Chinese
Towards the end of Term 1, students from Year 8 and 9 Chinese classes participated in the annual Elevation Chinese Reading Competition. Students were required to read a passage out loud in Chinese, with a focus on their pronunciation, fluency and tones. It was great to see a number of students participate. The two winners of our school competition from each year level represented Elevation in the CLTAV Chinese Reading Competition. Excellent work to Henry and Akshata from Year 8, and Preet and Tamara from Year 9. All four students read a passage out loud in Chinese to an audience of almost one hundred people.
The International Chinese Language Day was held in conjunction with the CLTAV Chinese Reading Competition on 24th April 2025. Including the participants of the reading competition, we also had five other students join in support of them, as well as for the celebration of International Chinese Language Day. Students engaged in a range of cultural workshops including Chinese tea ceremony, papercutting, calligraphy and painting, shuttlecock kicking, Chinese knotting and more. Students enjoyed the various activities and were able to learn more about Chinese culture through this event.
We look forward to other events later in the year, such as the Year 10 Chinese excursion to NGV and Chinatown. We are also looking to continue offering opportunities for Year 9 students through participation in the Victorian Young Leaders to China Virtual Program. Year 7 students should also be on the lookout for the Elevation Speaking Competition later this term.
Extension & Enrichment
Logic Enrichment Class
The Logic Enrichment Class has had a dynamic start to the semester, diving into mathematical ideas that extend well beyond the standard curriculum.
We began with bijections—problems that appear different but share the same deep structure—helping students spot hidden connections and apply known strategies in new ways. From there, we tackled the famous Party Planning problem through the logical application of the Pigeonhole Principle, and explored modular arithmetic and cryptography, learning how maths powers secret codes.
Students have also collaborated on the Australian Maths Trust’s Maths Challenge, submitting solutions that show growing confidence in mathematical reasoning. They’ve especially enjoyed solving problems on vertical whiteboards, which spark discussion and teamwork, and the whole-class sharing, where strategies are explained and compared.
It has been inspiring to see students so engaged with deep mathematical thinking and enthusiastic about tackling problems that require perseverance, collaboration, and insight. We look forward to more thought-provoking sessions ahead!
The Big Science Competition
On the 15th of May, 37 budding scientists represented Elevation Secondary College in the Big Science Competition. As one of the biggest international science competitions, students were challenged to apply their science knowledge, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills in real-life, contemporary contexts. Thank you to Ms Jessica Smith for facilitating and all students who entered the competition – we keenly await your results!
Lunchtime Enrichment Clubs
Participating in academic extracurriculars are a great way to Aim High and collect accolades for future job or scholarship applications. The following clubs are up and running, aimed at giving students opportunities to develop diverse skills and a chance to represent our school.
Debate Club – Ms Wheaton, Ms McGinley & Mr Crowley
- Thursdays in D9
- Hone your public speaking and debating skills
The Club for High-Aiming Maths Problem Solvers (CHAMPS) – Mr Hartmann & Ms Hu
- Tuesdays in F1
- Students tackle competition or Olympiad-style questions
- Teams entering the Australian Maths Trust Maths Challenge by Friday 27 June
Up and Coming…
Discourse Applications are open for Year 7 and 8 students. The application form is available via Compass. Contact Ms Hu or Ms Darling for questions about the application process. The National History Challenge is now open with entries due 22 August 2025. This year’s theme is ‘Conflict and Resolution’. Students can complete an individual research essay, website, documentary or podcast as a group of 3. Mr Favaloro will run regular lunchtime planning sessions. Email mark.favaloro@elevationsc.vic.edu.au for more information.
Alice Hu
Extension & Enrichment Coordinator