Science

Curriculum Introduction of New WACE Courses

Year 12 Science courses: In 2016 there were new Year 12 Science courses introduced across all disciplines. Teachers have worked hard to gather resources tailoring tasks and assessment which are based on the new syllabus. The review of course documentations took place in November of 2016.

Year 11 Inaugural Aviation Course (General): Year 11 students have been offered the opportunity to study the General Aviation course in 2017 and it will be progressed into the Year 12 course in 2018. Further resources will be developed for both Years 11 and 12 Aviation courses.

2016 INCURSIONS AND EXCURSIONS

Year 10 Forensic Science Incursion: Year 10 students participated in two incursions in the area of Forensic Science with guest presenters using real-life forensic problems to further stimulate their interest.

Astronomy excursions: Astronomy and Space science continued to expand and to engage students under the guidance of Mr Bill Cooper. During the year, astronomy students in Years 9 and 10 attended two camps to launch a high altitude balloon at Dowerin and a rocket at Perth Advanced Rocketry in Toodyay. Students enjoyed and experienced the tracking and recovery of the balloon and rocket. The high altitude balloon collects particles from the upper atmosphere and once it is recovered, Mr Cooper and his students downloaded and analysed data and images using a specific software. Year 11 Biology field trips: Biology students in Year 11 explored and camped in the wildlife at Dryandra and the Stirling Ranges and studied the conservation management plans in certain hot spots. We are determined to continue to look for opportunities to use resources outside the school, to enhance our learning program. The Biology excursions consisted of two day trips and one extended trip over four days.

Year 7 Sustain Our Swan incursion: During this incursion, students examined the water quality of the adjacent Swan River using data-logging equipment. This course was facilitated by the Department of Parks and Wildlife and was coordinated by Mr Michael Slack-Smith. This activity was an excellent introduction to environmental awareness and students developed a sense of stewardship of the river for the future.

Year 7 Dolphin Watch incursion: Students were offered an opportunity to learn and study the Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins found in the iconic Swan and Canning river system. The aim of this activity was to engage students in recognising the dolphins’ potential as indicators of river health and to provide information on dolphin ecology and interactions with human activities in the Swan River and Canning River, upstream of Perth waters. This project was part of the River Guardians program, a community engagement initiative within the Department of Parks and Wildlife.

Mr Cyrus Naseri Head of Science

COMPETITIONS

Science Competitions: Students in Years 11 and 10 participated in the National Chemistry Quiz and Australian Science Olympiad competitions respectively and achieved pleasing results including Distinction and High Distinction certificates.

2016 SPACE CAMP SCHOLARSHIP

Anthony Carbone (10.8) was offered a scholarship comprising a trip to the Space Camp in the United States during 2016. Furthermore, the astronomy scholarship was awarded to two students, Bailey Hughes (10.4) and James Henshall (10.2) both of whom displayed a genuine interest and in-depth knowledge in their selected research topic.

NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK

National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. Thousands of individuals, including students and scientists get involved taking part in considerable science events. In 2016, our College also took part in celebration of Science Week, and students from the Junior School and Senior School participated in several events and activities during Term 3. Year 7 students enjoyed an incursion in which a series of chemistry demonstrations were conducted by Science Alive presenters. This incursion enabled students to combine explanation and interaction of chemistry concepts. Students in Years 6–9 were able to take part in hands-on activities to explore static electricity using physics apparatus such as Vader graph generator and Wimshurst machine. Furthermore, during lunch times, a number of chemistry demonstrations were conducted and supervised by Year 12 students and Mr Anthony Murphy.

I thank all staff in the Science Department for their support this year and look forward to 2017.

Mr Cyrus Naseri Head of Science