Science News

Last week, the Year 6 students came to Marian to have an experience in the science labs in preparation for their first year at high school. The science teaching staff had a great time meeting these students and making some slime as an example of a polymer. 

Our Year 7 students have just made a model of a cell. They were so well done and the students were so proud of their efforts that they were shown around the teachers in the staff room.  Mr Symmes was especially impressed with one 3D cell that had been crocheted as a cushion and all the organelles were also crocheted and attached to the cell. It was so wonderful that one teacher just had to have it, so purchased it from the student. We have a young creative entrepreneur in Year 7.  A new unit of work is about to be embarked on with a Depth Study. Students will understand how the world of living organisms are grouped together with classification keys and they will be working on 2 - 4 animals that they have chosen. They will also examine the environments in which they live and how characteristics suit the ecosystems. 

Year 8 and Year 10 students have been informed about the end of stage exams that they will do in week 2 when they return for Term 4. They have been given study lists that should be used over the break to complete some study in preparation and they have also been doing revision this week to give an opportunity for questions and check their understanding.  

Teachers are busy marking the preliminary exams and students are looking forward to a well deserved rest after working hard for good results. It is an indication for students to know what they need to do to achieve their personal best going forward to the HSC year. 

After 6 wonderful years sharing our lives with the current Year 12 students, it is time to bid them goodbye from Marian. It is an amazing experience to watch them grow into strong well prepared individuals and we pray that they keep safe and happy.  

When speaking to Riley, I made the comment that I noticed a massive change in his motivation and work ethic at the end of year 9.  He commented back to me saying “ From D grade to an A grade” .  I asked what prompted the dramatic change. He had completed some work experience and while there, he had asked the employer what he needed. He was told very frankly that he needed to achieve much better results and get A’s. Riley certainly took this on board and put his best foot forward to get what he needed, A’s. His marks and his learning since then have been more than impressive. 

Term 4 promises to be a busy one as we are currently preparing some great experiences for our students. I hope that the teachers have a well earned restful time with family and friends and that all students return with an idea of what they would like to achieve for themselves at Marian. 

I would like to offer my heartfelt appreciation for the wonderful work and support of the science staff. They are dedicated and extremely talented as teachers and educators. We look forward to developing the new learning experiences for Year 7 and Year 9 next term, in readiness for 2025. Always lots to do and enjoy! 

Year 8 Science with Miss Ammendolia

Year 8 students have been diving into the study of body systems this term, with a particular focus on how the body functions, especially the circulatory system. They had the exciting opportunity to conduct a heart dissection in the lab, where their reactions to the sheep’s heart varied from sheer excitement to a bit of disgust! Overall, it was clear that the Year 8’s had a fantastic time exploring and learning through this hands-on experience.

Eliza Ammendolia

Year 8 Teacher of Science

Year 7 Science with Mr Symmes

The students Velsi and Freya Patel generously donated to MCC their animal cell model which was meticulously crafted: Every organelle is at the right size for the scale of the model!  

Howard Symmes 

Year 7 Teacher of Science

Best wishes to you all 

Esther Dumbleton (Science Leader of Learning)