It is my absolute pleasure to write my final newsletter article for the year to celebrate the work of our students, staff and wider community. I am so proud of all of our school community in our 3^rd year of establishment. This term students continued to connect the learning that occurs within the science classroom to their lives outside of school, and became critical and creative thinkers by utilising their inquiry skills.

Our year 7 students investigated Earth Sciences this term, developing an understanding of the relationships between the Earth, The Moon, and Sun. Students studied how seasons occur, as well as how lunar and solar eclipses happen, and developed their research and inquiry skills, with multiple lessons dedicated to practising these skills throughout the term. For their assessment, students researched key questions and climate data to produce a multi-modal presentation, some of which can be seen below.

Year 8 students covered their Biology unit on Cells and Reproduction. They began the unit by comparing plant and animal cells, with classes making models to represent them. Classes then focused on human reproduction and physiology, with a particular emphasis on topics such as the menstrual cycle. At all times, this unit was in alignment with the demands of the Australia Curriculum, and was taught scientifically. Students finished the unit with an exam covering the unit content, as well as investigating artificial reproductive techniques used in the livestock and dairy industry.

Our year 9 students investigated the Earth’s structure this term by delving into the different layers of Earth, researching and investigating Continental drift and Pangaea, the movement of Tectonic plates, Greenhouse gases and Climate. This unit built on students’ inquiry skills, with multiple lessons focussed toward investigating natural and human impacts on the ecosystem, and on the Earth. Students also sat an exam for their assessment this term. To wrap up the unit, multiple classes looked into natural disasters, in particular, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

The year 10 students continued on their varied pathways in this shorter term with both the Psychology and Chemistry classes continuing their semester units, both of which sat an exam during exam block week. The Psychology class delved into Statistics this term, while Chemistry students were introduced to organic chemistry, and the naming conventions used. Our Core science classes investigated motion, calculated speed, velocity, and acceleration, and finished the term with an exam.

The foundation class this term looked at Science inquiry skills, modelled around the senior Science in Practise subject. Students explored concepts such as The Big Bang and Evolution, and were tasked to create a multimodal presentation about their chosen Scientific theory or topic. This culminated in the class holding a Science fair to showcase their ideas, which was used as part of their assessment.

A massive thank you to all parents/caregivers for your ongoing support and encouragement of your child and, most importantly, our students for showing up every day to improve their educational outcomes and strive for excellence! This has been a huge year, I have relished working as the acting Head of Department for Science this semester, and look forward to what next year will bring.

I wish you all a wonderful and restful break, a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 

Tim Barclay

Acting Head of Department - Science 

tjbar2@eq.edu.au