Year 11 HSIE and Science Excursion

A group of Year 11 students from St Paul’s College studying Modern History, Business Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth & Environmental Science attended an excursion in Sydney last week to deepen their understanding of their chosen subjects and to engage in real world learning opportunities.

On the first day of the trip the students visited Taronga Zoo. The Biology students attended an Animal Encounter experience which was very informative about the origins and adaptations of a variety of birds, mammals and reptiles. Students were in an immersive enclosure where the animals were free to roam amongst the students. The Business Studies students focused particularly on how Taronga Zoo markets itself to the public using the tiger exhibit as an example of how the enclosure is designed as an Indonesian village to recreate authenticity of their living environment and make it appealing to visitors.

During the trip, the Science students visited Australia's Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) which is the home of Australia’s most significant landmark and national infrastructure for research. Students attended a lecture specific to either Chemistry/Physics or Earth & Environmental Science and Biology, where they learnt about the Science behind nuclear physics and some of the work that ANSTO is currently carrying out to improve human health, environmental pollutants, paleontology and past events. The students spent two hours touring the facilities with a guide and were able to speak to a young scientist running core samples through an x-ray fluorescence machine and could see the data generated from this process.

The Business Studies students visited the Sydney Cricket Ground which enhanced their knowledge of operations, marketing and human resources at the SCG. On the last day of the trip they visited Parliament House to see how our laws are made in NSW and how they impact business activity in our state. This was a great opportunity for the students to gain an insight into the realities of our business environment and how it operates.

The science students visited the Royal Botanic Garden to experience the huge biological diversity represented by the gardens plants and themed areas. The last venue for the Science students was the Australian Museum which showcases our natural and cultural history. Apart from the standard exhibits a favourite of the students this time was the special exhibition from the 2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year National Geographic Competition.

Thanks to Ms Kerri Dakin, Ms Rayleigh Keith, Mr Brendan Goswell, Mr Doug Gately and Mr Peter Pitt for accompanying the students.