Here are some Y12 Biology ATAR students creating DNA profiles via gel electrophoresis.
Gel electrophoresis is a technique commonly used in laboratories to separate charged molecules like DNA according to their size.
They were investigating how this could be applied within forensics and biological conservation.
Nicola Ross
Science Teacher/Assistant Dean Timae
Y11 Biology ATAR students at revising their systems via rat dissection.
A rat dissection is conducted to explore the internal structure and function of basic mammalian anatomy.
Nicola Ross
Science Teacher/ Assistant Dean Timae
The rules of conduct for the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) Year 12 ATAR course examinations will be published in the Year 12 Information Handbook Part II: Examinations 2020, which will be uploaded to the SCSA website in July 2020.
Given the challenge of identifying and determining the use of mobile technologies in the examination room, please note that we have just been notified that a new rule will be implemented from 2020 for the Year 12 ATAR course examinations: no candidate will be permitted to wear or take any watch or wireless-enabled technology device e.g. Fitbit, into the examination room. These items will be considered unauthorised items.
Unauthorised items include:
mobile phone
analogue or smart watch or Fitbit or similar device
mobile device that has wifi and/or bluetooth capabilities
mobile storage device
non-approved calculator
calculator cover
non-transparent pencil case
non-approved notes or any other print material relevant or irrelevant to this examination, (for example, writing on the back of your hand or arm, or blank paper)
headphones, earplugs, earbuds or other unauthorised listening device
wallet, purse or bag
food, lollies or chewing gum
or any other unauthorised item.
The school Year 10-12 Examination Regulations will be updated to include this change, and it will be mentioned to Year 11 and 12 students in Education Plus.
Liz Criddle
Deputy Head of Secondary (Teaching & Learning)
Year 10s and 11s have had a great time exploring both above and below the water of late. Some Year 10 Marine Science students tried scuba diving for the first time, getting up close and personal with underwater creatures at AQWA while Year 11 ATAR Marine and Maritime Studies students completed their Recreational Skipper’s Ticket course and are now qualified boat skippers!
The Year 12 ATAR Biology students from Duncraig visited UWA and the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Science this term. They investigated nanotechnology learning how it can make cancer cells self-destruct, forensic anthropology to produce evidence that could be used in court and used biotechnology to identify disease. It was an amazing two days that gave students insight into the real application of their course to improve society.
Nicola Ross
Teacher Science
Teaming up across our campuses, Year 12 ATAR Biology students from Carramar and Duncraig recently worked to make transgenic organisms. Taking the GFP gene from jellyfish and inserting it into bacterium, results show that when the gene is expressed it glows! Students then participated in a debate discussing the ethics behind genetically modified organisms and the future impact the science will have on society.
This is to let you know about some programs that are being run during the April holidays that offer support to Year 11 and Year 12 students who are studying ATAR subjects. I do not recommend any one organisation over the other but would encourage you to explore what each organisation has to offer.
You will find details of their programs and how to enrol at the following websites:
MASTERMIND AUSTRALIA: www.mastermindaustralia.com.au
WACE+ EDUCATION: www.waceplus.com.au
ACADEMIC TASK FORCE www.academicgroup.com.au
Sarah Cooke
Careers Advisor
This week we welcomed back some of our Class of 2018 students!
At the whole school assembly, the new members of the 90s Club (top scoring ATAR students) passed on their advice to our current students, giving them a spark of inspiration as they begin to navigate another school year.
