Building Futures - Merici College

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A RoomNew Ways& AforWriterKnowledgePursuing Relevant,Meaningful andAppropriate CurriculumAs the Science staff work at Mericithis year to incorporate the AustralianCurriculum into Years 7 and 9 aspart of Phase 1 of the integrationprocess, we are reminded that one ofthe key points of the College’s ownPrinciples of Powerful Learning is‘pursuing relevant, meaningful andappropriate curriculum’.The Shape of the AustralianCurriculum: Science outlined the aimsof the science curriculum to“Foster an interest and a curiosity andwillingness to speculate about and explorethe world. Students should be able toengage in communication of and aboutscience, value evidence and scepticism,and question scientific claims made byothers. They should be able to identifyand investigate scientific questions, drawevidence-based conclusions and makeinformed decisions about their ownhealth and wellbeing. Science is a humanendeavour that students should learn toappreciate and apply in their daily life.”(ACARA, 2009, p5)Recently in a speech, The President ofthe United States Barack Obama said“Over the next ten years, nearly half ofUp Coming Events in Scienceall jobs will require education beyondhigh school, many requiring proficiencyin math and science….if we want to winthe global competition for new jobs andindustries we’ve got to win the globalcompetition to educate our people.”(Obama 2011)Although Barack Obama spoke thesewords in reference to his own country,his comment is just as pertinent toeducators in Australia today.A report prepared for the Office of theChief Scientist into ‘The Status andQuality of Year 11 and 12 Science inAustralian Schools’, posed the question:‘Are we content that only half of oursenior secondary students are studyingscience?’ It also stated that nationallythe percentage of students enrolledin Biology, Physics and Chemistry isgradually falling.This information poses a challenge forall science teachers. How do we engageour students in learning so that theyunderstand science and are able to applythe concepts in a general sense but alsomeet the needs of students who wish topursue a scientific career in the future?The Australian Curriculum: Sciencewhich is organised into 3 strandsendeavours to address these issues.Colloquially known as the 3 sisters, thestrands are: Science for UnderstandingDateOfficial handover of the Merici Glasshouse End of Term 1Merici Science Series – Dr Russell BarrowPhysics Excursion Senior StudentsMerici Science Series – Dr Asaph Widmer-CooperRio Tinto Big Science CompetitionICAS Science CompetitionNobel Laureate Professor Elizabeth Blackburn LectureYear 8 Brain Day2nd May4th May21st May23rd May6th June21st June27th JuneThe next generation of Scientists at work.“Over the next ten years,nearly half of all jobs willrequire education beyondhigh school, many requiringproficiency in math andscience….if we want to winthe global competition fornew jobs and industrieswe’ve got to win the globalcompetition to educate ourpeople.”(Obama 2011)(SU), Science Investigative Skills (SIS)and Science as a Human Endeavour(SHE). While the first two strands aimto develop knowledge and skills, it isthe last strand that strives to providerelevance and meaning for the studentsin their study of science.These Science strands, combinedwith the cross curriculum priorities ofSustainability, Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander histories and cultures,as well Australia’s engagement withAsia, means that Merici is well poisedto offer a learning environment to ourstudents that aligns with the AustralianCurriculum. It includes dynamicand quality assessment and providesexperiences for the students that enablethem to see science as a lifelonghuman endeavour.Joanne AboudScience Coordinator8
New WaysAforRoomKnowledge& A WriterC1 and C2 Flexible Learning Space andthe Teaching of GeographyThis semester, three Geography classes are located in thenew flexible learning space, where the canteen was previouslylocated. This space facilitates individual, small group and largegroup activities. For example, in preparing for the Year 9 fieldtrip to Kosciuszko National Park we will use this flexible spaceto introduce the field trip to the classes. The Interactive WhiteBoard and the flexible layout of the room will enable studentsto complete different tasks at a variety of stations. Eachstudent will then complete individual research on the fragilenature of the national park.C1 and C2 new flexible teaching space.The flexible nature of the learning space is conducive tocollaborative teaching and learning. It allows an exchange ofideas between students and between students and staff. Theopportunity to work collaboratively with fellow staff allowsteachers to plan, teach and reflect together on the best wayto use this space productively, whilst enhancing the learningopportunities of each student. The placement of computersaround the space allows the smooth integration of ICT intoeveryday activities.In its broadest sense, Geography enables an education forlife and helps us all to be informed, responsible citizens andmore socially and environmentally sensitive. The use of thisflexible space allows for a variety of teaching styles and its easyconnection to the indigenous garden and outdoor areas of theCollege further enhance this area of learning.C1 and C2 new flexible teaching space.Mrs Curran and Mrs RichardsonVisiting JournalistClaire Low with Writers’ Club Members.Canberra Times journalist, Claire Low, was a welcomevisitor to the Merici College Writers’ Club on February 28.Claire fielded a wide range of questions about her work as ajournalist and about her favourite novels. Not surprisingly,club members found they had many interests in commonwith Claire, including an aspiration to publish a novel. Clairewas very encouraging and provided useful writing tips,recommending Stephen King’s book, On Writing: A Memoirof the Craft, as a source of valuable ideas to improve ourwriting. Claire’s wide ranging conversation, along with anexcellent chocolate cake provided by a club member, made fora very enjoyable meeting. Samara Carroll made the originalsuggestion to contact Claire and we would like to thank herfor this inspiration.The Writers’ Club meets each Tuesday in Room 112 and theformat alternates between a formal meeting where one ofthe club members takes the chair, and an informal meetingwhere students bring their own work and continue withtheir creative writing. A teacher is present and available toassist students with free writing or other assessment tasks. Allstudents are welcome to attend.Janell JonesWriters’ Club Facilitator9
Page 7: Swimming CarnivalAround the World,
Page 11 and 12: Year 11 ConferenceYear 11 Conferenc
Page 13 and 14: Year 7 CampYear 7 CampWednesday mor
Page 15 and 16: Foreign ConnectionsEuropeMerici Fam

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