Scotch College

Fostering a greater understanding of mental illness

Words: JAKE SOFO – YEAR 11 PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT

Year 11 Psychology students went to Parkville in August, along with Mr Patouras and Mr Woodruff, to see the Cunningham Dax collection of creative works by people with experiences of mental illness and/or psychological trauma.

The visit was part of VCE Psychology, Unit 2, in which Year 11 students study mental illness. It helped us to increase our awareness of mental illness and its implications in our society.

Visiting the collection brought home to us the importance of art as a means of expressing emotions for those suffering a mental illness, and to see how their art helps them work through issues.

Students were able to appreciate the creative talents of many of the artists, and how creativity is encouraged in such environments.

Such an experience enhances our study of psychology, but it also enables students to find out about symptoms of mental illness, and to foster a greater degree of understanding of this area. GS

Year 9 chess champion competes for Australia

Chess star Zhigen Lee (Year 9) won the Australian under 16 chess championship earlier this year, and was justifiably rewarded with selection in the Australian under 16 chess team.

The team competed in the world youth under 16 chess Olympiad, held in Singapore in August, and finished a very creditable fifth.

Zhigen was described by the coach of the Australian team as ‘one of the strongest players of his age in Australia’. GS