With the conclusion of this year’s HSC exams and the graduation of the 2022 HSC cohort of 4 classes in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, we await to share the joys of their successes at the end of the term. St John’s teachers are currently actively involved in the HSC marking process.

Senior Sciences in Term 4 2022 have a total of 6 senior classes in Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Environment, Physics as well as Extension Science. As such the year 11 (aka new yr12) students have enthusiastically taken on the mantle of our leaders in learning. We also are excited to see the senior sciences swell to incorporate a total of 11 classes at the start of 2023.

BIOLOGY

Biology students have enthusiastically started their HSC year. During their first 5 weeks, students have gained knowledge and understanding of the awe and wonders that are our cells, DNA and the myriad of ways in which organisms can increase their population for survival.

They have modelled the processes of mitosis and meiosis and took to the dissection the onion roots to explore active cell division in new root cells to see the stages of mitosis occurring in nature. They have collaborated with their peers, engaged in Biology tasks and asked a lot of questions. A great start to the course!

Their teachers are already busy planning their incursion early next year when our budding biologists will genetically engineer glow in the dark organisms.

Mr Charlie Coulson-Knight & Mrs Val Lewis

EARTH & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Earth & Environmental Science have started their HSC year with a plethora of different activities. We have had former student Ellen Boardman come in and deliver a talk looking at the diversity of careers and pathways in Environmental Science.

In Week 4 students completed some field work travelling to Ulladulla and Milton to investigate the formation of fossils, the geological history of the South Coast, and some interesting igneous intrusions in their local environment in preparation for their first HSC assessment. All whilst learning about the theories surrounding the creation and development of life on Earth and what drove this development in the classroom.

Mr Tim Chard

CHEMISTRY

Chemistry are progressing well through their first module for the HSC Course. They are currently studying Equilibrium and Acid Reactions.

In this module, students explore the nature of reversible reactions while building upon their knowledge from Year 11 Chemistry. This includes ideas such as enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy as well as various types of chemical reactions. The class have commenced their first HSC assessment task which is a depth study looking at the reversibility of various chemical reactions and the solubility rules.

Mr Jacob Stephenson 

PHYSICS

Physics students are currently working on Advanced Mechanics, developing their understanding of projectile and circular motion which will be applied in the design and build of their medieval siege engine, the trebuchet. Their understanding and working model will form a key component of their depth study assessment.

Mr Craig Holden

EXTENSION SCIENCE

Extension Science students have been working to get research projects up off the ground. The students have been reaching out to scientists and academics in the local community as well as those based in metropolitan universities. It is fantastic to see students passionate about STEM getting the opportunity to take part in real-world scientific research including psychological science, marine biology, medicinal chemistry and ecology. Each of the students is currently drafting a research proposal using the knowledge they have gained through reading multiple scientific journal articles. 

All of the students and Dr Elton enjoyed the Extension Science day at the University of Sydney recently - students had the opportunity to talk to many PhD students as well as an expert panel who answered questions about undertaking research during their HSC year. 

  Dr Tim Elton

Mr Charlie Coulson-Knight

Science Coordinator