A Year 9 Science lesson went particularly well this week and I want to share my experience of working with the amazing young women that are our student body.

The task involved students discussing, amongst themselves, the concept of alternative energy and they were invited to write their responses on our white board. An eager Year 9 Science student responded with ‘human poo’ as her alternative energy example.  OK, I thought to myself, this (class) conversation is not going to end well. It can’t possibly be true that we are using human faeces to generate fuel. Without a great deal of planning, I put Brooke on the spot by asking her to prepare a presentation on the use of human faeces as an alternative fuel source in time for our next Science lesson.

Brooke’s BioBus presentation was outstanding. It was well rehearsed. She was clear; she was articulate and she was confident in sharing the work with her peers. Brooke’s presentation drew on information from a number of popular media sources that was expertly synthesised into a story about the use of this waste product as a fuel source. A special shout-out to her peers who eagerly listened, encouraged and applauded Brooke’s efforts. This work was not marked, or assessed. Brooke received no additional credit. It was a work of passion.

I encourage all students to persue their own passion projects – something that is worked on (often outside of class time) that gives you satisfaction and happiness. Brooke has kindly made her presentation available for all to enjoy.

Debra Bourne - Leader of eLearning and Library Services & Year 9 Science Teacher