Secondary News

Science Week

On Monday 21st August 2023, as part of ‘Science Week’ celebrations at Seymour College, ABC JJJ Science Broadcaster, Dr Karl,  ‘zoomed’ in to answer some of the most challenging questions from over 50 of our secondary science students from years 7-11. 

Dr Karl did well to answer very thought-provoking questions ranging from; What was the first life on earth? What are the dimensions of the universe? When will the universe end?  Dr Karl managed to mesmerize us with his answers to these questions. 

Our Science team booked Dr Karl at the start of the year for Seymour students to have the opportunity to ask Australia’s best science communicator some of their deep science questions during our focus on innovation as part of 2023 Science Week. 

RACE Goulburn Agriculture Excursion

On 17th August 2023, the year 7, 8 and 9 Agriculture students braved the cold and boarded a bus to Yea as part of an amazing RACE Goulburn Food and Fibre School to Industry Partnership excursion looking at the local beef industry. 

RACE Goulburn is a partnership between Central Queensland University (CQU) and Goulburn Murray LLLEN (GMLLEN).  It pairs industry champions and schools together to create a tailored program for students to explore the exciting world of agricultural work in our Goulburn region. 

Agriculture is the fastest growing industry in Australia and needs: 

• People who are communicators, investigators, entrepreneurs, and problem solvers 
• People who want to get out in the field, into the office, into the lab, and into the classroom. 
• People who want to work with ideas and people who can make these ideas a reality. 
• People who can see the bigger picture and people who delve into the details. 

The overall aim of the RACE Goulburn Excursion is to:

• raise awareness and increase motivation to pursue one of the vast range of careers across the agricultural supply chain,
• build student knowledge of, and increase their aspirations to undertake further education pathways, and
• enhance their life skills (e.g., communication, resilience, problem-solving), by exposing them to potential employers and industry role models

Specifically, this excursion is introducing the students to the beef cattle industry by visiting leading Angus breeders, Lawsons Angus. This is followed by a visit to the Yea Saleyards with Tyson Bush, Area Manager for Nutrien Ag, and then finally looking at Stecher Agricultural Services in Seymour. 

The Food and Fibre Industry School Partnership (FFISP) activity specifically aims to expand students understanding of the knowledge, skills, interests, and outcomes that are associated with work in the agri-food industry, as well as the different study pathways that can be taken to a develop a rewarding agri-food career. The Food and Fibre Industry School Partnership has been funded through the Victorian Government Secondary Schools Agriculture Fund. 

Landcare Garden

On Thursday 3 August more than 60 students, staff, and a local Landcare member participated in establishing our new Landcare Pollinator Garden. Students helped with fencing, planting, and mulching our garden. Included were students from years 7, 8, 9, 10, and inclusive education. Many students had previously never had the opportunity to participate in planting and the impact on the students involved was very positive - some students did not want to leave and were happily putting in plant after plant! Achievements for our project included student engagement, plants in the ground for biodiversity on our school grounds, and a sense of achievement for all involved. Students have also had the opportunity to learn about the role of pollinators in the garden.

This project was funded through the Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grant Program. 

Year 9 Outdoor Ed Hiking Trip

Last Wednesday and Thursday, the Year 9 students embarked on a hiking adventure in the Cathedral Ranges that proved to be both physically demanding and incredibly rewarding. Students encountered steep inclines that challenged their fitness, jagged ridgelines that challenged their balance and confidence, cold overnight temperatures that challenged their resilience, as well as some vehicular issues that tested their patience. Despite the adversity experienced, these young adventurers pushed their limits and supported each other to succeed every step of the way. Overall, they should take a great amount of pride in the way they showcased their determination, teamwork, and strength.