John Wollaston Anglican Community School

JOHN WOLLASTON ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

LEARNING FOR THE FUTURE WORLD

Click here to see Jack Halstead’s video

In order to equip students with skills for the future world of work, John Wollaston Anglican Community School (JWACS) has introduced a new Year 9 Science Challenge option to harness and integrate science, technology, innovation, and knowledge.

Science Challenge has been designed for students who possess a passion for the sciences to develop a local, national and global outlook. Aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, Science Challenge is a project-based science course with a focus on scientific method. Year 9 Science Challenge students are involved in project-based learning, including a variety of competitions where they identify and test solutions to real world problems. Consistent with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Future of Education and Skills Project 2030, the Year 9 Science Challenge course embeds the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values students need to thrive and shape their word. Dean of Teaching and Learning Kathy Paul said students tackled complex problems through teamwork and collaboration, while fostering essential skills such as diverse thinking and creative problem-solving. “It is wonderful to see our Year 9 students building their future by thinking creatively and working collaboratively to solve real world problems.” The Science Challenge students also connect with industry partnerships, collaborating with Plastic Oceans Australasia, an organisation dedicated to changing the world’s attitude to waste within a generation through the use of science. A recent project has been to create a biodegradable bioplastic to replace containers at the school café, with students submitting their projects to the STAWA Science Talent Search. Science Challenge students have also been actively engaged in a variety of competitions including the 2022 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize for Secondary students. With a theme of ‘Change’, students were required to create a short film which communicated a scientific concept in an accessible way. Year 9 student, Jack Halstead, was awarded Highly Commended for his short film, ‘The Changes with COVID-19’. In recognition of Jack’s success in this nationwide competition, his short film will be available to view online via the Australian museum website.

“Science Challenge has been designed and introduced at John Wollaston this year to extend and enrich our students through an interdisciplinary learning environment,” she said.

Images: Year 9 Science Challenge Incursion with the International Centre for Radio Astonomy Research (ICRAR) Jack Halstead: 2022 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize