YEAR 10-12 NEWS

Year 10

Year 10 & 11 GTAC Excursion

Year 10 and 11 students Biology at GTAC (University High School) last Wednesday in Melbourne. Students were learning about PCR modelling and DNA electrophoresis in a DNA Barcoding experiment. Students isolated DNA from a nematode parasite and host animal and through using detergent, enzymes and heat (lysis) of cells. Then applied PCR to amplify the DNA and then gel electrophoresis to separate the DNA into sizes of PCR fragments against a DNA ladder. Collect data to identify species & provide evidence for evolution.

Students were using micropipetes, PCR and centrifuge and fluorescent electrophoresis equipment in a real world science experiment linked with current PhD students from University of Melbourne.

Year 11

Year 11 Science Excursion

Students used ELISA techniques to test the effectiveness of negative feedback temperature regulation in producing thyroxine in two different sports persons exposed to cold temperature over time.

Photos sent in a separate email.

Year 12

Congratulations to all our year 12’s for finishing their secondary schooling!

A big thank-you must go out to all the families who supported their children through a year that may have included a myriad of emotions, hard work and sleepless nights (and relief after the final task/exam was completed). 

Thanks should also go out to the staff at WHC for their commitment to the students in the Academy, VM, VCE, Admin and Welfare teams. I am sure that the students will have long lasting memories of the time spent with you.

As the year 12 LCL, I know I will miss the conversations, the jokes, laughs and the sometimes serious conversations we have had over the journey. 

Just a quick reminder that the Graduation is Thursday 16th.  A professional photographer will be there from 5:00 to 5:30 for family and individual photos. Students are requested to begin arriving Skilled Stadium at 4:45 to ensure photos are finished prior to the ceremony beginning.

Brett Bullock, Year 12 LCL

VCE-VM / VPC

Austin’s Wines

As part of the Work-Related Skills Program, the Senior VCAL students partnered with Austin’s Wines to identify issues that impact the winery. Students learnt about the business touring the venue and helping bottle wine. Once students became familiar with Austin’s Wines, they identified the potential problems that the 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 Alex, the head wine maker at Austin’s Wines.  Most students identified Indian Myna birds as the largest issue in the winery as they destroy 5% of the grape crop each year. Students created scarecrows, hanging reflection mobiles and perches to introduce predators such as hawks to combat the issue. 

BBQ Fundraiser

As part of PDS Unit 2, the Year 11 students researched and identified issues impacting the local Community. Students voted on the issue of Homelessness that they would like to help raise awareness of. Students planned a school BBQ, writing letters to local businesses and collecting donations of BBQ supplies. Students made posters that identified the statistics of homelessness in Geelong and stated places that one experiencing hardship can go. Students independently ran the BBQ at lunchtime, raising approximately $550 for The Geelong Food Relief Centre. 

YEAR 12 PDS Projects

As part of the Personal Development Skills Unit this semester, the Senior VCAL students were required to plan, complete, evaluate and link with an external organisation to make an impact on an environmental, cultural, or social issue. 

All students developed amazing projects such as:

• Blanket and jacket drive for The Salvation Army Red Doors Program
• Canned food drive for The Geelong Food Relief Centre
• Letters written to the Wyndham City Council requesting truck to be banned from school zones
• Letters written to Parks Victoria about the rabbit population at the You Yang’s
• Gluten free – freezer meals for the homeless
• Brochures developed for bullying in schools
• Year 12 Celebration Day organisation promoting mental health in teenagers