework escalates
in the senior school years.
Find out more:
Year 8 Learning Leader: Jodie Paxton
Junior School Director: Helen Bebbington
T. (03) 9531 9566
Year 9: Engaging and Motivating
ting & Engaging Students
Our It’s Up ↑2 Me program provides a specialised framework for education at
this age, as students transition from adolescence to young adulthood.
It’s Up ↑2 Me
Research shows Year 9 students need to feel a strong sense of belonging, with positive ‘adult’ working relationships and greater choice in their learning.
Our curriculum is successfully tackling these challenges through a strong focus on 'real life learning' and by encouraging students to 'have a say' in their education. Features include:
A small core team of teachers who work intensively with Year 9;
Housing the Year 9s as an independent community within the college;
Student goal setting and regularly measuring student engagement
through self-assessment tasks;
Explicitly teaching motivation strategies and problem-solving skills;
Explicitly teaching the academic habits required for Years 10-12; and
‘Real-life’ learning opportunities through Community Projects and the
Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Subjects
Subjects for the Year 9 curriculum are:
Mathematics
English
Humanities (History, Geography, Economics)
Science (Physics, Biology, Chemistry and
Environmental Science)
French or Japanese
Health and Physical Education
The Arts (Music, Art and Drama)
Community Projects and the ‘Duke of Ed’
Afternoon Sport (a choice of six sports)
Acceleration and Support
Individual learning plans in every subject ensure
each student is challenged and supported to
achieve their best. These plans focus on key skills
while linking back to Community Projects, camps
and excursions. This creates a sense of relevance
for the students – an understanding of how crucial
literacy and numeracy are in the ‘real world’.
Community Projects give students
the chance to use their education in
real life situations and develop a
sense of themselves as productive
members of the community.
Leadership & Life Skills
The Year 9 curriculum is rich with opportunities for
students to build their self-esteem and leadership
skills. While we continue to develop their academic
confidence, the personal skills needed for VCE and
beyond come into sharper focus.
All students complete the Duke of Edinburgh
Award. The ‘Duke of Ed’ teaches key skills like
organisation, self-motivation and communication.
Guided by a mentor, students work towards
personalised goals in the themes of Skill, Physical
Recreation, Service and Adventurous Journey.
The Outdoor Education camp is an opportunity
to develop social skills and feel more engaged in
school. There is also an optional ski trip and study
trip to France. Students are encouraged to apply for
The Alpine School Student Leadership
Camp, an intensive 10-week program.
Our Community Projects receive outstanding
feedback from students and the community groups
we work with. In small teams, students create
projects to suit their interests and meet the needs of
community groups. Examples include foreshore
regeneration; website development; fundraising;
creating support programs for younger students;
and the iGen initiative documenting the lives of
local seniors. Last year one group organised Pink
Stumps Day (pictured), a community cricket day
that raised more than $4000 for a breast cancer
charity. The projects conclude with students
presenting their achievements to their community
groups, parents and peers.
Find out more:
Year 9 Director of Learning: Matt Green
T. (03) 9531 9566
Career counselling, VCE subject planning and inquiry-based learning help
Year 10 students move into their VCE with a clear pathway for the future.
Senior School Life
This year we step up our academic focus, encouraging students to have high expectations of themselves. Students craft their skills and create excellent habits before they commence the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). The Year 10 curriculum, as the final year of AUSVELS, allows students to investigate their options interests prior to making VCE subject selections. Important features include:
Dedicated coaching on the skills and academic habits needed for VCE.
Students join the Senior School, adopting the VCE ‘learning culture’.
VCE-style assessments and exams.
VCE Early Entrance Program the opportunity to study a VCE subject and ‘get a head start’ on the VCE.
Individual learning plans for students needing specialised programs.
Every subject includes inquiry-based learning, enabling students to pursue their interests as a way of
exploring VCE options.
Making Choices: Careers, Courses and Prerequisites
Working closely with every student, we encourage them to ‘play to their strengths’ and choose a pathway that is right for them.
Career counselling in small groups and individual mentoring.
VCE subject planning and university prerequisites.
Work experience complements career counselling.
Students learn ‘work skills’ like resume writing and interview skills.
University open days and TAFE ‘taster’ classes.
Year 10: Pathways & VCE Preparation
The Year 10 Academic Course
The core Year 10 subjects are English, Maths,
Humanities (Geography and History), Science
(Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science), Art,
Health, Physical Education and LOTE (French or
Japanese).
Every subject includes inquiry-based learning,
enabling students to pursue their passions as a way
of exploring VCE options. This learning style gives
students excellent practice for their vocational lives,
requiring them to question information and present
as ‘experts’ in their chosen fields.
Students can get a head start on the VCE by
completing Units 1 & 2 in a chosen subject. Those
who decide not to do a VCE subject in Year 10 study
Food Technology and I & E (Industry and
Enterprise). Students can also take a VET
(Vocational Educational & Training) subject at an
outside institution.
Personal Growth
In addition to our co-curricular activities, Year 10s
can take advantage of the following opportunities:
International camps to Japan and France
(alternating years) and student exchange
programs;
Year 10 Camp and optional ski trip;
Year 10 Formal;
Leadership postings in the SRC or Peer Support
Program;
Leading the College Debate Team; and
Training for the Bronze Medallion lifesaving
qualification.
Acting as Leaders in the Junior School
Afternoon Sport program.
VCE Learning Culture
When preparing our students for the VCE, we place equal emphasis on the academic skills and learning attitudes they will need to excel.
A dedicated Learning Leader works with Year 10 students to help them develop independence and take responsibility for their learning success.
Key themes of the VCE ‘Learning Culture’ are:
Ownership – taking responsibility for their
learning.
Consistency – working to improve skills, using
teacher feedback to develop and maintain a
VCE-level standard of work.
Efficiency – Planning a specific time to complete
tasks, getting faster at common tasks while
maintaining a high standard.
Leadership – As members of the Senior School,
Year 10s are role models to our Junior School.
Our focus is on creating the right attitudes for students to reach their potential in the VCE.
Find out more: Year 10 Learning Leader:
Dylan Johnson-Turner
Senior School Director: Clare Hutton
T. (03) 9531 9566
A dedicated Learning Leader works with Year 10 students to help them develop their independence.
Our focus is on creating the right attitudes for students to do their best in the VCE.
Years 11 & 12: The VCE Years Elwood College is committed to helping students reach their personal best
in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). Our students consistently
achieve excellent VCE results, creating pathways to tertiary study and a
successful foundation for their futures.
Senior School
The Senior School operates as a three-year program from Years 10 to 12.
Our comprehensive range of academic, arts and vocational studies allows
students to create a VCE study plan that complements their individual
skills and aspirations. Through extensive mentoring in Year 10, each
student starts the VCE with a career pathway and clear goals in mind.
Year 11 subjects are selected to create a pathway to Year 12 and tertiary
study. We encourage students to follow their Year 10 VCE subject (Units
1 and 2) with Units 3 and 4 in Year 11. This allows students to complete
six Year 12 subjects across two years, adding significant value to their
ATAR (tertiary entrance rank). Most Year 12 students take five Unit 3
and 4 subjects, with a sixth subject block dedicated to private study.
High Expectations
Elwood College provides a setting for students to work hard and achieve
academic success while enjoying their final years at school. As well as
class time, each subject requires at least three hours of work during
private study periods and at home each week. Year 11 and 12 students
engage in numerous workshops building their skills in time and stress
management, organisation and study habits. The Year 12 Step Up
program assists students to set goals and craft their study skills for the
final year. In the lead up to exams, the Final Countdown Program helps
students to focus on this final commitment.
Senior students are expected to provide leadership in terms of behaviour
and school spirit. A number of events and programs require students to
collaborate with staff and the community, mentor their younger peers
and practise the life skills they will need beyond their school years.
Year 12 Graduates
In addition to a high percentage of students gaining entrance to their first choice of university, we are very proud of our students’ consistent application to their VCE and their mature and supportive relationships with each other and staff. In 2014, our Year 12 achievements included:
25% of students gained an ATAR above 80 (placing them in Victoria’s top 20%).
100% university study or employment rate in the first year after VCE.
83% received first round university offers.
17 % chose further study through TAFE and other institutions, gained apprenticeships or found employment.
From Arts and Aviation to Computer Science and Engineering, the Class of 2014 chose an incredibly diverse and specialised range of tertiary courses. This reflects the care and attention we dedicate to helping each student pursue their individual talents and goals.
Leadership & Personal Growth
In addition to diverse co-curricular opportunities,
VCE Students are specifically invited to engage in:
Study camps and the annual ski trip
Membership on the SRC
House Leadership roles
Year 12 Student Leadership Team
College Captainship
Year 11 and 10 study trip to Japan
Optional Vocational Studies
Interested students can access vocational training
designed to maximise employment opportunities.
During Year 10 career counselling, teachers work
closely with students to identify whether these
programs may be suitable, as a complement to
their academic studies. VET (Vocational Education
and Training) subjects contribute towards the
satisfactory completion of the VCE while earning
the student a nationally recognised qualification
(Certificate II or III). Examples of VET courses
include Engineering, Cabin Crew and Hospitality.
Find out more: Senior School Director: Clare Hutton
T. (03) 9531 9566
Year 11 Learning Leader: Layla Clegg
Year 12 Learning Leader: Will Spring
Elwood College provides a setting for
students to work hard while enjoying
their final years at school.
Students benefit from our dedicated
senior wing, with a study hall
available solely for VCE students.
Ruby Kerrison – 2013ATAR 96.1
Elwood College is a relatively smallschool and a close- knit community.From year 7 onwards I was able toget to know my teachers really well.
During VCE I could easily call upon their support,inspiration and guidance, in particular during themore challenging times.
I am studying a Bachelor of Arts at the Universityof Melbourne majoring in History and Humanities.
Elwood College provided diverse opportunities toexpand on my interests and develop skills I can usein the workplace. My involvement in the debatingclub helped me gain confidence in public speakingand the art of persuasion – a very useful life skill.
The trials and tribulations of Year 12 ultimatelystrengthened my self-discipline and resilience.Thank you, Elwood College.
Liam Thomas – 2012ATAR 97.2
Thankfully my ATAR was more thanenough to get me into the Universityof Melbourne’s Bachelor of Science.
My goals at the moment are to either become anastrophysicist researching black holes and gravity,or a doctor researching blood diseases.
Liam now works at Elwood College (alongside hisuniversity studies), mentoring Year 9 students inthe Duke of Edinburgh Award.
VCE Stories: A Year of AchievementOur ultimate goal is to see students moving on to exciting futures we havehelped them plan – optimistic and equipped for the challenges ahead.
Joe Eidelson – 2013 DuxATAR 98.7
Year 12 at Elwood College – while ofcourse being the most demandingyear of schooling – was also by farmy most memorable.
I am tremendously grateful to my VCE teacherswho were enormously supportive, providing notonly help but inspiration. Their expectationsprovided the impetus for us to achieve the best wecould while, at the same time, they understood thestressful nature of VCE and were quick to offer thesupport we needed. The students within our cohortprovided encouragement and reassurancethroughout the year. I’m sure the friendships madewill stay with me for many years to come.
I am studying a Bachelor of Film and Television atSwinburne University and aspire to work withinthe film industry. I was also fortunate to receivethe Swinburne Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship.
Tiffany Unterfrauner – 2014 DuxATAR 95.25
I am proud of my achievements,which were only made possible dueto my dedicated teachers, especiallythe title of Dux.
I am studying a Bachelor of Arts at the Universityof Melbourne, majoring in criminology and law.Elwood College was a really great experience.Starting in year 12, it was completely differentfrom the school I had previously attended and Ithink I was really able to thrive in the independentyet supportive atmosphere that I had notexperienced in any other school.
Declan Mulcahy – 2012 DuxATAR 98.95
I was happy to discover that twoyears of blood, sweat, toil and tearshad been worth every minute.
My ATAR score was more than enough to get meinto my desired course: Arts at the University ofMelbourne. I hope work in the film industry.
Of course, I would never have found myself in thisposition if it wasn't for Elwood College. Not only didthe teaching staff educate me to the mark I neededbut the support of the school community ensuredthat my time at secondary school was not merelysuccessful, but enjoyable too.
Olivia McIvor – 2014ATAR 86.9
I felt a surge of relief when my ATARscore assured my first preference atuniversity.
In 2015, I will start a Bachelor of Arts at MonashUniversity, studying French, Religion, Art Historyand Journalism. At this point, I am consideringsteering myself into a career as a music journalist...perhaps in France, but it's too soon to say.
Elwood College prepared me for life through itsrealistic and community-centred approach. Theschool focused not solely on academic endeavoursbut allowed us to explore and expand on socialskills through copious programs and uniqueopportunities. In particular, the 2011 Study Tour toFrance was a priceless experience. I look back onElwood as a fun and inclusive place that set me upfor the real world both academically and socially.
Alexandrine Fernandez – 2013ATAR 86.85
Year 12 was stressful but I had agreat support system in my teachers,friends and family.
I am incredibly proud of what I achieved, especiallybeing accepted into my first preference, theBachelor of Arts (Global) at Monash University. Iwill major in International Studies.
Rhiannon Bentley – 2013ATAR 94.6
The long-awaited moment ofreceiving my ATAR after the manychallenges of year 12 was aninteresting one.
My score was less than I was expecting. However,the disappointment was short-lived as I realised themany opportunities my ATAR could open up.
I am excited to be studying film and televisionanimation at Swinburne University. There’s a lot tolook forward to in the next three years, and evenmore in the years beyond.
Siobhan Honan – 2014ATAR 90.95
I was hap I'm really looking forward to startingmy Bachelor of Arts at MelbourneUniversity, where I plan to major inAustralian politics and join lots ofclubs and societies.
I know it’s a cliche but I truly believe publicschools, such as Elwood, equip you better for thefuture and make you the most responsible andreliable individual you can be. I couldn't be morethankful for the attitude and independence I havedeveloped because of my Elwood experiences.
Jack Knight – 2013ATAR 85.60
As well as five VCE subjects, I alsocompleted a VET (vocational)subject, so I needed to dedicate a lotof time to my studies.
The support of family, friends and teachers was amajor help. By sustaining my effort throughout theyear, I actually surpassed my own expectations.
I will be studying a Bachelor of Exercise and SportsScience at ACU. I have always been very passionateabout sport and physical activity so I'm very excitedfor the opportunity to make this into a career.
I'm very proud of my achievements at ElwoodCollege and excited for the opportunities ahead.
Life after VCE: Graduate Stories
Candide succeeds as students run the show
VCE Theatre Studies students took the lead in managing the 2014 college production. Jesse Williams reflects on the big job and big memories involved in producing a theatre show.
Two months ago, Lauren Esposito and I put our hands up to be production managers of Elwood College’s 2014 school production Candide. This was to be part of our 3/4 Theatre Studies SAC, which involved us taking on the stagecraft and being analysed on our performance in that role.
As production managers we were responsible for the organisation of much of the play, coordinating things from auditions to catering, and making lots of schedules to keep everyone on track.
Having so much of the play run by students did, however, present its challenges. We couldn’t have done it without the support of several staff members: Gordon and Peter (our Phoenix Theatre inhabitants), Dot the fondly remembered one-woman costume department, and of course the
backbone of the production, Mr Matthew Green himself. Much love for giving us this opportunity.
And so our theatre studies class led the cast and crew, about 50 kids, into rehearsals. This was an experience I wish I could relive, even though I feel tired just thinking of it! Students from Years 7 to 12 rallied together to create a performance in a matter of weeks, making new friends and helping each other put together something we would be proud to present. There are now new friendships across all year levels, which is part of the magic in productions that brings people together.
With the somewhat frenzied pre-production stage leaving many of us a little drained, it was a real treat to see the performances go so well. Watching all our hard work bring laughter from the audience was really something special. If I get another chance to be so heavily involved in a production like this, I will definitely jump at it. It was a privilege to work amongst the brilliant cast and crew and I already miss it.