Remote learning has been a true challenge to many but nothing the English faculty and students could not handle, nay flourish in! We are amazed by the resilience and efforts students in English have shown and hope that this continues. We hear from some of our finest, as they recount some of the online accomplishments taking place during remote and flexible learning. 

In Year 7 English, we have broken lockdown and gone to Siberia… by reading ‘Snowfire’ by Richard Galbraith. After listening to the dulcet tones of both teachers and classmates, students explored the themes of the novel. We have been utilising discussion groups, where students can collaborate and share ideas with their peers. This has led to richer conversations as a class, such as, ‘is a character ever truly good or evil’ and ‘who would win in a fight, Voldemort or Thanos’. I have been amazed by the life experience that these young minds have shown me. They have tweeted, drawn, written, spoke and generally oozed with curiosity and insight. As they applied the themes of, ‘Snowfire’ to their lives, I understood the exceptional calibre of our students at Mooroolbark College.  

Sarah Coghlan 
7C English

Students in English are putting their adapting skills to the test! Though there might be challenges and struggles, there are also triumphs of students persevering and doing their best to learn. In year 10, students utilised the online platform Padlet, which meant they were able to create a virtual wall of post-it notes to share ideas! Looking at some of the major themes in the texts Stand By Me and By the River’. Students are now building their knowledge to write a comparative essay of the two texts. There are still plenty of ways to collaborate, even if we cannot be in groups in person! 

Lucy Badrock 
10ENG04
 

Review: Fantastic Mr Fox (Novel & Film) 
Fantastic Mr Fox is?an?amazing book – I would rate it a 10/10.?What I did not like about the book was how rude the farmers were to Mr Fox. 
Holly Waite – Year 9 

Fantastic Mr Fox is a friendly fox, with a fear of humans. Specifically, Boggis, Bunce and Bean. Mr Fox is a professional thief and steals chickens, geese, ducks, and turkeys for his family. I think it is good because it’s suitable for children and adults. It is also well made considering it’s a stop motion animation. 
Charli Dunbabin – Year 9 

This book has a variety of emotions and events happening and keeps your attention unlike some books that keep on dragging on, I enjoyed this book as it includes chapters with tension and has very descriptive words that are not complicated explaining  the farmers and the foxs family. My favourite scene was when the farmers tried to dig up the fox hole but the foxes dug another hole as fast as they can to escape from the machines. I enjoyed this book, so I rate it 4.5/5 stars. 
Sean Farrelly – Year 9 

English Recommendations: 
Novel: Skyward by Brandon Sanderson 
A young girl growing up on a ruined planet makes a discovery that will change her whole world. Spaceships and excitement, what more could you want?  

 

 

Film: Ralph Breaks the Internet (PG) 
The huge sequel that shows off all the different Disney properties in a really fun way!  

 

 

 

 

 

Podcast: Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine 
Dr Sydnee McElroy knows something about medicine, her husband Justin knows nothing. Join them as they discuss all kinds of gross and insane ways that people have tried to treat illnesses throughout the ages. Basically, you should never drill a hole in your head. 

TV Show: Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (PG) – Netflix 
Great music and fun characters in this post-apocalyptic adventure. It’s wonderful!