Private Hell

Recently, I've become more engaged—at least in discussion amongst my friend—about the debate of government vs non-government. Indeed, I've spoken about it a little bit here. I've also managed to form a pretty consistent argument in support of an abolition of the non-government system of schooling, as farfetched a policy that would be. It was with great satisfaction that I stumbled across this article in The Age.

It must be said that I don't agree with all of its contents, though the great majority I do. For instance, I'm not sure that I share the author's enthusiasm for selective schools. In Victoria at least, more so than some private schools, the selective schools create the division that the author discusses. In fact, the selective schools in Victoria are often mistaken for and spoken of in the same breath as the élite private schools.

The author does, however, make an extremely convincing point. It is very rare that those who are opposed to the non-government system manage to make a creative or mildly sensible point that isn't about fairness and equality; she has succeeded completely. And that is exactly why I would encourage all of you to have a read of this article. My arguments, my points, if I may say so myself, are pretty good. I know, instinctively, that my medium is speech and to write it down when this article presents itself would be to waste my time (for the moment, expect my thoughts later on this matter). So off you hop now, give it a read!

Aim High

Last Friday, I was invited by my old school to participate in their "VCE Focus Day". Rather than having the day at the school, they decided to make a day out of it and head off to Deakin's new REACH facilities.

This was the first time I'd been to Deakin in two years; and a first as a UniMelb student and a licensed driver. The campus is gorgeous but the parking was an absolute joke. Being a Geelong kid, we hear rumours about just how bad it is; and in the middle of the summer trimester, that was definitely on display. Not one free park in site, and the school had neglected to tell me which permit I would be given, so after some running (enough fitness for a year) and stress, I eventually parked.

With Carlo, our dux, and a lovely girl from Geelong College, I participated in Aim High-A Student Panel. This gave the students the opportunity to ask us some questions about how to deal with VCE. The first group was pretty hopeless—none of whom were wanting to aim high—so the teacher had to ask us all of the questions, which made it a little awkward. The second group started off similarly awkward, but once they got into it they were really good and I felt like we were able to give them some good advice.

All in all, it was a good experience. I found myself really wanting to do more, which is a good sign.

Absence

For those of you who are frequent visitors, I'm sorry I haven't posted too much lately.

Over the summer, I opted to take a subject at Uni. This means that I will be able to study only three subjects each semester in my third year; something that sits very well with me. So it has been a very, very hectic three weeks (so far) of Spanish. I am happy to report that I have been learning a hell of a lot though!

Furthermore, I've managed to get some tutoring roles and have also applied to some schools to coach debating and public speaking. Hopefully they'll turn out well, as I really do think I could make a great contribution. Today I was also asked to speak at Deakin University to some year 12 students, so that should be interesting.

All very busy!