We are excited to share the wonderful experience our Grade 12 Biology students had during their recent field trip to the BASF Biotechnology Lab on October 17. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to delve deeper into the world of biotechnology and apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.

During the visit, our students engaged in a range of hands-on activities that enriched their understanding of cutting-edge biotechnology techniques. They were able to actively participate in DNA extraction, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), gene transformation, and gel electrophoresis experiments.

Our students had this to say about their experience: “Our visit to the BASF laboratory was a highly enjoyable and informative experience. We had the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between our classroom learning and practical application, gaining hands-on knowledge in the fields of PCR, gene transfer, and gel electrophoresis. This visit not only enhanced our laboratory skills but also provided us with valuable insights into the real-world applications of the biological sciences. It was truly inspiring to witness our theoretical knowledge come to life and to work with professional equipment and real-life biological substances. This experience has not only deepened our understanding of the subject but may have also ignited a passion for scientific research in some of our peers.”

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the instructors at BASF, Dr. Gaby Seelmann-Eggebert, Dr. Katja Völkel and Dr. Lutz Kettler, who went above and beyond to make this field trip an enriching and memorable experience for our students. Their guidance and expertise were instrumental in ensuring that our students gained invaluable insights into the world of biotechnology.

We are proud of our Grade 12 Biology students for their active participation, enthusiasm, and commitment to learning. This field trip not only broadened their horizons but also inspired many of them to consider pursuing careers in biotechnology and related fields.

ECK & SAB

This past weekend, was the final assessed expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award.

The students have worked towards this throughout the school year, with two practice expeditions and several day hikes as well as a camping workshop and a first aid course. It has been an intense journey for most of them and many of them really challenged themselves during the expedition and their hard work has paid off. Despite the heat which made it even more of a challenge, the students were successful in showing what they had learnt in terms of being independent in their route planning and camp crafting skills.

Upon reflection at the end of the expedition many of the students commented on the skills that they had developed, such as camp crafting and map reading skills. The students also reflected on their own personal development. They talked about how they all motivated each other throughout, whether by singing, cooking, talking to each other and playing volleyball, or by learning more about each other and developing unexpected friendships.

Despite the challenges, it was a positive and fulfilling experience that the students will without doubt never forget.

We hope that the students will complete the other parts of the Award, including the physical recreation service and skills sections and that they will continue to record them in the online record books. We will then be able to hand out the Silver Award at some point next school year.

We also look forward to starting the Award with some of the Grade 9 students who would like to embark on this  challenge and have already had an introduction to the Award in their class.

SAB