NEWS
LOCKED DOWN BUT NOT LOCKED OUT
‘ I CHOOSE TO SEE THIS CHALLENGE AS AN OPPORTUNITY ’ – EXTENSION STUDIES THRIVES DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS
In a year that has been like no other in every aspect of our lives , we faced the complexities and significant lifestyle changes imposed by COVID-19 . In a matter of days boys found themselves in the new world of remote learning , only seeing their friends online , and unable to take part in their usual activities and interactions . The situation changed the daily routines dramatically and boys faced an important decision – how will I respond to this new world ?
The following student reflections reveal the adaptability , determination , passion and perseverance of Scotch boys who bravely stepped into the world of online learning . While some Extension Studies Program doors closed , given the restrictions , many others opened , and some we prised open ourselves , creating new pathways of learning .
Our chess community was well served by Samuel Zong ’ s ( Year 12 ) dedication to making online chess work . Around 50 chess boys played an internal competition twice a week , not only with traditional chess , but exploring many variations such as Bughouse . Online debating was championed by the Debaters Association of Victoria ( DAV ), and boys in Years 7 to 12 benefited . Masterclasses in chess and debating brought expertise in the virtual realm to benefit our students .
Although da Vinci disappeared , BrainStem adapted , and three groups worked online with scientist mentors to develop interesting innovations while dipping their toes into the world of science research . United Youth moved the National Model UN experience to a new world of negotiation chambers and resolutions , where Scotch presented its largest delegation ever of 15 teams . History research thrived in the National History Challenge and historical fiction with input from university academics . For many boys their curiosity allowed them the opportunity to choose a new learning adventure .
Boys attended online conferences such as the McWhirter Conference and the National Constitutional Conference , which connected a select group of budding politicians from each state and territory .
Perhaps it was the relative quiet of home and lack of social interaction that drew so many boys into the public speaking world of the Australian Independent Debating and Public Speaking Championship ( AIDPSC ), the Parliament Prize , and other debating opportunities such as the National Online Debating Competition and international debating against schools from Australia and New Zealand .
The Year 8 challenge debaters continued their program of DAV British Parliamentary and secret topics , debating online in ‘ friendly ’ debates with Strathcona Girls ’ Grammar . Years 7 and 8 boys enjoyed the Tournament of Minds program , while a group of mooters prepared an internal moot , which they then enacted in the first week back of on-campus learning . Students met with UNICEF as part of the National Young Student Ambassador Consultation Conversations with young people about the pandemic .
The CSIRO Bebras Challenge , a coding competition and various Zoom webinars extended beyond the curriculum for interested boys . The inaugural Scotch Postcards art extension gathered a host of artwork , with the winning entries exhibited in the Linden Postcard Show in December .
I hope you enjoy reading the thoughtful reflections of our boys as they discuss what they have learned through their involvement in these activities .
MICHELE LINOSSIER – EXTENSION STUDIES COORDINATOR
PUBLIC SPEAKING AND DEBATING
28 Great Scot Issue 161 – December 2020