From the Head of Humanities

Since the commencement of Term 2, many students studying a Humanities subject have been fortunate to have their learning enhanced through the opportunity to access practical experiences beyond the classroom. I feel that it is important to share some of these experiences and the associated educational benefits.

The Year 12 Economics class had been following the 2018 Budget predictions closely as a class and on the 8 May all of the students sat, glued to the television, to watch the Budget announcement. While this provided the students insight into the specifics of what the Federal Budget offered to the Australian economy, it was their presence at the Higgins 200 Club 2018 Post Budget Breakfast at Crown Palladium that reinforced their learning. Mr Tim Olsen, St Catherine’s Economics teacher has provided an overview of what the students experienced.

“Prior to the Breakfast, the students were met by The Honourable Kelly O’Dwyer MP and The Honourable Scott Morrison MP for an intimate briefing in which the students were able to ask questions and have a photo taken.

At the Breakfast, the girls enjoyed the opportunity to be surrounded by politicians, members of the business community and students from other schools. Federal Treasurer, Scott Morrison delivered a speech followed by a Q&A Panel comprised of Treasurer Morrison, The Honourable Peter Costello, former Australian Treasurer, economist Mr Alan Kohler and Minister O’Dwyer.

During his speech, Mr Morrison explained the policies implemented in the new Budget, primarily focusing on the importance of growing our economy and creating more jobs. He discussed the planned changes to the income tax system including the abolishing of the 37 per cent tax bracket. He also emphasised the importance of returning the Budget to a surplus underlying cash balance, which will allow the Government to begin paying down government debt.”

During the Post Budget Breakfast the students heard from Federal Treasurer, Scott Morrison, The Honourable Peter Costello, former Australian Treasurer, economist Mr Alan Kohler and Minister O’Dwyer.

Students have since commented that the Breakfast provided them with a newfound insight into the decision making processes and priorities of the Budget, as well as giving them a greater depth of understanding of the associated curriculum knowledge.

The Year 9 Geography students’ recent fieldwork excursion to Chadstone Shopping Centre no doubt captured students’ and parents’ imaginations. However, I would like to assure you that this was not a shopping trip!

In Year 9 Geography, the learning focus on ‘Interconnections’, that is the study of movement which looks at ‘what is moving, where it is moving from and where it is moving to’ was clarified during the Chadstone experience, whereby students were responsible for capturing data relating to the movement of people. Back in the classroom students shared, presented and analysed the data to enable the preparation of a report. By taking ownership of the data collection, it meant the students were better able to articulate the findings that formed the basis for the resulting reports.

In early May, the Years 9/10 Accounting elective class enthusiastically participated in an excursion to Chapel Street. The purpose of this excursion was to provide the students a real world perspective of Accounting and gain insight into the adoption of Accounting Methods (which they had learned in class) by trading businesses. This interactive experience saw students interview several different store owners and/or store managers to learn about their stock management methods, recording practices and advertising techniques and then draw comparisons between the different methods used, in order to evaluate which methods are the most efficient. This certainly highlighted to the Years 9/10 Accounting students that the concepts they covered during lessons are relevant beyond the classroom.

When planned with purpose, excursions can result in greater student achievement. By seeing real-life application of the concepts that they are learning in School, students might be more likely to understand and appreciate the importance and relevance of what they are learning.

Finally, I would like to commend the Years 7 to 12 students who will be participating in the nationally recognised Australian History and Australian Geography competitions next week. With over 55 St Catherine’s students opting to compete, it certainly reflects the level of interest and passion students have in History and Geography subject areas. I wish them well.

Mrs Tracey McCallum, Acting Head of Humanities