Senior School

BTA excursion to LaTrobe University, Bendigo Science department.

The Year 11 Chemistry class made their way to LaTrobe University, Bendigo Campus along with students from Shepparton High School and Numurkah Secondary College.

We split up into small groups and toured the campus where we had a sneak peek at the new library and student centre which will be a wonderful space to work and chill out. Then a talk about life on campus and the different pathways students take to get into their desired course. Students then split into two groups. The first group performed an analysis of detergent levels in water using colorimetry.  After a quick lunch back to the lab to analyse water samples using a spectrophotometer fitted with a hollow calcium cathode lamp. Hemang brought along a water sample from his water tank to analyse. 

Lastly, a lesson on how HPLC works. Then back through the University, for the return trip home. Oh, and we certainly had our exercise quota for the day, walking up and down hills and climbing stairs.

A most informative and enjoyable day was had by all.

 

Two of our Year 11 chemistry students distilling the solution from the separating funnel before the final colorimetric analysis.
Two of our Year 11 chemistry students distilling the solution from the separating funnel before the final colorimetric analysis.

 

Miss  Raelene Panter

Year 11 Chemistry

Blood Donation

On Friday 7th September, Year 12 VCAL students participated in an excursion to the Shepparton Blood Bank where they  donated blood or plasma for the first time.

 

The experience was interesting and a little daunting at first but the nurses at the blood bank were kind and patient and explained step by step the process of what was going to happen and why as well as what would happen with their blood/plasma.

 

The time spent at the Blood Bank for the group was about 2 hours as those donating Plasma was a longer process due to the blood being taken out for the plasma and then returned.

 

Donating plasma can be used for cancer, blood disease, anaemia, heart disease, stomach disease, trauma, burns and childbirth.

Students received a text later the following week stating how many people their contribution had saved.

 

Georgie Schofield

VCAL Coordinator