Humanities

There has been so much to savour in the Humanities Faculty over the last twelve months. Below are some of the highlights: • Another year of wonderful VCE performances, including: three of our students attaining perfect scores of 50; the VCE History

Revolutions results ranking the College third in Victoria; while the VCE Geography class attained seven scores above 40, placing them fifth in the State • Welcoming Mrs Claire Russo and Ms Lauren

Oliver to the faculty – both have taught

History this year • Managing to run successful Year 11 and Year 12 VCE Geography field trips • Daniel Plowman being recognised for his outstanding VCE History Revolutions result with a prestigious Premier’s Award • Matthew Curran and Adyn Duong of Year 9 being awarded High Distinctions in the

Australian History Competition • One of the Year 11 VCE Politics students, Rion

Morgan, winning Hotham Writing Prize 2021 for Secondary Schools. Rion wrote about mental health in modern day Australia, and was presented by Ms Clare O’Neil MP with a bursary for $250.

Finally, the faculty would like to extend a fond farewell to Mrs Mira Strengers, who is retiring at the end of this year after many decades of teaching service. As a passionate advocate of classical History, her students will undoubtedly miss her engaging Socratic teaching methodology and deep subject knowledge. Nick Young Head of Faculty Amidst the harsh reality of lockdowns during this culminating year of high school, my study of VCE History Revolutions and VCE Global Politics has emerged as a clear highlight. Mazenod’s Humanities program has not only broadened my outlook on life and offered countless insights on the world, it has also taught me how to think on my own two feet; a skill that I will definitely cherish in the outside world. A particular high point of VCE History Revolutions has been our study of the Russian Revolution — the exciting twists and turns can be likened to that of a semester-long movie that just keeps getting better.

Whilst History has taught me about the past, and in doing so, prepared me for the future, Global Politics has equipped me with refreshing, engaging, and modern perspectives about key issues throughout the world: the dangers of terrorism or the existential threat of climate change. The superior quality of the teaching and the value of the content makes Humanities a nobrainer. If you are a young Nodder keen for an awesome final year at the College, the Humanities program will ‘clutch up’ for you. Studying History and Politics has been a challenging, yet rewarding, way of exploring the inner workings of the world we live in and the people and movements which formed it. Whilst the dynamic nature of Politics certainly contrasts the more static nature of History, these subjects go hand in hand — with both shaping the other. Understanding the quest for liberty sought during the American Revolution was only enhanced by the study of liberalism and its principles in Politics. Increasingly, these subjects have allowed me to develop key analytical thinking skills, with the critical evaluation of competing historical interpretations and political theories providing us as students with the freedom to expand our own perceptions of the world. More than any other subjects, the study of the Humanities is centred on open discussion and debate, meaning there truly is never a dull moment. Nathanial Louey (Year 11)

In my time at Mazenod, I have had the privilege of undertaking Humanities studies at the College, particularly VCE History Revolutions and VCE Global Politics. Both subjects allowed me to engage with content to better understand the structures of the world around me, whether it was current affairs in Politics or the development of societies in History. Having that greater understanding of the world and developing the lexicon to express that (whilst also sounding smart!) are key skills that I will be able to take from these subjects and apply in the wider world. Ultimately, the subjects also have a good culture with great teachers, so if you want an environment to develop your skills, it is always worth pursuing Humanities. Mateo Acosta Fernandez (Year 12)

Year 12 VCE Geography: Field trip Report The Oxyura australis, or as it is more commonly known, the Blue-Billed duck is of utmost importance to the biodiversity of the Knoxfield Development Site. What’s that, you say? You have never heard of the endangered Blue-Billed duck species? Open your eyes, this is happening near you! One of the highlights of our Geography class this year would be the fieldwork excursion with the class, which brought us to Lake Knox to study the species. With none other than Mr Rolfe as our personal chauffeur, and Mr De Fanti as our tour guide, we had an exciting day filled with tons of duck spotting. Geography this year has been a very enjoyable experience as we discussed issues that are happening around the world right now. I would do it again if I could! Joshua Hicks (Year 12)