Page 25 - Demo

English Faculty
The English Faculty enjoyed the return of Mr Parkinson to full me English teaching in 2018. He brings a level of commitment and enthusiasm to our subject which
has resulted in excellent results for his students. Mr Parkinson is returning to
his family in Taranaki and his dream job
of teaching Digital Media and Film. Both sta and students will miss his dry wit and storytelling, his calm demeanor, his digital skills and ‘that’ accent. Happy Landfall Parko!
In 2018 we introduced a number of new text resources at every academic level including “Singing Home the Whale” by Mandy Hager, “Thug” by Angie Thomas, All Rights Reserved” by Gregory Sco Katsoulis, “The Knife of Never Le ng
Go” by Patrick Ness and “Sta on 11” by Emily St John Mandel. These texts are high interest and engaging and we welcome the investment the school provides for our faculty.
The Year 10 students have rediscovered the importance of Shakespeare and are enjoying producing diverse media presenta ons including posters exploring Shakespeare’s insults, Globe theatre models, small play excerpts and mini and graphic novels. All of this learning enhances our Shakespeare Day compe ons which we organize with the Performing Arts Department in Term 1.
This year saw the con nua on of our Year 9 and 10 Speech compe ons which were
a highlight of Term Two. Monty Hopcro won the Year 10 Speech Cup with a wi y discussion about the vagaries of teachers and Angus McLeay won the Year 9 Speech Cup with a piece about Mosquitos.
The Southland Deba ng Championships were hosted by SGHS this year and teachers and students.
The Spelling Bee is becoming nicely embedded in the Junior English programme with Toby Smith achieving success in the regional semi- nals held in Dunedin.
SHAKESPEARE DAY
On 8 March, 2018, a colourful procession of students and teachers, in Shakespearean costume, paraded from the Performance Suite, to the front steps of Southland Boys’ High School. Here, they posed for the o cial photographs, before walking back to the Performing Arts Centre to show o their costumes to the judges.
Our judges, Laurel Hepburn, Jenny Adamson and Alex Hughes, had a di cult decision to make, as the costumes were quite spectacular. Students added to the visual e ect with movement and gesture. The winner was Elliot Warrender, who wore a Roman Centurion’s costume, complete with the correct footwear. Second was Zach Mir n in Shakespearean robes with magni cent headgear.
First place in the Shakespearean monologue was awarded to Sam White and Joel Morgan, both Year 10 students, for their powerful portrayal of Henry V’s
speech beginning ‘Once more into the breach dear friends, once more, or stop the gap with our English blood’. Dressed in black cloaks over dark clothing, the performance was spectacular.
Second place went to Aiden Stuart, a Year 8 student, who gave Hamlet’s speech to the players on how to present a play.
These young men are to be congratulated for their hard work and study of Shakespearean characters.
ROTARY SPEECH COMPETITION
On 15 March 2018, Isaac Myron and Kapila Tohiariki competed in the Rotary Speech Compe on. Kapila was selected for the second round, but was not chosen to go on. His speech was excellent and received spontaneous and prolonged applause. Well done Kapila.
RUSSELL McVEIGH DEBATING CHAMPIONSHIP
This was held in Dunedin on 17/18 March 2018. Two teams from Southland Boys’ High School competed. The Senior Team consisted of: Isaac Myron, Kapila Tohiariki and Will Scully, the second team members were: Jared Gilbertson, Joel Morgan and Sam White.
Both teams performed well and won several debates. Will Scully was awarded ‘Best Speaker’ for three of his debates, and Jared Gilbertson and Joel Morgan, ‘Best Speaker’ for one of their debates.
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