2 minute read
Science
In many ways, this has been a year of consolidation. Change continues to be the backdrop driving activities and requiring a large amount of our time. Still, a high quality product can only be achieved through review and refinements.
I wish to acknowledge the effort and time given to students by Dr Roy Skinner throughout his six years at Trinity from 1996 to 2001, and wish him well as HOD Sc at PLC.
Awarm welcome to Mr Ed Clark from Seton College, who has been teaching middle school science and senior physics classes this year, and also to Mr Jeremy Dixon our observatory manager.
The implementation of curriculum framework in Year 8 has dominated staff energy and time. This more studentcentred approach to learning should assist our boys to engage their science work more broadly than hitherto, by placing emphasis on values and process skills rather than knowledge per se. The work of students needs to be nested in more realistic and relevant contexts, with recognition that the boys have preferred modes of learning styles. However, I believe we need to be conscious of the desirability for academic rigour and not take too extreme an approach in our implementation. Obviously this undertaking is a long-term effort and ultimately requires a whole-school, integrated approach in its complete expression. So planning has been a major feature of discussions at departmental meetings.
The benefits of the new science labs are obvious to staff and especially students. Classes have been operating in cool air-conditioned labs blessed with an openness that arise from large rooms. There exists a more comfortable and inviting class tone that has improved student learning. Nevertheless, we seek to steadily improve the quantity and quality of science-based resources as the curriculum evolves. The ratio of science laptops to students continues to fall as is the case with digital microscopes, data loggers and basic science hardware. The quality and relevance of video programmes has improved with FOXTELscience documentaries and I hope to announce a new-to-WAvideo/computer system which offers interesting opportunities in relation to enhancing online student courses of science study at Trinity.
In addition to the few but varied science excursions, such as visits to the Energy Museum, UWAGeology Museum, Star Swamp, Astro nights and the South West Biology Expedition, the department, through the effort of Mr Tim Blake, has gone further a field with the inaugural Sabah Trip. This unique educational experience breaks new ground and promises much for future Trinity science students. During 2003 we expect the observatory will operate online (i.e. over the internet) and hence be accessible to students and members of the Trinity community as well as school children from across the world. The online astronomy and space sciences options continue to be very popular amongst the Years 9 and 10 boys.
Our boys have been accepted into many of the major science education programmes offered within WAsuch as the Seimens Science Experience, WAScience Summer School, UWAEngineering Camp and National Chemistry Quiz. I wish all participants well and trust they will be stimulated by their experiences.
I wish to thank all my staff for their efforts this year. They are a most harmonious and cheerful group. Seasons greetings to you all.
