ENGLISH
Our year 7 students were incredibly lucky to have an author visit in the first week of term. We are currently studying a collection of short fiction called Things a Map Won’t Show You. One of the stories, Learning to Fly, is by Sofie Laguna and she was able to visit Mooroolbark College to speak with students and guide them through a writing piece. Here is what a couple of students had to say about the visit:
At the Start of Term 3 our school had the pleasure to have Sofie Laguna come and talk about her time as an author. She spoke about how her dream didn’t work out the way she intended it to. She told us how her career started with her book “My Yellow Blanket” and her inspiration behind writing “My Yellow Blanket.” She answered all our Questions with Confidence. Maybe if she inspired one of us to become an author! -Dean Murs Y8
Sophie Laguna, Author of Learning to Fly, from the short story collection, Things A Map Won’t Show You, is a true inspiration. From a young age Ms Laguna has known what she wanted to do, though it hasn’t always been the same. Since she was five, Ms Laguna has wanted to be an actor, a passion she followed through her whole life and finally achieving it after her schooling, however acting was not all it was cracked up to be. Facing unemployment, Ms Laguna was soon dressing up as fairies for parties. However, she was able to draw inspiration from friend’s stories and was well on the way to writing her very first book.
Learning to Fly is a heart-warming story about a young boy’s quest for freedom. David had always wanted to fly, yet like any other person, has been physically unable, however when he attempts one final time, David suffers the consequences. Bed-bound with broken legs David is gifted a sketchpad and in painting, he finally learns to fly. – Giselle Leonard Y1
As part of their study of Sofie Laguna’s story, students wrote their own dreams on a coloured piece of paper, and then folded them into birds using origami. Students then took their birds that contained their dreams and threw them out into the universe.
Our year 10 students are currently studying Lord of the Flies and have been consolidating their understanding of the story and themes through visual character displays. This amazing work is being displayed in the classroom so that all students can benefit from it.
Recommendations
- Book: Detention by Tristan Bancks. It is about individuals and about knowing their stories. It outlines the anguish of refugees detained in or near Australia with understanding and compassion. – Ms Garnaut
- Film: The Peanut Butter Falcon. Heart-warming film of an unlikely friendship who both go on an adventure to compete at a wrestling competition. – Mr Ingham
- Podcast: Out of Character with Millie. A Spotify original by TikTok superstar Millie – famous for her parodies of overbearing and nosey English teachers. – Ms Farrell
Transcript: Uhhh girls… where are we meant to be? I’m pretty sure the podcast has already started, get a move on ploiseeee! This isn’t for me, it’s for you guys! Okay? I’ve got an education, I’ve got a degree, I don’t need to listen to the podcast, you doooo. But you guys. You guyssss, need to get a move on. So stop lingering in the hallway, lets goooo!