From the English Faculty

**Ms Genevieve Pelekani**
English & Literacy Coordinator

The Young Writers Awards

The Young Writers Awards are presented annually by the South Australian English Teachers Association (SAETA). Throughout South Australia, students from Reception to Year 12 are invited to submit poetry and prose, judged in age categories. In past years, SAC students have met with great success and 2024 is no exception. Congratulations to Maddelena Barbante (10TC) and Chloe Battilana (6IW) who both won awards in their age categories. Chloe’s winning entry was a poem titled ‘My Voice’. Maddelena successfully entered her vignette ‘Changing My Sheets’. They were presented with their awards and a copy of the anthology at a ceremony on Friday 16 August.

Congratulations are also extended to Daniela Bagnato (12LZ), Eleanor Buckham (12SE) and Annabel May (9CW), whose entries were shortlisted.

We look forward to reading more from these talented writers!

Years 10 & 11 English Incursion: Bell Shakespeare Company ‘The Players’

The works of William Shakespeare are frequently studied but students (and indeed many adults) often initially struggle to understand the plays and their contemporary relevance. Year 10 and 11 students recently had the pleasure of, respectively, seeing “Shakespeare is Dead” and ‘The Human Experience” performances by the renowned Bell Shakespeare Company ‘The Players’. Rather than being based on a single Shakespearean play, the shows drew on several works, showing Shakespeare’s treatment of a range of experiences and themes and, ultimately, demonstrating his continued universal appeal.

Some students have reflected on the shows:

“The Year 11 cohort watched a Bell Shakespeare performance, called “The Human Experience”. The show was brilliant since they merged parts from different Shakespeare plays into the one show, which I thought was quite enjoyable. This play made me realise how Shakespeare related all his work to the real world. Even though he did write about fairies and witches each character reflects on society. One of my favourite moments in the play was when one of the characters gets her memories taken. I thought this was a very emotional part of the play and the acting throughout it was amazing.

This play has deepened my interest in Shakespeare’s work. I have always been a fan of Shakespeare but was unaware of all the different plays he has written and the message behind them. Ultimately, I would love to read or see more of his works.” Talia Gagliardi 11CE

“The Year 10’s had the opportunity to attend a performance of “Shakespeare is Dead” by the Bell Shakespeare Company. This performance was a hilariously interactive take on Shakespeare and the way he changed the English language. A particular highlight of the performance were the interactive parts where some students were able to join the performers on stage. It was a fantastic experience where we were able to gain a deeper understanding of Shakespeare and his plays in a fun and engaging way.” Liliana Bagnato 10TC