These Term 3 experiences continue to enrich the curriculum and nurture the curiosity and critical thinking skills that will prepare our students for future success.
Term 3 has been full of engaging learning experiences across the Senior School at PCACS, with students at all year levels developing the attributes and skills needed to flourish amid challenge and change. By providing opportunities that build key competencies aligned with each student’s strengths, we aim to equip all our learners for success.
The following highlights from the Mathematics and Science departments demonstrate the power of experiential learning in the Senior School. Whether through national competitions, innovative technology, or real world science, PCACS students are cultivating critical thinking, collaboration, and a deep appreciation for the subjects that connect them as global citizens.
Science in Action
Year 8 Science: Boat Races and Buoyancy
In a fun and creative project, Year 8 Science students put their understanding of energy and forces to the test by designing and racing boats made from recycled milk cartons, kindly collected from Carnley Cuppa’s. This hands on activity brought physics concepts to life and highlighted the practical application of classroom learning. Students also explored sustainability, with recycling playing an integral role in the project.
Year 11 General Human Biology: The Body in Motion
Year 11 Human Biology students investigated how the body responds to physical activity by measuring and analysing changes in heart rate after exercise. This practical experiment helped deepen their understanding of body systems while reinforcing key curriculum content.
Year 11 ATAR Biology: Fieldwork with Purpose
As part of their ATAR studies, Year 11 Biology students visited Bold Park to participate in a citizen science project focused on land restoration. Taking on the role of ecologists, they conducted environmental monitoring and contributed to meaningful scientific research, gaining valuable fieldwork and data collection experience.
Year 12 ATAR Chemistry: A Glimpse into Biotechnology
Year 12 Chemistry students visited the Harry Perkins Research Institute, where they were introduced to advanced biotechnology techniques. They explored bacterial protein research and learned about real world applications of chemistry in medical science, gaining insight into the future of scientific discovery.
Mathematics: Success and Innovation
Voyager Students Shine in National Maths Competition
Mathematics students from the Voyager programme recently demonstrated their skills on a national stage through the Australian Maths Competition. Out of 122 PCACS participants, four students earned High Distinction award placing them in the top 3% of students nationwide. Congratulations to:
Ogechi Isidienu (Year 7)
Bhagya Bhavsar (Year 8)
Hussain Khair Allah (Year 11)
Ranjaya Rupasinghe (Year 11)
This outstanding achievement reflects the dedication of both students and staff and highlights the strength of the mathematics programme at PCACS.
Years 7 to 8: Learning with Instructive WA
Meanwhile, students in Years 7 and 8 have been engaging with the Instructive WA online platform to support their mathematics learning. This digital tool has significantly increased student engagement and facilitated more meaningful conversations between teachers, students, and parents about growth and academic progress.
These Term 3 experiences continue to enrich the curriculum and nurture the curiosity and critical thinking skills that will prepare our students for future success.
As Term 3 ends next week I wish all students and families a blessed holiday.
Rachel Shotch
Head of Senior School