A world of discovery

One of the biggest changes happening behind the scenes is the three-year process of implementing new VCE study designs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology. Each offers new perspectives and the inclusion of more contemporary research for our senior students. VCE subject teachers work continuously on interpretating the new study designs, determining the best way for our students to access these latest inclusions, creating assessments that are varied and meet the needs of their cohort, as well as finding opportunities for practical-based hands-on learning. There is a noticeable trend towards incorporating more ethical considerations in Science, particularly in relation to decision-making for current and future needs. This is more relevant than ever, given the recent surge in artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on society.

In the new course for Biology, our Year 11 students have had the opportunity to work with PhD scientists and industry leading microscopy technology to investigate cellular survival and disease diagnosis at the Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC) in Parkville. The Year 12 students have been able to use our own gel electrophoresis kits here at school which is a fantastic resource we have been able to provide the students access to.

As we unpack the new Psychology course, there have been a number of interesting changes. One of which is providing students the opportunity to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of doing, being and knowing. This has been integrated into the study, with the opportunity to contrast the Western paradigm of psychology with other knowledge about the world found through observation, using all the senses; prediction and hypothesis testing, including trial and error; and making generalisations within specific contexts, including connection to Country and experiences within groups within Australia.

Another fascinating development in the new Psychology course is the growing recognition of the gutbrain axis. This axis represents the bi-directional pathway between the brain and the gut, and its influence on emotions, behaviours, and mental health. As the gut-brain axis becomes an increasingly important area of research, students are discovering interesting points of interaction between gut microbiota, what we are putting into our bodies, and the interplay with stress and the nervous system. This research has the potential to contribute to the understanding of how psychological processes and behaviours are controlled and has generated some interesting discussions in our Year 12 Psychology classes.

In addition, Year 8 students have completed their own studentdesigned practical investigations, which encourage them to use their critical thinking skills and apply scientific methods to real-world problems. By working independently with teacher support, students have continued developing their skills in areas such as data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Students with particularly interesting experiments were entered into the Science Talent Search and we look forward to receiving their results in due course. Similarly, Year 9 students at the Tay Creggan campus completed their own student-designed practical investigations in Term 1, allowing them to apply their learning in a more practical and relevant context. The program provides students with a unique opportunity to develop their scientific inquiry skills while also continuing to develop their skills in scientific communication and presentation.

Outside the classroom we are continuing to offer many Science cocurricular opportunities such as STEM Club, the RACI Titration Competition for our senior Chemistry students, ICAS and Big Science competitions.

ANDREW SCOTT Acting Head of Science