Year 11

Mock Trial

This Tuesday 21 May, the Redlands Mock Trial team competed against James Ruse Agricultural High School, as the Defence team in a criminal trial. 

This round, the team consisted of 1st Barrister Caitlin Mitchell, 2nd Barrister Hiro Phillips, Solicitor Eleanor Blankenstein, Court Officer Kosta Mangos, 1st Witness Andrew Macourt and 2nd Witness Emma Wong. We were also assisted by Ruby McDonald, Sophie Yu, Lauren Dower, and our coach Ms Zaferis.

During our training sessions, we worked collaboratively to form a consistent and logical argument to prove that our defendant, Andrew, should not be found guilty of assaulting someone in a McDonald’s drive-through. We mapped out the various possibilities that could have been brought up in the mock court today and prepared for court room procedures such as examination in chief, cross examination, and submitting opening and closing statements. We were able to secure a verdict of not guilty and keep Andrew out of jail, but unfortunately, we were just shy of winning the overall trial, with very high scores of 284-265 to James Ruse. Overall, both teams were commended for their efforts by the magistrate who stated it was one of the best mock trials he had witnessed in 10 years!

We will continue to improve on our mock trial skills based on the magistrate’s feedback, such as using the new legal vernacular we heard today and practising formal court etiquette to secure a win next time.

Emma Wong and Andrew Macourt.

Sport For Jove Interschools Shakespeare Carnival Regional Finals

On Tuesday night four Year 11 students – Bettina Butcher, Remie Gibbs, Freya Kittle and Millie Winton – journeyed to the Lindfield Learning Village to compete in the Sport For Jove Interschools Shakespeare Carnival Regional Finals. The team represented the school with great maturity and put on a fantastic performance for the crowd, consisting of diverse contingents from Abbotsleigh, St Vincent’s College, Trinity Grammar, Lindfield Learning Village and Pymble Ladies College.

 

The team begun this process mid-way through Term 1, generously volunteering to be a part of the new Performing Arts Club. After looking at the requirements and categories for the competition, they took up the challenge and elected to create a work for the Physical Theatre category. This is one of the most difficult categories for submission (among others such as duologue, ensemble scene etc.) as instead of just learning and delivering a pre-written scene, the team had to synthesise their understanding of a Shakespearean text into a completely original, group devised physical theatre work. Doubling down on the challenge, they decided early on that they’d rather grapple with a text that was not taught in the curriculum, and hence narrowed their focus onto Julius Caesar as their source of inspiration.

Despite the immense challenges laid before them, the group worked diligently with the support of Mr Gidney in lunchtimes and after school (and even coming in for a workshop in the holidays) to devise their piece. The process started in abstraction, allowing ideas and moments to flow free-form without prejudice or criticality, before quickly refining this wide repertoire of content into a cogent piece in a matter of a few short weeks. This organic devising methodology was new and intriguing to all the students and will pay significant dividends when they approach their Group Performances in HSC Drama and IB Theatre next year.

On the night, the team were ‘first cabs off the rank’ so to speak, and delivered their performance with poise and commitment, despite the nerves that come along with setting the standard for a performance competition. They blew the crowd away, with the judges and host describing the performance as “delicate” and “incredibly sophisticated”. Despite some tough opposition in the category from a numerous and energetic group from St Vincent’s College, Redlands emerged victorious – being selected to perform in the State Finals at the Seymour Centre on 2 June.

This is an incredible feat by the team, and they are excited to represent Redlands in this fierce competition against a wide range of schools that have progressed from several Regional Finals from across the state. We extend a huge congratulations to the team for their efforts and deserved success thus far, and wish them all the best for the finals. Tickets are available via the Seymour Centre website if you would like to come and support the team in the final.

Lincoln Gidney (Drama and Theatre Teacher)

Balmoral Burn Teams Relay Humpty Dumpty Fundraiser

On Sunday, Redlands has seven incredible teams competing in the Balmoral Burn Teams Relay, a thrilling race that challenges participants to run 420m up Awaba Street. This exciting event supports the Humpty Dumpty Foundation’s mission to provide essential medical equipment to children in need.

Our teams need the support of the Redlands community to make a real difference! Every dollar you donate goes directly to helping sick kids receive the care they deserve. Your generosity can have a profound impact on their lives.

Click the link below to make a donation and support the Redlands Balmoral Burn Teams Relay Fundraiser: Donate Here.

Also coming up tomorrow, is the Year 11 Balmoral Burn Bake Sale at lunchtime. Students are reminded to bring cash or card along, to buy baked goods with all proceeds going towards the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.

Together, we can climb any hill and overcome any obstacle.

Secondary School Photo Dates

3 June

  • Art, Dance, Music, Theatre Groups
  • Portrait Photos (outstanding students)

5 June 

  • Year Group
  • Debating and Public Speaking Groups

12 June 

  • Music Groups

Year Group Photo Schedule

Year 7 to 12 students will present to the Fahl Garden to have their Year Group photo taken as per the schedule below. In the event of wet weather, an alternate date of 18 June has been set.

  • 8.20am: Year 7
  • 9.15am: Year 9
  • 10.10am: Year 12
  • 11.05am: Year 11
  • 12.00pm Year 8
  • 1.35pm: Year 10

All students are required to be wearing their full school uniform, including blazers and ties for boys (ties optional for girls). Boys must be clean shaven with hair that has been cut so that it is away from eyes, ears and collar. Hair touching the collar is to be styled and tied-up neatly so that it is away from eyes, ears and collar. Hair is to be tied back with navy or hair-coloured accessories. No hair dye, mullet style haircuts, make-up or nail polish is permitted. No jewellery is to be worn other than one pair of plain gold or silver studs in ear lobes.

Ms Lisa Vale
Yr 11 Advisor
9968 9837
lvale@redlands.nsw.edu.au