LOCAL CIVIC ENGAGEMENT CENTRE ACTIVITIES

Visit To The National Press Club

CGS Students attend the National Press Club to hear directly from leaders, thinkers and changemakers from Canberra, Australia and the world. Most recently, students from Years 10 and 11 heard Arrernte and Kalkadoon filmmaker Rachel Perkins and historian Professor Henry Reynolds speak at the National Press Club on ‘The Australian Wars’ – the battles between European colonists and First Nations in the years before federation. Students were able to ask questions and meet and greet Ms Perkins.

Mentoring Programme Trial

A new initiative facilitated by teachers from the Economics department, provided a leadership opportunity for Year 12 Global Politics IB students. Our students engaged in a mentoring afternoon with Year 6 students from Charles Weston Primary school in Coombs and helped them reflect on their recent exhibitions and learnings. Later, the Year 12s participated in a panel discussion, where Year 6 students asked a range of questions about their experiences and sought advice.

TEDX MASTERCLASS & THE SPEAKERS’ CLUB

This semester, CGS students attended a masterclass from TEDx Canberra Coach, Bradley Roche. Students learned what it takes to ‘step into the Red Circle’ at a TEDx event, as they engaged in activities that stretched and challenged them. Following on from the success of this masterclass, in Term 4, the CGS Speakers’ Club was launched. Facilitated by Dr Hashim Periyalil the Vice President of the P&F, the club provides an opportunity for students to engage in real world issues, while also developing their presentation and communication skills: essential skills to be ready for the world.

NATIONAL PARTICIPATION/ACTIVITIES

Lillian H and Ethan T (Year 9) and four other CGS Teams participated in the Evatt Model UN Youth Debate Regional Final. The competition takes the form of a mock session of the UN Security Council. Lillian and Ethan represented India and faced questions on the Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, and the veto powers. At the end of a successful day of debate, Lillian and Ethan placed first. They now progress through to the National final in Adelaide at the end of the year. A huge congratulations to Lillian and Ethan who were the youngest competitors involved and beat teams of Year 12 students from across the ACT to take out their win!