Senior School Learning

Organic Chemistry

In a full day Chemistry Incursion, Year 12 students conducted an investigation into organic compounds. Their task was to synthesise aspirin and compose a literature review on an inquiry question they develop. This gave the students a chance to develop an appreciation of the techniques used in organic and pharmaceutical science for the synthesis (esterification), purification (recrystallisation) and identification of pure organic compounds (thin layer chromatography). Their inquiry questions were linked to the importance of organic chemistry to society, and current methods involved to determine purity.

JOE LIU Science Teacher

Year 11 Biology Visit Rockpools

“Our Biology class was blessed with an uncharacteristically warm May day as we travelled to North Narrabeen rock pools to observe and collect data for our ongoing depth study. We relished the opportunity to explore the rock ecosystems our beautiful beaches have to offer and enjoyed getting up close and personal with periwinkles, sand anemones, and octopi (luckily not the blue-ringed kind!). The staff and community of the Coastal Environment Centre of North Narrabeen left us all with wet socks and high spirits by the end of the day, ready to embark on our next biological expedition!”

ZOE GELAGIN, ISABELLA NORTHCOTT & CHARLOTTE SUTHERLAND