It has been a dynamic and inspiring Term 3 in English at San Clemente Catholic College, with students across all year groups engaging in rich learning experiences that blend literature, creativity and real-world connections.

Our Year 10 students have been immersed in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, exploring the timeless theme of good versus evil. Their study has been greatly enhanced the live production of Macbeth performed by Bell Shakespeare last term, giving them the opportunity to see Shakespeare’s words and ideas brought to life on stage. The experience directly supported their preparation for their analytical essays, as they reflect on the moral struggles and ambition of Shakespeare’s tragic characters.

In addition, we were proud to see several of our Year 10 students give back to the community by adjudicating at St Columban’s Primary School’s public speaking competition illustrating a wonderful example of leadership and service in action.

Meanwhile, Year 9 students have been engaging with another of Shakespeare’s masterpieces, Romeo and Juliet. Their focus has been on analysing conflict within the play and understanding how these struggles reflect timeless human experiences. This study has challenged them to see how Shakespeare’s values and themes remain just as relevant for audiences today as they were in Elizabethan times.

Our Year 8 students have taken a creative path into Shakespeare through the graphic novel adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing. This accessible and engaging version has provided them with an introduction to Shakespeare’s humour, wit and exploration of relationships. Building on this, students have been working collaboratively to create podcasts on Shakespeare and his works, showcasing their understanding in a modern and innovative way.

Year 7 students have embarked on an exciting cross-curricular project with HSIE, centred on the theme of water sustainability. As part of this unit, they will visit Blackbutt Reserve, and learn about environmental preservation and the importance of water conservation. Their studies will culminate in the creation of podcasts exploring key sustainability issues. This unit has been an outstanding example of the benefits of cross-curricular learning, as students see how English connects meaningfully with other subjects to deepen their understanding of real-world challenges.

Finally, earlier this term our Year 7 and Year 8 students were treated to a truly unforgettable experience with award-winning slam poet, author, and activist Solli Raphael. At just 12 years old, Solli became the youngest-ever winner of the Australian Poetry Slam at the Sydney Opera House and now, as a young adult, he continues to inspire audiences around the country with his powerful words and passion for creating change. His slam poetry sparked deep reflection and discussion among our students and, hopefully, inspired them to find their voice and use it powerfully.

It has been a remarkable term of learning, creativity, and inspiration in English and we look forward to seeing how our students continue to grow as thinkers, creators, and communicators in Term 4.

Belinda Dempsey Leader of Learning English