Student Ventures

Entry PBL

Our first Project-Based Learning (PBL) session for Entry students was a huge success! 

Students took on the big question: "How can we reduce the impact of the energy we use?" 

In this one-day Design Thinking challenge, they explored divergent thinking, brainstorming bold ideas before refining and selecting their best solution.

The day culminated in a vibrant showcase in S Wing, where students presented their innovative concepts to peers, staff, and special guests, including proud parents, carers, and the Mayor of Manningham, Diedre Diamonte. 

A massive well done to all students who participated, the future is in good hands!

Model UN

A group of our students had the exciting opportunity to participate in a Model United Nations (MUN) conference. The event brought together students from across the region to engage in simulated UN debates, representing countries and tackling global issues ranging from climate change to international security.

Our students demonstrated outstanding research, public speaking, and diplomacy skills as they collaborated with peers, negotiated resolutions, and gained firsthand experience in international relations. The day was not only intellectually stimulating but also a fantastic chance to build confidence and teamwork in a dynamic, real-world setting.

Mooting Competition

Two weeks ago, Templestowe sent students to take part in the Ivanhoe Grammar Mooting Competition, held at Deakin University. It was a day of speaking, listening, and learning more about how to present legal arguments in a professional setting and the skills that accompany public speaking.

The day began with our first round of moots, where we competed against students from other schools. At first it was nerve-wracking because of the formalities we had to work into outreach speeches, but once things got underway, it became easier to focus on the arguments and try to present our case clearly.

After that, we attended a workshop run by a former judge. The session was thoughtful and practical. The judge shared advice about courtroom behavior, structuring arguments, and handling questions, things we were able to keep in mind heading into the second round.

We competed again in the afternoon, and having that extra guidance definitely helped. It was interesting to notice how small adjustments could make a difference in how we spoke and responded.

Overall, the day was interesting and educational. It gave us a better understanding of what mooting involves and what it takes to speak in a formal setting.

Future Leaders Academy - Cook Islands

During the Term 2 holidays, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a leadership program run by the Future Leaders Academy in the Cook Islands. The journey began with five Australian students meeting at the Sydney airport, where we then flew to Rarotonga. Once we arrived, we spent the day exploring the island’s beautiful beaches and natural environment, and met six local students from Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

The following day, we visited the lively Saturday markets, where we purchased handmade sarongs, customised jewellery, and sampled local food and drinks. That night the 34 students from New Zealand arrived, and we officially began the leadership component of the trip. We were divided into syndicate groups of 12 and took part in a range of leadership-building activities.

Each morning began with small leadership or mindfulness exercises, such as meditation in our syndicate groups. Throughout the week, I experienced a variety of cultural and team-building challenges. These included preparing and cooking food in a traditional umu (an earth oven), taking part in a survival challenge on a remote island where we built shelters and rafts using found materials, and visiting some of the best local spots for meals.

One of the highlights was a cross-island hike with breathtaking views stretching all the way to the ocean. We also volunteered at a local nursery, helping to care for plants and paint signs, and visited Cook Islands Tourism to learn about the importance and impact of tourism on small island communities.

Each evening ended with time to swim and relax at the beach, giving us a chance to reflect and connect. On the final day, we went snorkelling and held a graduation ceremony at one of the island resorts. We received certificates, thanked the people and organisations who supported us, and performed a local Cook Islands dance, a New Zealand waiata, and an Australian song accompanied by the Nutbush. – Delanah S 

Koorie Big Day out

TC students Morrie and Callum attended the Koorie Big Day Out, a fantastic careers and tertiary event aiming to provide guidance and connections for Indigenous students in higher education. The day began with a beautiful Welcome to Country, followed by delicious paella made with native ingredients by Mullum Creations. We met Uncle Troy from Treaty Victoria, chatted with the team from Fire Rescue Vic, and connected with inspiring Indigenous staff from universities across the state.

We’re looking forward to bringing more students next year!

Refugee week

Refugee week has been an important aspect of the last couple of weeks at TC. We have been collecting non-perishable food to donate to the asylum seekers refuge centre. We have also once again had the wonderful opportunity to host Niro and serve lunches and dinners with him. The food was delicious, and we had the amazing chance to support him and his business.
Lastly, five students and two teachers at our school participated in the ration challenge, this involved three days of eating the same rations a refugee living at a refugee camp in Jordan. Many thanks to all who sponsored us! We were able to make our rations a bit more bearable thanks to your generosity, as we fundraised, we were able to earn rewards such as 110g of a vegetable.

Altogether we raised $4,606.95 which is an amazing achievement! The money we raised will go towards providing emergency food, healthcare, and life changing support for refugees.
This was not an easy challenge, but it really put things in perspective, we don’t realise how much we take for granted in Australia: safety, the opportunity to support ourselves and others, peace, the chance to go to school and more.

After only a couple of days, it was a huge relief on the day after the challenge when we could eat normally again. personally, next time I open the pantry to get a snack I will stop a minute and think about how much of a luxury it is to be able to do that. – Priya Chandy

Willum Warrain Excursion

TC students had the opportunity to visit Willum Warrain, an Aboriginal community owned bush nursery specialising in local indigenous plants on the Mornington Peninsula . Students learnt about community organisations, local culture and history, and volunteered in the bush nursery.

Priya reflects; "The Willum Warrain excursion was a wonderful experience and opportunity to participate in. We learnt about Aboriginal traditions, tried bush tucker and volunteered at their nursery" and Zoey said "I enjoyed working in the nursery moving mulch around. And learning new things about the old times. And even getting to feel some of the stuff they made like possum cloaks."

A big thank you to the team at Willum Warrain for welcoming us so warmly and sharing your stories and knowledge.