This term, 34 Yr 10 students in the IB readiness program kick started their skillset by completing a Certificate III in Laboratory Skills. This is a nationally-recognised qualification that was facilitated by an external Registered Training Organisation. Our students were required to complete 13 elearning modules for their theory components and then spent a week in the science labs completing practical, experimental scientific sampling. They tested samples of water, looked at workplace health and safety, mixing of chemicals, prepared microscopic samples, recorded and presented data and looked at environmentally friendly practices. This provides a skillset that makes them immediately employable, plus it provides a high baseline level of knowledge when they are required to design and facilitate their own Science assessment experiments in Yr 11 and 12. An additional bonus is that this provides 8 QCE points into their learner accounts and provides an entry level into University – all before they’ve started Year 11.

The group was commended for their commitment, team work and humour.