Five students at Armidale’s O’Connor Catholic College are among the first in the state to take a brand new HSC science extension course.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“We’re really excited,” principal Regina Menz said. “We’ve got a really great group of students.”
The course offers budding scientists the chance to research an area of personal interest, working with mentors from universities or even private companies.
READ ALSO:
“They get to work like real scientists," Ms Menz said. “That will give these students an opportunity to see how science solves real world problems.”
They could, for instance, investigate the effect of global warming on the Great Barrier Reef.
Nick Andrews wants to work in physics and aeronautics; Harrison Stewart is keen on both chemistry and physics; Laura di Luzio is intrigued by chemistry; Mitchell Jones is interested in medicine; and Sebastian Battersby in robotics.
Science teachers Daniel Fittler and Lily Moar will be working with the students.
“These guys will be able to look at any cutting-edge research areas, and help to identify trends that might be missed, and might be unseen,” Mr Fittler said. “They’ll give an extra workforce to that area as well. They’re all chomping at the bit to get involved!”
“This is the first opportunity they’ve had to choose the entire direction of a course,” Ms Moar said. “They can pick anything – which is exciting, and a little bit daunting for them!”
The science extension courses will join existing extension courses for English, history, mathematics, and music.