A Year 8 Physics inquiry has been enhanced by collaboration with Year 12 Science students, says former Preparatory School Senior Syndicate Leader and Deputy Principal, David Farmer.

“Our Year 8 students have been motivated and fully engaged while working with the Year 12 students, who have demonstrated their focus on the essence of Science and investigation, while acting as role models and mentors. The collaboration has maintained the students’ interest, avoided repetition and delivered essential learning.”

Science lessons for Year 8 students are held once or twice a week, covering key areas such as understanding, communicating, investigating, participating and contributing.

The focus of the recent Physics inquiry has seen the students engaged in a series of experiences discovering the nature of force, including measuring forces, making and testing parachutes and refining rocket launches.

“Much of the experimentation has involved the identification and control of variables which is a key element of scientific investigation. This has been further reinforced by the involvement of the Year 12 students, who have contributed so many additional insights.”

David says Sarah Bishop, who will be Year 9 Dean in 2018, and Secondary School Science Teacher Santhia Hamburg were instrumental in writing the inquiry programme and guiding Year 8 staff in its detail.

The Preparatory and Secondary teachers also met to discuss the domains and learning, plan a programme of work, and refine its content over multiple lessons.

“Brent Cummack, Head of Science in the Secondary School has been very encouraging of the collaboration with the Senior students. The initiative benefits Science in the Secondary School as well, by having students with a body of knowledge and the practical skills to act as mentors to other students, including those joining the College next year in Year 9.”

Previous Science collaborations between Preparatory and Secondary students have included inquiries into the Olympics and the Rugby World Cup.

“One of the aims of the programme is to streamline the curriculum and make it more meaningful for students in both year groups. Another positive outcome has been the motivation of the Year 8 students towards further scientific pursuit both in the Secondary School, and as a potential career option.”

‘‘The collaboration has maintained the students’ interest, avoided repetition and delivered essential learning.’’
David Farmer
Former Preparatory School Senior Syndicate Leader and Deputy Principal