English

Any language student could tell you that the idiosyncrecies of the English language are undeniably some of the most complicated and difficult things to learn and understand. Fortunately, the Mazenod College English faculty and curriculum transform that which is daunting for some, into a simple journey to understanding and enjoyment for all.

The journey begins for every student during the very first days of Year 7. Amidst the organised chaos of finding Homerooms, organising locker combinations, and ensuring a seat next to your best friend from primary school, the importance of academic subjects initially takes the back foot, overshadowed by the excitement, and concerns, of high school life. However, in the wake of the first day jitters, the English faculty of the College waste absolutely no time, jumping into the invaluable structures of essay writing, public speaking and the life changing importance of reading.

Understandably, the English faculty at Mazenod hold nothing back during the first year of teaching, introducing the students to possibly the most epic, plague ridden, Ancient Greek, historical fiction novel known to mankind. Complete with a juvenile protagonist who is sent away from his home, sold into slavery, abandoned and beaten, only to find himself involved in the pursuit of physical greatness, Olympic masterdom and grandiose celebrations atop the social ladder in Athens. Pankration brings excitement and the completely addictive nature of a good novel into the lives of our youngest students.

Now, we would love to follow that outlandishly awesome synopsis with a year by year breakdown of our English experiences but truthfully, upon reflection we found ourselves asking, “Wait, did I actually read that?” So, on that note, bear with us as we endeavour to explain each year level beyond Year 7 into a sentence that encapsulates the “vibe” of that particular year. Year 8 involved a coming of age story of both an Italo-Australian, and some kid with weird dreams. Year 9 was all about the beep, bop because robots have feelings too, plus we learnt that the Lord of the Fries food chain is a play on words from some book. Whether in Year 10 Enhancement or Mainstream English, it delivered the classics: Shakespeare, The Godfather, Mockingbird. In Year 11 we learnt that we might actually have to read the books? And by Year 12 it confirmed that we definitely needed to read the books.

Jordan Tranter _ From what started with sitting in a lecture hall full of students watching Rear Window, has become one of empty lecture theatres, and students watching teachers on their laptops. A far cry from what anyone thought our year would look like. For myself, my English Literature experience has involved delving into North and South, Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, and currently when penning this reflection, The Anchoress. Despite the year’s challenges, I am genuinely thankful and grateful for the support I have received. It is my personal belief, that both teachers and students alike have done an amazing job adapting to the biggest change to schooling in the last 100 years, in the shortest possible space of time. This year has been easy for no one, finding myself disturbed by the silence that ensues after ending an online call, missing the chorus of laughter at the conclusion of a usual face to face class. Yet contrastingly, I found myself looking forward to every class we had, whether it be to learn or just to see some familiar faces. Hence, I would like to thank the entire school body for the mammoth task of collaboration that has occurred in order to manage some normal teaching. It is a year I will not forget, for both its highs and lows, but most of all the growth we have all experienced within.

Carl Mariette _ Undoubtedly the commitment and dedication required for all students this year were heightened, for each of the VCE students, myself included. Thankfully though my English and Literature classes became a haven, a place where I was encouraged to challenge my teacher on the themes and values of the texts, to explore the endless variation of interpretations and meanings that I could find behind the words. Most importantly, it taught me to think for myself, make my own decisions, and draw my own conclusions, rather than simply listening and repeating information. Thus, delving into the likes of feminist literature, brutal true stories of murder and criminaltiy, and into the psychoanalysis of my novels’ characters. Both mainstream English and the Literature program gave me insight into the world around me, through the appreciation and acknowledgement of fiction, poetry, film and theatre, all as a means to understanding the language and the world. These are lessons that I will undoubtedly appreciate for my entire life.

In tying it all together, it would be safe to say our overall English experience has been a positive one. Each year had its own trials and tribulations. Each year had its own lessons. Ultimately, as we complete our roundabout journey from a book about a world gripped by a deadly pandemic, to analysing texts during one, we can look back with fond memories, and a sincere thank you to the English staff of Mazenod College and the class of 2020.

Jordan Tranter and Carl Mariette