The Science Faculty have commenced the academic year with the annual safety audit with Years 7 to 10. The audit ensures students are taken through the safety rules and the new Globally Harmonised System of classification and labelling of chemicals and the application of this information in situ.

The safety audit provides a foundation for a safe learning environment. Within this environment, students have the opportunity to work scientifically and respond to questions that reflect the inquiring nature of studying Science, and provides the context for developing conceptual understanding.

Science staff continue the ongoing cycle of reflection, questioning and action this year. Teachers are committed to this cycle in order to determine changes that will improve the learning outcomes of their students. The academic year has commenced with Scientific Method from Years 5 to 10.

Science teachers have developed a range of activities to enable students to develop general skills of problem-solving, collaboration, communication, creativity, and engage in critical and creative thinking. Years 5 to 7 have participated in the CSIRO Creativity in Research, Engineering, Science and Technology (CREST) Program; establishing strong links between Junior and Senior school Science. 

Students’ experiences in the primary and early secondary years of schooling establish a ‘sense of competence that students have in the foundations of Mathematics and Science, and can spark their interest in science related fields‘ (Ainley, Kos & Nicholas, 2008, p. 3).

Scientific investigations across the Year levels, assist students in their understanding of scientific method and design, and further develop their critical thinking in relation to scientific research. An early interest in STEM topics can be a predictor for later learning and career intentions. Different methods of scientific inquiry that generate primary data are currently being utilised by students to solve scientific problems. The foundations of scientific method can now be utilised throughout all units of investigation preparing students for VCE Sciences.

The Science Faculty welcomed Ms Madeleine Pasznyk, Chemistry Analyst from Bureau Veritas Assure Quality Laboratories (BVAQ), as the new Laboratory Manager in Term 3 of 2021. Working within the Chemistry Department at BVAQ for the past seven years, performing high quality analytical chemistry testing, and subsequently interpreting and reporting results on an extensive range of food/environmental samples, Madeleine’s expertise in good laboratory practices and a safe work environment is an asset to the Faculty.

This year, Ms Clare Haysom, has joined the Science Faculty, teaching VCE Physics and Years 8 and 9 Science. Previously working at Scotch College, Clare’s passion for the physical sciences is already being shared with her students.

As part of the Science Faculty’s commitment to extra-curricular activities, students will be encouraged to accept invitations to participate in exciting and unique activities throughout 2022. Term 1 includes programs such as the Chemistry Olympiad Training at Melbourne University and the Brain Bee Psychology Competition. Additionally, the Year 8 Science Honours Program Simple Machines and Hydraulics and the Year 7 Science Honours Program (SPECTRA Chemistry Program) will commence in Term 1.

The Science Faculty encourage students to accept the invitations to participate in selected programs and competitions throughout the year, to further engage their scientific mind.