Reflections on the STANSW 7-10 Conference at Taronga Zoo

I was honoured to receive the 2024 Rosemary Hafner Memorial Scholarship, which provided me the incredible opportunity to attend the STANSW 7-10 Conference at Taronga Zoo. As a teacher from a small rural school, six hours’ drive from Sydney, the opportunity to meet, discuss, and reflect with like-minded individuals was invaluable. It was a fantastic experience, not only for the wealth of knowledge, but also for the valuable networking opportunity. A common theme that emerged in our conversations was the challenge of finding time—something we all seem to struggle with! Year 8 students were also a common theme in conversation, and it was nice to know we are not the only school struggling to motivate this age group!

The day started with an inspiring keynote by Dr. Joy Tripovich, who shared her fascinating work on the Regent Honeyeater research program. Her efforts to save this critically endangered species demonstrated the power of scientific inquiry in real-world conservation. Her passion for the project set the tone for the day, reminding us of the potential impact our teaching can have on shaping the next generation of scientists and conservationists.

Brianna Nixon’s session on Building Stage 4 and 5 Depth Studies was particularly insightful. She provided a thorough breakdown of the syllabus requirements for depth studies, offering creative ways to embed tasks into our programs. Her school has had success in students designing and writing children’s picture books and creating documentaries to demonstrate their understanding. It was a good reminder we do not need to completely reinvent the wheel with the new syllabus, but rather modify and tweak tasks that are already working well within our classrooms.

Another standout session was Helen Georgiou's workshop on Addressing Writing Requirements in the New 7-10 Science Syllabus. She emphasised the need for writing to be explicitly taught, providing practical advice and resources to help identify the expected levels of writing and assist students in building their skills. Lauren McKnight and James Cleaver’s session on Data Science was also incredibly informative, outlining how students can engage with data in both Year 8 and Year 10, an area I am excited to further explore with my own students.

The beautiful surroundings of Taronga Zoo added to the uplifting atmosphere of the day. The new Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre was spectacular and offered a very cool, immersive experience.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to STANSW for awarding me this scholarship. The experience has left me not only more equipped, but also more confident to embark on preparing for the new syllabus and bringing new ideas and approaches into the classroom. The successful implementation of the new curriculum relies on our shared dedication and collaboration to inspire and nurture young minds, just as the Regent Honeyeater relies on collective efforts to thrive.