Year 11
Year 11 Da Vinci Decathlon
Congratulations to our incredible Year 11s who came 3rd overall in the Da Vinci Decathlon this year. To win subject prizes is a major feat, but an overall placing is a stellar result that attests to the academic rigour and critical thinking of these students. Their accolades also include 2nd prize in Code Breaking, 2nd in Ideation, and 3rd in Cartography. Hugo Baird, Jesse Forrest, Lachlan Green, Krishna Gupta, Katherine Lam, Liam Petersen, Emma Wong, and Sophie Yu have produced one of the best results the school has ever had in this highly challenging and prestigious competition. They were also leaders in weekly coaching and mentoring sessions, going above and beyond the requirements of the IB CAS (Creativity, Activity, and Service) Experience to teach higher order skills to younger members of the team, sharing expertise and strategies on how to develop excellent responses under time pressure. I look forward to reporting the full report on their results upon their release later in the term.
Service Trip to Cambodia
Students accepted onto the Cambodia trip have been nominating preferences for their groupings. If there are any families who are yet to register on the Infuse website via the link sent by Mr Gray this should be done as soon as possible to confirm the place.
Shortly Mr Gray will be reaching out to the group to check-in about fundraising which can be started right away. The pre-learning program will also start soon, which will help students understand why M’Lop Tapang is an important cause for us, and help prepare students for their experience.
Year 11 HSC Earth and Environmental Sciences and IB Environmental Systems and Societies Excursion
On Tuesday the Year 11 HSC Earth and Environmental Sciences and IB Environmental Systems and Societies students participated in a day long excursion to Bantry Bay to gain hands on experience in ecological sampling techniques and discussing the Human impact on ecosystem resources and dynamics. The day started with a observing geological maps of Sydney Basin and discussing the changes. Students then got their hands dirty collecting soil samples to determine acidity, texture and the composition. After a quick recess student then trailed into the native bushland to conduct a transect and quadrat sample identifying the changes in native and exotic flora whilst relating this to proximity to the urban street line. The day was finished with a water quality and pollution analysis of two creeks where students measured; pH, conductivity, turbidity and conducted a macroinvertebrate capture to use as a biological index to determine the pollution level between the samples. Students enjoyed the sunshine and getting up close and personal with some leeches. The day provided a great experience into how data is collected in real life ecosystems.
Year 11 HSC Geography Excursion
On Monday Year 11 HSC Geography Students investigated Circular Quay as an urban environment as part of the new HSC Geography Investigation. We were very lucky with the weather and students had the chance to explore the social, economic and environmental sustainability of our local city. We are so lucky to live in such a great place!
Ms Lisa Vale
Yr 11 Advisor
9968 9837
lvale@redlands.nsw.edu.au