Warners Bay High School

Quality Education for All

Telephone02 4954 9488

Emailwarnersbay-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Engaging in English

three girls reading books

It's been a busy and engaging first half of Term 1 in English!

 

 

Year 7 RIBIT Reading Program

RIBIT poster

 

Haven’t you heard?! Reading In Bed Is Terrific!

Mrs. Grujevski’s students in Year 7 and 8 have been developing their love for reading through the RIBIT program, which rewards students for each book they read and review.

We will keep you updated with their tallies and favourite reads in the next Bay Bulletin

 

 

Year 8 Drama Elective

two faces of Drama

Year 8 Drama Elective have jumped right into the elements of Drama, looking at improvisation and how we work as a team to produce theatre.

Students have been developing characters and using their bodies to create meaning on the stage. Everyone has participated with enthusiasm, commitment and good humour.

We are looking forward to a fun term.

 

 

Year 8 English

drama poster

As a part of their Close Study of Drama unit this term, Year 8 English students have been given a taste of Drama and performance through their usual English lessons.

This term, classes have been exploring literature and storytelling through Drama-based activities, making lessons more interactive, dynamic, and memorable. One of the highlights has been our tableau exercises, where students work in groups to create still images representing key moments from a novel or play. This has encouraged them to think critically about symbolism, body language, and how emotions are conveyed beyond words.

Additionally, reader’s theatre and monologue performances have provided a fantastic platform for students to refine their expression and interpret literary works with greater depth.

 

 

Year 11 English Advanced – Wide Reading

a girl and a boy reading

 

As a part of their ‘Reading to Write’ module, Year 11 English Advanced students have been engaging in wide reading of literature as a part of their coursework.

We have students reading a range of fictional classics from the glitz and glamour of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby’, to the pain and heartache of Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’, to Atwood’s’ eternally relevant dystopia in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’.

 

 

Year 11 English Extension 1 – Research Skills

classroom with students

 

 

Year 11 English Extension 1 students were treated to a comprehensive research information session during Week 6, run by our fabulous school librarian Sandra Cotton.

Students developed their understanding of the research tools available to them in order to access academic material through sources such as the NSW State Library, JSTOR and Google Scholar.

These research skills and resources are essential for the success of their Independent Research Projects later in the year, as well as having practical applications for Year 12 and beyond.

 

 

Debating Team

four girls in school uniform

Led by Mr. Walkling this year, the NSW Premier’s Debating Challenge kicked off in Week 6!

Our Stage 6 team, Heidi A, Sophie E, Madison M and Isabelle N had their first debate against Swansea on Thursday, 6th March. 

The girls performed strongly and displayed great teamwork, and although Swansea recorded the win, our girls received some good feedback that they can use going forward. 

Well done girls!

 

 

Shelf Indulgence – English Teacher Book Recommendation

book cover

This bulletin’s recommendation comes from Mrs. Grujevski.

Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens, 2018

According to David Foster Wallace, “good fiction’s job is to comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” Whether you are comforted or disturbed as a reader is entirely dependent upon what you bring to Delia Owens’ first fictional novel, ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’. Zoologist, Conservationist and author of multiple non-fictional works in her field as a wildlife expert, Owens’ poetic prose is a love letter to the natural world that also carries a genuine testament to the strength of the human spirit. Owens reminds us to pay attention to the natural wonders we too often take for granted or dismiss as ordinary. At the same time, equal part Murder Mystery and Romance, her gripping fictional plot will keep you guessing until the very end when she reveals hidden truths and satisfying answers to all your questions. As an additional bonus, her beautifully rendered heroine will evoke your sympathy while stunning you with her brilliance, reminding us of our humanity and our relationship with nature. A thoroughly enjoyable read, a page turner and a satisfying film to watch as a footnote. Highly recommended.

 

 

Coffee and Books make the perfect combination

four students standing at coffee machine

 

 

Mr. Grieve’s ever popular coffee cart is back up and running every Wednesday morning this term, serving up both fresh brews and literary chats.

Whether you prefer a latte, mocha or hot chocolate to power through the day, or a calming tea to enjoy with a good book, we’ve got you covered.

Swing by for a cup, a chat, and maybe even a bit of literary inspiration!

See you soon!