The new year has seen the Science Faculty welcome Ms Anna Watts to VCE Biology and General Science. Science teachers have developed a range of activities to enable students to engage in critical and creative thinking. Different methods of scientific inquiry that generate primary data have been utilised by students to solve scientific problems.  

With the introduction of new VCAA Study Designs in Units 1&2 Chemistry, Physics and Psychology and Units 3&4 Psychology, staff have participated in various subject conferences. Anna Watts attended the STAV Biology Conference, Ms Clare Haysom and Mr Stephen Brown attended Physcon and Mrs Kelly Brady attended CDES Psychology Conference. 

Staff are currently developing curriculum and new assessment tasks to meet the VCAA requirements. The changes to the study designs are also being reflected in the Year 10 Electives. For example, the VCE Scientific Investigation format is being modified for Year 10 implementation. This will extend student experience beyond Year 10.

Senior staff have been working closely with the VCE students through one-on-one tutorials, revision prior to assessment and examination question practice for each unit of investigation. Our staff have ensured mystcatherines provides students with up-to-date resources, recorded lessons (where required), assessments and solutions to these tasks. Staff have embarked on a faculty-based program regarding Scientific Literacy. The Faculty will be guided by Miss Kristy Forrest, Head of Professional Practice.  

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 2023. Year 11 students Amy Ding and Tianqi (Jenny) Lu have accepted the Science Faculty invitation to participate in the University of Melbourne Chemistry Olympiad Training Program. VCE Physics students attended Luna Park’s VCE Physics Day with Mr Brown, Ms Haysom and Ms Pasznyk. The Day is designed by teachers to provide students with practical examples of key concepts covered in motion with amusement rides.  

The Science Faculty have also commenced the academic year with the annual safety audit with Years 7 to 10 students. The audit ensures students are taken through the safety rules and the Globally Harmonised System of classification and labelling of chemicals and the application of this information in situ. Additionally, the Year 8 Science Honours Program Simple Machines and Hydraulics and the Year 7 Science Honours Program have commenced the ASTA Spectra Program. Scientific investigations have commenced across the Year levels to assist students in their understanding of scientific methods and design, so they can become more critical thinkers in relation to scientific research.