Scotch College

Senior School update

Ian uses his ASSETS to best advantage

Words: Ian Wang • Year 10

Over the term three break in 2007, I was given the opportunity to participate in the annual ASSETS camp in New South Wales. This camp is organised and funded by GERRIC – the Gifted Education Research and Resource Information Centre, a faculty of the University of New South Wales. I was privileged to have taken part in its annual talent search, and to have been selected for ASSETS.

ASSETS is a six-day camp for students from around Australia, from Year 7 to Year 9. It was unfortunate that my first experience with GERRIC was also my last.

The six days in a relatively remote area north-west of Sydney were well spent. Apart from workshops run by specialist teachers, we also engaged in leadership and outdoor activities. These included rock climbing, canoeing and a high ropes course. We were given a couple of days to build a bridge out of fettuccine, and we were challenged to make it as strong as possible.

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, and I am sure everyone else involved did too. I would personally recommend ASSETS to anyone who is given the opportunity to take part.

Year 11 Geography students head for the hills

Words: GEORGE STEVENSON, 11GY

In March, two Year 11 Geography classes had a field trip to the tall mountain ash forests at Toolangi near Healesville. We went to observe the effects of human activity on this natural forest.

We were surprised at the complexity of the forest ecosystem and the demands placed on it. In fact, the forest has about 20 different uses, ranging from deer shooting to an annual car rally. In particular, we saw the carefully managed logging operation involving the use of small logging coupes in an attempt to achieve sustainable use.

We were given some insight into how the Aboriginal people used the forest plants such as the bark fibre from the bootlace tree, which provided a fine but strong twine for tying spear heads, and the mountain pepper, which produced a strong food-flavouring leaf. We also drank from a fresh-water stream whose water ultimately flows into the Murray River and through to South Australia.

A rich tapestry of art and theatre

Over the March long weekend, seven Scotch students attended the Adelaide International Festival of Arts. It was an event which immersed us in entertaining and moving pieces of art and theatre. The biennial festival brings together a wide range of new international and local works.

Most of the boys who attended were studying an arts subject as part of their VCE, and the festival offered a unique opportunity for students to enhance their study of key arts subjects like drama, literature and studio art.

The group visited six theatre productions and two visual arts displays, all creating and exploring completely different moods and themes, which captivated us enough to make us forget the 40° weather. The highlight of the trip was seeing When the Rain Stops Falling during its world premier season, a new Australian story by Andrew Bovell about the legacy we inherit from our parents, and that which we leave behind for our children.

By the time we were back in Melbourne, we all had a new-found appreciation for theatre. We thank Ms Ophelia Hopkins and Mr Stephen Ritchie who made it all happen. We encourage lots of boys to attend the scheduled trip in 2010.

Great harmony between military bands

Words: DAVID MUSK, MUSICAL DIRECTOR

After a highly successful tour of the UK in 2007, the Military Band has been invited to take part in the Shanghai International Music Festival in May. Marching bands from all over the world will attend the festival, which promises to be a huge event both musically and culturally in the lead-up to the Beijing Olympics.

Before the band went to the UK in 2007 we were lucky enough to perform in a joint concert with the Australian Army Band, Melbourne and their musical director Major Peter Grant. The event was a huge success, and the Army Band was keen to develop an ongoing relationship between the two ensembles.

On 20 June at 7.45 pm the Scotch Military Band will present its second concert with the Australian Army Band, Melbourne. To be held in the Ian Roach Hall at the James Forbes Academy, the concert promises to be a great evening of wonderful music.

As the Scotch Military Band approaches its 50th birthday in 2009, we encourage you to come along and see this colourful and exciting concert.

Entry to the concert is free, and details are available through the Scotch music office.