In and around the classroom

Psychology Zoo Excursion 

On Thursday the 13th of October, Unit 2 Psychology students went to the zoo to study animal behaviour and analyse ethical principles in caring for captive animals.  

As part of our psychology coursework we participated in the educational program run by the zoo. The first part of the program revolved around data collection. We looked at the difference between qualitative and quantitative data and collected data on elephant behaviour. The elephants were quite active and demonstrated a variety of different behaviours. The second part of the program involved us exploring the concepts of psychology research ethics on animals. We headed back to the learning centre from the elephant enclosure and participated in the workshop about ethical research on animals.  

The presenter took us through an ethics definition activity. The activity had a record completion speed of 40 seconds, achieved by groups from other schools. We broke up into groups of four and raced to complete the task. Three Homestead teams were able to smash that record and complete the task in 38 seconds! The presenter was very impressed with our ability to understand and apply ethical principles to research. 

Due to rainy weather, there was almost no one other than Homestead students at the zoo, which meant the zoo was all ours to wander around after the educational program. We toured the different enclosures looking at the baby hippos, reptiles, monkeys, lemurs, baboons, butterflies, fish, giraffes, zebras and more. Despite the gloomy and sometimes wet weather we had a great day. 

2022 Tax, Super & You Competition

Achan Achuil, Sienna Mione, Mark Sapolu, Sayem Bin Umer and Kiran Raza from Year 10 entered the 2022 Tax, Super & You competition as part of their Area of Study One

Business Management studies. The competition required students to creatively put together information in a creative way to communicate it to people their age. 

They have received praise from Hoa Wood – Deputy Tax Commissioner, sent certificates and acknowledged their excellent efforts. Well done!

-Bec Collins