In Week 9 of this term, the College hosted the Science and Engineering Challenge. This is a national competition run by the University of Newcastle, proudly supported by Rotary Clubs of the Central Coast. The College has a proud history of involvement with the event, with this being the 8th consecutive year hosting the event, and over 20 years competing in the event.
The event this year was held over the Monday and Tuesday of Week 9, with 16 schools from the Central Coast taking part in activities ranging from model bridge making, to creating robotic hands, solving power grid energy distribution issues and creating Mars rover style buggies incorporating independent suspension carrying loads over uneven surfaces. The Year 10 students representing the College did an admirable job, cooperating in small groups, demonstrating creative problem, solving and working in a stressful environment to score over 1200 points through successfully completing all tasks, to finish 2nd to Wyong Christian College by the smallest of margins. Congratulations to all students involved and well done on representing the school in such a fine fashion.
ANSTO Visit
On Tuesday 28 June, as part of their study of HSC Physics, Year 12 students visited the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) at Lucas Heights. During the day, the boys attended lectures, visited the nuclear reactor, particle accelerators and had opportunities to talk with researchers about the work they carry out and their career paths. This day was a fantastic opportunity to support the work covered within the study of Module 8 – From Atoms to the Universe, as well as gain motivation to be innovators and more critical thinkers in the future.
ORICA Visit
ON Wednesday 29 June, Year 12 Chemistry students travelled to Kooragang Island to visit ORICA, a chemical plant which produces ammonia through the Haber Process – one of the industrial processes studied to learn about chemical equilibrium. During the day, the boys were guided by chemical engineers as they toured the plant, explaining the importance of catalysts in shifting the equilibrium, and how both the reactants and products are constantly monitored to maximise the ammonia produced. After the tour, recent engineering graduates discussed their post school experiences and the opportunities that come from being involved in undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship programs.
