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spring 2016
Hands onWorkshops
Scientist in Schools Workshop
In Semester 1 the students in Year 9/10 Psychology had the opportunity to work with
a Forensic Scientist through the Scientist in Schools programme. The programme
works to bring scientists into the classroom and make real world connections with the
students’ learning. One of the scientist we are in partnership with is Stephanie Oliver.
Stephanie has a Bachelor of Science in physics from the University of Melbourne and
has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Forensic Science (crime scene examination).
In the session the girls explored a crime scene scenario and learnt about the use of
blood splatter analysis within criminology. After working through the scenario the girls
were involved in a hands on activity to examine blood splatter patterns and determine
blood splatter trajectory.
Ms Jacinta Greer,
Psychology and Science teacher
A Blood Splatter!
Throughout the length of Semester 1, Ms Greer’s Year 9/10 Psychology class was
captivated by the vast diversity and complexity of the fields that reside within
Psychology, as we explored the study of behaviour and the mind. The field that most
intrigued us was Forensic Psychology, which involves applying psychological concepts
to a court of law. Due to popular crime television shows, such as
CSI: Crime Scene
Investigation,
an exaggerated portrayal of forensic science has influenced many false
public preconceptions, known as the CSI Effect. The Scientist in Schools Programme
allowed the class to relate theories taught in the classroom to real world connections.
Partnering with Forensic Scientist Stephanie Oliver, we were exposed to the genuine
work of crime scene analysis, through scenarios and blood splatter evaluation within
criminology. With her experience and expertise Stephanie was able to provide insight
and greatly assisted us in outlining the necessary pathways into a career in Forensic
Psychology. Only so much can be learnt through our eyes and ears, so the Year 9/10
girls participated in a hands-on activity, which involved examining blood spatter
patterns and used specific calculations to determine an impact trajectory. The
opportunity the Scientist in Schools programme provides for students to experience
realistic field practice, creates a more thorough comprehension of the researched field
of psychology, significantly assisting in later studies and examinations.
Hayley Do,
Year 9
Principal’s Interview by Year 12
The VCE 3/4 Business Management classes were delighted to welcome Ms Linda Douglas as a special guest earlier
in the year. The students were investigating Area of Study 2: Internal Environment of Large Scale Organisations and
discussed the key management roles of Planning, Organising, Leading and Controlling. Business Management
becomes more realistic when students make connections between theory and practice. The opportunity to hear
fromMs Douglas in her capacity as Principal provided the students with a compelling insight into the demands
of leading an independent school. A central theme of Ms Douglas’ talk was the notion of responsibility. Whilst
Ruyton has a Board, which sets the direction for the School, the Principal is the person presenting as the public face
of the School.
‘… to be able to listen to the thoughts of a leader and manager from our own environment at Ruyton provided
the students with a valuable and unique perspective. The students and I were very grateful that Ms Douglas was
so generous with her time … especially since we can appreciate how valuable it is.’
Mr Chris Moloney,
VCE Business Management teacher
What
does
our Principal do?
Having Ms Douglas attend our Business
Management class benefitted us, as we were able
to hear from an actual leader about her role and
the responsibilities required in this position.
Ms Douglas was very willing to engage with the
class and Mr Moloney, answering all our questions
frankly, on topics relating to business
management, as well as outlining her past
sporting achievements.
As a class we would like to thank Ms Douglas for
taking time out of her busy schedule to discuss her
role openly with us and, as a result, enable us to
further our knowledge about management styles
and management roles.
Ellie Koulis,
Year 12