Society & Environment

is kept on display. We also participated in a mission control simulation, in which we were able to get a feel for an actual space mission, from the perspective of people both on board the spacecraft, and in the mission control room. At Rice University, famous as the venue for John F Kennedy’s famous ‘moon’ speech, we listened to presentations from former astronauts followed by a tour of the National Science and Biology Research Institute (NSBRI), which designs many of the systems used by NASA on board the International Space Station.

I definitely feel as though my time being a part of the USS felt much more ‘real’ than what a tourist would experience. For the duration of the school, I stayed with a young couple who live in the Houston area. Their enthusiasm and hospitality, as well as their willingness to make sure I was always enjoying my stay, helped me immensely throughout my time there, and gave me a much more engaging and interesting experience of Texan culture than I would have ever experienced had I stayed in a hotel or other accommodation.

I would be lying if I were to say that the entire two weeks were taken up by projects and science. One of the aspects of my stay that contributed massively to my experience of the USS was being able to meet the other students. Despite being from all corners of the globe, within the first few days it was apparent that we would all become firm friends. I was able to learn so much from the other students, talking about our homes and the many diverse cultures that made up the Class of 2013. The experiences we shared together, as international students brought together to form one large team, were truly remarkable, and I’m sure the memories of the USS will be cherished by us all forever.

I cannot begin to describe how wonderful my time was at the USS. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that has broadened my mind, and allowed me to learn so much – not only from an intellectual standpoint, but also a cultural and social one. It has taught me that, although NASA and the aerospace industry seems far away, there is nothing – especially given our good fortune to have been provided with a Trinity College education – that stops us from being a part of this field. I also take this opportunity to wholeheartedly encourage the younger students in Years 7–10 to apply for the USS in their later years at Trinity. Until you have been there and participated in the life-changing moments for yourself, you cannot comprehend how amazing the experience truly is.

I especially thank my host family, Greg and Arianna Aguilar, the representatives from FISE who make the USS possible each year, as well as Mr Banks, Mr Burgess, Mr Cooper and Mr Blake, for giving me the chance to participate in such an amazing program. I will surely not forget it.

Rocket Park at the Johnson Space Centre

Jack frantically types launch codes to the Space Station during the simulation!

Mr Chris Allanson (’91) Head of Society & Environment

The year 2013 has been a busy year for the Society & Environment Learning Area. The year started with two staff members taking long service leave in Semester 1 which allowed the department to welcome Ms Camilla Coverley and Ms Emily Springate to the College. Camilla has now taken up a position at Helena College, whilst Emily has remained with us for the remainder of the year. I thank them both for their valuable contributions to the department.

As always, the year began with an analysis of the WACE results from 2012. I pass on my congratulations to the Year 12 teachers from that year for the very good results that they managed to achieve with our students.

This year we implemented electronic text books into the daily classroom environment. The use of this technology is becoming standard practice and teachers and students alike will begin to master the skills required to use digital media in the years ahead.

Much of the learning that takes place within the Society & Environment Learning Area happens outside the classroom. The ability to access resources from outside the classroom via internet sites such as Google Earth, Google Maps and other technologies helps bring another dimension to the style of learning at Trinity College. There would rarely be a Society & Environment class where the use of audio-visual materials were used for at least a short part of a lesson. Having this extra layer to the learning style works very well with the style of learning that boys enjoy and flourish in; however, it must be paramount that we also ensure that our boys have the ability to write with clarity and legibility. In this era of spell-checking and predictive text, it is important that boys are encouraged to improve their literacy functionality, not only with the use of technology, but also with the use of pen and paper. Learning experiences of note this year included the various excursions and camps that were organised within the learning area. The Year 8 students visited the Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre to study wetlands. Year 9 students visited Fremantle Prison and did a walking tour of Fremantle as part of the study of Colonial History. They have also attended the Francis Burt Law Centre and the Supreme Court of WA as part of the studies on Law. Mr Shanassy organised Geography camps for both Years 11 and 12 classes. With help from parent, Mal Harris, the Year 11s visited North Dandalup Dam, before touring a bauxite mine in Pinjarra. On Day two the class visited the WA College of Agriculture and White Rocks Dairy Farm in Harvey. During the Year 12 camp, the boys visited the Mandurah and Rockingham Councils where they met with experts who are dealing with climate change. They then studied the fundamentals of urban planning by visiting Ellenbrook and speaking with planning specialists before meeting with staff from the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA). I thank Mr Shanassy for the considerable hours of planning and time away from his family to bring these experiences to the students. Other highlights included a visit from former Western Australian Government Minister, Mr Graham Edwards who spoke with the Year 12 History classes about his experiences in Vietnam. The Year 11 Politics & Law students visited the District and Magistrates Courts as well as watching Question Time at Parliament House.

As the year draws to an end, I thank Mr Brian MacGabhann for his efforts in taking over the Middle School Coordinator role in an acting capacity this year. Sadly, we bid farewell to Mr Tim Shanassy who has been an integral member of the learning area since 2008. I also thank Ms Emily Springate for the wonderful work she has done for the boys during her time here this year. I wish you both success and happiness with your future endeavours.