During Week 3 this term, the CSIRO sent a film crew to the QAHS Student Science Research labs. The project was focused on a celebration of the CREST program and to capture the wonderful research performed by current Year 11 and 12 students in the areas of Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Sports Health and Exercise Science.
At QAHS, we are blessed each year to work with cohorts of students who already have wonderful curiosity, passion and interest in all things STEM. We view authentic, open ended student research, aimed at solving genuine real world problems, as essential in helping our students transition from a comprehensive IB Diploma curriculum to the tertiary study and career they may wish to pursue.
To support our students' personal research goals, we have aimed to provide them with access to a diversity of university quality research equipment, an expert teacher supervision team and a university mentor partner program. Assisted by this network of support, students are able to set themselves ambitious research questions in their field of interest and perform highly in the IB Internal Assessment (IA) and the Extended Essay (EE).
Our long standing relationship with the CSIRO and their CREST program has provided a significant additional layer of support for our students as well as recognition for the work they produce. Each year, many of our EE Natural Science (group 4) research students are recognised by the CSIRO with Silver and Gold CREST awards. The rigour required to achieve a CREST award is widely recognised and is testament to the quality of research our students are producing.
We would like to thank Peter Poon and his team at the CSIRO for the high quality feedback they have provided to our students over a 12 year relationship. We would also like to extend our thanks to Associate Professor Niru Nirthanan and a large network of scientific experts at Griffith University, who generously give their time each year and have supported our research students through the CSIRO STEM Professionals in Schools Initiative.
The day was great fun and for many of us, our first exposure to the world of film and television. The students were naturals and we can't wait to see the final product when it is published by the CSIRO..png)
Paul Mitchell
HOD Science and Enrichment