YEAR 10-12 NEWS

Senior School Update:

Year 12:

Just a reminder that we have a big couple of weeks in VCE coming up. 

Mid-year practice exams from Tuesday 11th onwards and the GAT on the 18th for all students in year 12 (and any year 11’s doing a unit 3/4 subject). We will be holding an assembly closer to the date to ensure the students are aware of the processes and expectations around these assessments. 

Exams also end unit 3 classes, so more than likely we will also see an increase in SAC’s over the next couple of weeks, so I would be expecting that a little bit of anxiety and stress might start to creep in. My best advice is to set up a timetable and spread the load over several nights, not just the night before.

Also, with an increase in colds and flu in and around town, it’s a timely reminder that if a SAC is missed due to illness, a Dr’s certificate is required.

VET

VET Sport & Recreation students have been involved in a variety of activities recently. These include engaging in local fitness sessions at F45 Geelong and completing their First Aid and CPR certificates. 

The students have represented our College extremely well, displaying a great amount of effort when pushing themselves in fitness sessions. 

VCE Physical Education students examined the cardiorespiratory responses of physical activity whilst competing in a class vs class Ten Pin Bowling competition.

Congratulations to Ms Marino’s class who took out the trophy, beating Ms Lane’s class and claiming bragging rights! 

Year 10

Be Bold Be Heard

Last Friday 14 year 9 and 10 girls participated in the 2nd Be Bold Be Heard Forum for 2024.  The BBBH Program is designed to support and empower teenage girls in the Geelong Region to address gender gaps and enhance student voice.  Hosted by Belmont High School, students from 15 schools enjoyed testing themselves in the Bio Lab, a yoga session and coming up with ideas on ways they can positively impact their school environment.  

The main part of the day was hearing the inspiring stories from 5 women who encouraged the students to explore different career options, grasp every opportunity and seek mentors who will help them on their way. 

I'm excited to see how the girls involved will continue to make positive impacts both within the school and wider community. It's through initiatives like these that real change and progress can be achieved.

Year 11

Yr11 Biology students studied transpiration rates of plants during different conditions. 

Yr 11 Chemistry Biolab excursion 

This week year 11 Chemistry students attended Biolab to complete a spectroscopy experiment to determine the protein concentration in a common protein supplement and some milk alternatives to decide whether any alternative is a suitable post workout replacement. 

With the opportunity to work to the accuracy of a Analytical Chemist and with masses less than a milligram of protein in a millilitre, the students learnt a lot about accuracy and precision, (As well as finding out fresh full cream milk was a better protein source than the supplement provided!)

Year 12

Year 12 VCE PE BIOLAB excursion.

Joshua Unthank and Will Mccredden participated in a VO2 Max test.

This is a maximal exercise test performed on a treadmill or bike while connected to a machine capable of analysing your expired air. The test provides data on how much oxygen you use as you exercise and determines the maximal oxygen you can consume during exercise. 

Both boys put in an amazing effort and the data collected by the class was very useful. All students collected some personal data including Heart rate, Blood pressure, Ventilation and core body temperature. Very helpful for AOS 2 that we are studying now.

DESIGN TO THRIVE

Year 12 VCE-VM students participated in an agricultural program ran by the Geelong Tech School where students explored the companies Common Ground Project and Boomaroo Nursery. Students learnt about each business touring the venues and helping on the farm. Once students became familiar with the businesses, they identified the potential problems that each business is facing. Students used the Design Thinking process to brainstorm possible solutions to the identified problem and create a prototype that they presented back to their chosen business. 

WORK-RELATED SKILLS

Year 12 WRS students worked in small groups to identify the impact of effective communication in a workplace. Students had to use a variety of communication tools such as written, verbal and body language techniques to pass on information to their group. The students found some techniques extremely challenging and recognised the importance of effective communication with both their peers and future team. Work-Related Skills equips students with the tool necessary for employability and long-term career success, preparing them for a lifetime and professional achievement. 

VCE-VM – The West Café

The West café opened its doors for the first time on Tuesday selling coffee, hot chocolates and chocolate brownies at recess. Students have been working hard developing a business plan, advertising campaign and cooking and testing out prospective products. The West Café is a student ran café and will be open Tuesday and Thursday at recess in the library. Students don’t need to pre order, just turn up for a great hot beverage and snack.