Unit 1&2 Biology Werribee Zoo Excursion
Both Maddingley and Woodlea VCE Biology Unit 1&2 students recently participated in an excursion to Werribee Open Range Zoo. This excursion provided an opportunity to investigate structural, physiological and behavioural adaptations of the animals observed and explore bioethical considerations of biological research through fieldwork conducted on the day.
Students investigated ecosystem interdependencies, including the critical role of keystone species, and considered how Aboriginal cultural practices contribute to species conservation through their fieldwork surrounding the Eastern Barred Bandicoot. They also examined the adaptations that enable organisms to survive in challenging environments by identifying theses in the animals at the zoo.
Overall, students from both campuses engaged in a fun filled day applying their classroom learning to real-world contexts within the natural environment. This experience allowed them to explore the practical implications of scientific concepts on ecosystems and biodiversity.
Sarah Thomson – Head of Science (Maddingley)
Maddingley
Year 10 Inspire Program – The Man Cave & Enlighten Education
As part of the Year 10 Inspire Program, our students recently participated in two outstanding wellbeing workshops, The Man Cave for the boys and Enlighten Education for the girls. Both experiences provided valuable opportunities for personal growth, reflection and connection as students continued to develop key life skills and self-awareness.
The Man Cave facilitators delivered a powerful and engaging session that encouraged our boys to reflect on positive masculinity, emotional intelligence and respectful relationships. Through honest discussions and interactive activities, they explored what it means to build confidence, empathy, and authentic connections with others.
Our girls worked with Danni from Enlighten Education, who brought incredible warmth and energy to her presentation. The session focused on empowerment, self-worth, friendships and resilience, inspiring the girls to embrace their individuality and feel confident in who they are.
“Today was amazing: it was such a fun and empowering session! This was definitely one of the best Inspire lesson’s we’ve had. I especially enjoyed the first session where we all had nice things to tell each other and the segment about loving ourselves. I now look to love my body, to spread kindness, to be grateful and a lot more about consent and relationships.”
“The man cave really helped me and my fellow peers learn a valuable lesson of how as men it’s important to talk to people about how we feel and what’s going but we also learned how important it is to take the time to listen to others. In my group they helped create a safe environment free of judging where everyone was able to comfortably talk and give their input on things. I think this experience changed the mindsets of a lot of the boys and also allowed me to see a different side of people who I have known for years. Overall, this workshop had a really positive effect on the way the boys in our year level view men’s mental health and made a change in the way we will approach people if we need help.”
Both sessions were highlights of the Inspire Program, with students praising the openness, relevance, and positive impact of the day. We thank both organisations for their outstanding work in supporting the wellbeing and personal development of our Year 10 cohort.
Tenielle Brown – Deputy Head of Senior School (Maddingley Campus)
Smith Family Donation
On Friday 31 October, Tutor Group 10B held a sausage sizzle to help raise money for the smith family foundation. The Smith family works towards helping young children receive access to a good education across Australia. As a school community, we have raised over $1000 for the Smith Family Foundation. We’d like to thank everyone who contributed to our fundraiser including everyone who helped out on the day, as well as anyone who bought a sausage.
Abbey C – 10B
Jump Rope for the Heart
As part of the Year 10 Service and Leadership program, we in 10D have been working towards raising awareness about Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and The Heart Foundation. CVD is a general term for conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, encompassing heart disease, stroke and other vascular conditions. The Heart Foundation is a non-profit organisation that aims to promote heart health by encouraging balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and routine medical check-ups.
To help achieve this goal, we ran an event called Jump Rope for the Heart, where we challenged students across all three sub-schools to either skip 50 times in a row or for
as long as possible without stopping. These events ran on the 6, 11 and 13 November during lunchtimes and were a huge success. We loved seeing so many students participate (especially those in the Junior School) and having a great time while taking positive action towards positive heart health.
We’d like to thank everyone who participated and encourage everyone to keep up their cardio workouts (maybe go out and buy or borrow a skipping rope)!
10D Students
Year 11 Physics
This term, our Unit 1&2 physics students have taken charge of their own learning by designing and conducting original experiments.
From investigating motion and energy transfer, magnetism and harmonic motion, students have applied scientific inquiry to test their own hypotheses. Every year in our VCE science subjects, students bring science to life through curiosity, experimentation and discovery.
You can see the original ideas and experiments the students have completed in the photos below
Sarah Thomson – Head of Science (Maddingley)
Karl Wild – Teacher
Woodlea
Student Success in ISV Arts Learning Festival Poetry Competition
We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of two of our Year 10 students who were recognised in the Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) Arts Learning Festival 2025 Student Poetry Competition.
Nabihah S (10WA) was selected as a finalist for her poem “The Black Swan”. Her work was featured on the official Arts Learning Festival website and recognised among the finest entries from schools across Victoria. Click here to read her poem.
Arshiya H (10WA) received an Honourable Mention for her beautiful and thoughtful contribution. Click here to access the website.
Congratulations to both Nabihah and Arshiya on their impressive achievements!
Nicole Heywood – Assistant Principal: Head of Senior School (Woodlea)
Gel Electrophoresis Experiment
This week, our Science lab transformed into a symphony of colour, curiosity and amazement. We didn’t just run an experiment, we watched science come alive. In our practical on “Restriction Digestion and Analysis of Lambda DNA (Gel Electrophoresis)”, we explored one of biology’s most fascinating techniques, gel electrophoresis. Instead of using actual DNA, we used vividly coloured dyes to represent DNA fragments, allowing us to see how molecules move and separate.
Firstly, gel electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate molecules, usually DNA, RNA, or proteins, based on their size and electrical charge. The word “electrophoresis” means “to carry with electricity.” Here’s how it works: scientists place samples (like DNA fragments which have been multiplied through PCR) into small wells in a gel made from agarose. When an electric current is applied, the molecules move through the gel, smaller fragments travel faster and farther, while larger fragments move more slowly. Because DNA has a negative charge, it moves towards the positive end of the gel. After a set amount of time, the molecules separate into distinct bands, which can then be seen using special dyes or UV light. Each band represents fragments of different sizes, like a molecular barcode that tells scientists about the structure of the DNA sample.
To begin with, as we prepared our gels, the classroom buzzed with excitement. Carefully, we pipetted tiny droplets of either red, blue, green, and pink dye into the wells, each colour symbolising a different DNA sample. Each group only had one colour of dye, and we used multiple trials of that dye to see if our experiment was controlled and fair. When we switched on the electrophoresis chamber, an invisible force, electricity, came to life. Slowly, our colourful samples began to drift through the gel, each group’s hue taking its own unique path. Some dyes raced quickly toward the opposite end, while others lingered behind, their movements reflecting the differences in molecular size and charge. It was as if each colour had its own personality, dancing across the gel. Our school’s theme, Joy, resonated through every step of this experiment. We found joy in collaboration, helping each other steady the pipette and share ideas. We found joy in patience, waiting and watching as colours migrated through the gel. And most of all, we found joy in understanding how even the smallest fragments can create something extraordinary when viewed with curiosity and imagination. By the end, our gels displayed our split fragments, symbolising both scientific achievement and human creativity. What began as a lesson in restriction digestion became something far more meaningful. Science can be serious, but it can also be playful, expressive, and joyful.
Here are some student quotes:
“I really enjoyed this gel electrophoresis practical especially after learning about it for a while and finding the topic so interesting. Knowing the concepts behind separating DNA fragments for purposes like paternity testing and forensic science, has been really fun to learn with my peers.” – Aqsa A 9WB
“I enjoyed looking at how the gel electrophoresis processes worked and how the ink spread through the agar and I learnt how to inject the ink into the machine.” – Bhavya S 9WC
Twisha M – 9WD
