Junior Students at PLC Sydney get hands-on STEM education
Her little hand tickles as the creature tentatively dances across her palms. This term they’re learning about invertebrates, so her science class is held in the purpose built geodesic dome, to give students a hands-on experience to their learnings. This is just one of the many opportunities students at Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Sydney have to foster a love of inquiry and learning in STEM during their Junior years.
Principal Dr Paul Burgis says by having world-class STEM facilities and enrichment opportunities at their fingertips, girls are excited and inspired to ‘have a go’. “We have dedicated Junior science labs and specialist teachers, meaning that the girls are making real-world connections and learning from the best,” Dr Burgis said. “Our STEM teachers are top scientists in their fields - currently we have two scientists in residence. One of them being a nuclear physicist who invented the laser that split the atom.”
In the past four years, PLC Sydney has also won more Young Science Awards than any other school in the state, and have had a number of girls win places on the Australian Science Team. The College also won first place in the prestigious Eureka Awards for Science Research
Excellence and reach are two highly regarded values at PLC Sydney and underpins every activity and initiative within the College. Excellence to strive to be the best in your field through confidence and commitment; and reach, in that every student is valued and is given the opportunity to find their talent and excel at it.
“Our girls have the opportunity to go and present their science projects overseas at international conferences. They end up winning awards from companies like BHP, and get to work in the USA.”
If this isn’t inspiration enough, the current Vice Captain of PLC Sydney, Angie Rofail was profiled by the CSIRO and shortlisted for the BHP Foundation Science and Engineering Awards, for her work in Biomimicry, where she analysed how crocodile scales might be used to help make buildings more safe and sturdy. “When I found out I’d been named as an awards finalist, I was so happy. I’m lucky to go to a school where teachers are supportive and older students have been such amazing role models,” Angela said. “My advice is to follow your passion, look for people who can give you help and advice. And never give up.”
While the College is renowned for its academic excellence, particularly in STEM, it’s perhaps the hands-on learning that really excites the students.
Junior students have relished being a part of the 1 Million Turtles Community Conservation Program, an initiative by UNSW aimed at protecting and hatching vulnerable turtle eggs and putting them back into the wild. PLC Sydney, has been a proud participant in the program with a dedicated Turtle Hatchery in the school and an impressive safe release rate into Parramatta River.
With native beehives and beautiful landscaped gardens, the open and welcoming tone is set from the moment you enter the College grounds. And it’s a feeling paralleled by the people.
Excellence and reach are two highly regarded values at PLC Sydney and underpins every activity and initiative within the College. Excellence to strive to be the best in your field through confidence and commitment; and reach, in that every student is valued and is given the opportunity to find their talent and excel at it.
And while facilities, teachers, community and endless opportunities remain high on the list of “best things about PLC Sydney”, taking a holistic approach to each students’ development as a good human, is something that Dr Burgis is particularly proud of. “We are enabling our girls to be the best human they can be. We’re teaching them the skills and lessons they need, not for pretense, but to honestly make a great contribution to the world.”
Visit PLC Sydney’s Open Day & Fair on Saturday 7 May to see the College in action and view the impressive facilities such as the Junior School science and innovation labs, invertebrate house and the turtle hatchery, plus much more!
