Scotch College

Literature Week 12-16 August, 2002

Literature Week this year saw a week of writing workshops, lunchtime speakers, a Trivia Quiz, and staff student debate. Read on for some reviews of the most exciting events!!

Les Murray

The great paradox about Les Murray's talk was that a man of such stature and such commanding physical presence could speak in so casual and informal a manner. Playing the role of man-in-the-street in the way he approached his poetry was real and endearing.

In the way he spoke about his own poetry and the poetry of others, he showed his tremendous love for it and revealed a side of poetry that is not obscure or out-of-touch with the average person. Relating his work to very real experiences in his own life was particularly moving for all those who listened.

Through him, poetry came alive. Even more moving, however, was the way in which he reflected on a long literary life-as a man nostalgic yet satisfied with the way his art has shaped his existence.

By Nicholas Chong, Year 12

David Shanasy welcomes John Larkin to Scotch	Even Ben Andrews has a story to tell in the Staff/Student debate

John Larkin

The experience of learning while adding a sense of humour was what made John Larkin so interesting. As he told us of his childhood stories I looked around only to see my fellow Scotch Collegians intrigued by his marvellous words. He was able to teach us to look at all the small things in life from a different perspective. To be able to do this makes him a marvellous author. He was brilliant in the way he could make a joke out of nothing. This was one of the highlights.

By Adam Jesser and Lachlan Rough, Year 9

 

Trivia Quiz

Our lunchtime Trivia Quiz was well attended, with several teachers participating in student teams. Ms Garrett as MC kept the questions firing at a speedy pace, getting through 60 questions in the lunch-hour about Harry Potter, mythological legends, and literary trivia. This was the first Trivia Quiz played in teams, but due to popularity we hope it will be a regular fixture in our literature celebrations. Thanks to the brilliant efforts by all boys who participated, and congratulations to team "Badgers" who won.

By Kris Paterson, Staff

 

Jim Schembri - uncensored, uncut

Jim Schembri spoke about his life as a reviewer of film, and he has an excellent knowledge of film, actors and directors. Jim was able to answer every query; his bright personality, clever humouristics and interesting stories kept us hanging on every word. He was so entertaining that when the bell went for period five, only one boy went to class. Eventually we had to cease our questions and get off our seats so that a Year 11 class could watch 'Apocalypse Now'. I heard that Jim stayed on and spoke to that class also!!

By Anthony De Nardo, Year 12FD

Ms Garrettt is the quizmaster at the Trivia Game	Quidditch in the Library?

Tony Porter and Sandy Kaye - Understanding the Media

Tony Porter and Sandy Kaye's energetic presentation to Year 11 covered how the news is put together, the dissection of a television news story and the elements used when getting the story ready for broadcast. Tony and Sandy talked about voiceovers, interviews with experts or witnesses, the importance of the ten second 'grab', and getting the best visual images for the nightly news.

By Kris Paterson, Staff

 

Staff vs Student debate

At lunchtime on Friday, the last day of Literature Week for 2002, the Staff-Student debate was held in front of a packed Fraser Smith theatre audience. This year saw the inauguration of the Foundation Shield which will bear the name of the winning team, and the introduction of best speaker awards for both Staff and Student debaters. The topic was that 'Not everyone has a story to tell', with the Staff, composed of Mr A'Beckett, Mr Kane and Mr Wells arguing for the affirmative against the student team of Paul Pallot, Shrikkanth Rangarajan and Nicholas Chong. In the end, the staff managed a narrow victory in exciting and controversial circumstances.

By Paul Pallot, Year 12

 

Postscript: In 2003 it is hoped that we will be delivering another spectacular 'Literature Festiva' to the Scotch Community.