Out and About

Year 8 Geography Students Investigate Karrawirra Parri

This term, our Year 8 Geography students stepped out of the classroom and onto the banks of Karrawirra Parri (River Torrens), the river at the heart of Kaurna Country. The excursion gave students an authentic, real-world opportunity to work as geographers, gathering data and investigating the health of the river.

Working in small groups, students tested water quality, recorded observations of vegetation and wildlife, and documented signs of human impact along the river corridor. This year's fieldwork was particularly significant. Heavy winter rainfall washed large amounts of water along the river, and students observed a noticeable build-up of plastic, debris and algae as the river flows towards the city.

Back in the classroom, students will analyse their findings and draw conclusions on the health of the river and the management of this vital water resource. Thank you to the staff who supported this valuable learning experience.

Lucy Higgins

Geography Teacher

Year 9 Biomes Fieldwork 

This semester’s two Year 9 Geography classes had an 'egg-stra' special opportunity on their fieldwork excursion to the Adelaide Zoo in Week 3. 

They were able to see Adelaide Zoo’s very own Cassowary eggs! It’s been 34 years since eggs have been laid at the zoo, and the eggs are a spectacular bright green and the size of a small football.

Our classes were busy working in groups to collect data on a variety of different biomes that are represented at the Zoo including deserts, rainforests, savannah and temperate forests. And apart from the Cassowary, they also had the opportunity to observe other animals that are found in these biomes. Different data collection techniques were used to allow students to analyse the environments represented in the different biomes. 

Back in the classroom, students compared and analysed the data they collected, to draw conclusions about the biome displays and different data collection methods. Fieldwork is such a great way for students to learn outside the classroom!

Judi Schmidt

Geography Coordinator

Year 10 Geography visit to Yookamurra Wildlife Sanctuary

On Monday, 2 November, our Year 10 Geography class made the beautiful drive up to the Mallee for a day at Yookamurra Wildlife Sanctuary, where ecologists from the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) ran our program.

This term our class has been studying Environmental Change and Management, focusing on the effect invasive species have on our native populations, particularly the damage feral cats cause to Australian ecosystems. This excursion added a fieldwork component to our learning and let us explore this impact even further.

We began with a guided walk, learning about the Mallee ecosystem, its mallee trees and native plants. This included the surprising biodiversity hidden in an otherwise arid environment. We met a barking gecko along the way, although most other animals were fast asleep or hiding very carefully. 

We hoped to spot a numbat but had no luck this time. The students then took part in a mock fieldwork investigation based on real survey methods. Working in quadrats, they searched the ground for scat (animal poo!). 

Back at base, the students identified the animal responsible based on observations regarding diet, shape and size. Using the frequency of each type of scat, the students estimated the population sizes for species including bettongs, numbats, echidnas and bilbies. The scat was gross, but the data from our investigation was genuinely interesting and an example of the real work being done to survey and protect these endearing endemic animals.

The ecologists also explained the constant work involved in maintaining the sanctuary’s predator-proof fence. There has not been a single incursion since AWC purchased the site in 2002. We also learnt about their other management practices, including reintroducing species, monitoring populations and education, which link directly to our current unit.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the day and recognised how much they gained from learning outside the classroom.

Mitchell Wells

Acting Head of HASS

Katherine Obst Public Speaking Competition

In Week 4, we were lucky enough to attend the Katherine Obst Year 8 Public Speaking Competition. Over the course of two weeks we spent lunchtimes with Mr Bonini, picking our topics, planning what to say, rehearsing and polishing up our speeches to get ready to present at Encounter Lutheran College. 

We drove to Victor Harbour, viewing the beautiful flora and fauna of our surroundings during the ride there. It was a long journey and as we arrived, we were welcomed by the lovely hosts at Encounter Lutheran College. 

We had a lovely time being able to walk around the college and even befriending some other students that were participating as everyone was friendly and welcoming. We listened to speeches from the participants. Lavanya’s topic was 'Living in the Moment', and she performed a speech about making the most of high school memories. She was confident and represented Endeavour well. Charlotte performed her speech about 'I Wish', speaking about wanting more recognition for teens’ mental health. 

Charlotte was expressive, confident and truly made a positive impact on the audience. Although Immanuel College won the competition this year, this was a great experience that helped build our confidence, public speaking skills, and got us out of our comfort zones.

Anthony Bonini

Debating Coordinator