The Science Programme at Ruyton has once again provided opportunities for students to develop their science knowledge and skill through a stimulating, relevant and hands on Curriculum. The key to student success in science is engagement, and this is achieved by ensuring that every science class includes a range of learning activities which cater for the various ways in which our students learn best. Such a programme focusses on fostering science inquiry and literacy, along with the establishment of a solid knowledge base, supporting deep learning rather than shallow exposure to a wide range of facts.
As we begin to revise our programmes to meet the requirements of the Australian Curriculum over the next two years, retaining the features which inspire and engage our students so successfully will be of key importance.
Year 12 Biology
Year 12 Biology students undertook a workshop with stem cell researcher Dr Nao Kobayashi, who is a Senior Research Officer and Team Leader of Neuroregeneration at the O’Brien Institute in Melbourne. Prior to joining the O’Brien Institute, Dr Kobayahsi was a Research Scientist in the Stem Cell Disease Models Group, Institute of Medical Biology, A-STAR, Singapore and has also worked in Japan and Canada.
Scientists In Schools Programme
This year we were delighted to be partnered with Dr Ellen Menkhorst through the CSIRO’s Scientists In Schools Programme. Dr Menkhorst is a post-doctoral scientist at Prince Henry’s Institute, located at Monash Medical Centre. Dr Menkhorst is currently working in reproductive medicine but has a background in Zoology.
In this Year of Biodiversity, we were able to offer the opportunity to a group of students in Years 7 and 8 to work with Dr Menkhorst on a small research project based around this theme. Students had input in the design of the project and the collection and analysis of data.
It was a pleasure to be able to welcome Dr Menkhorst to our Science Week Assembly during August, where she shared with Senior School students her passion for science, the collaborative nature of her work, and the wonderful learning and travel opportunities inherent in a science career. One senior (non science) staff member commented afterwards; 'I have never wanted to be a scientist until today'. At this Assembly the students who were working with Dr Menkhorst also presented the work they had undertaken so far.