2015 School Magazine

On 18-19 February, twenty-six Year 11 geography students travelled to Marrapatta for an overnight camp. The purpose of this trip was to collect data from Yabba Creek, a nearby tributary, to analyse in our Term I assessment. The group visited a variety of local farms, such as a dairy farm, beef farm, avocado farm and deer park, to learn about their sustainable farming methods and dependence on Yabba Creek. A variety of equipment was used to measure several elements of the creek’s health at five different locations. We also explored Borumba Dam before departing, as it was the main focus of our report, and this aspect improved our understanding of the task. Despite challenging weather conditions, this trip was very educational and our immersion in the environment created a very diverse way of studying geography. GEORGINA AUSTIN (11H) AND ISABELLA RINAUDO (11G)

I found Year 12 Geography interesting due to its diversity from other subjects. geography is a combination of both humanities and science so students are required to have a deep understanding of topics. My senior geography experience has been fulfilling, including field trips to the Boondall Wetlands and Windsor. Our first semester taught us about social environments, focusing on inner Brisbane. In this unit we learnt about the value of community and the social isolation experienced by many city dwellers. We also discovered the relevance of technology and how it connects people and places. Our second theme centred on the environment, particularly the Great Barrier Reef. Here we learnt the importance of the Great Barrier Reef for Queensland and the many threats it faces. Our final unit focused on Climate Change, particularly the Greenhouse Effect. I believe all topics taught in senior geography are relevant to the twenty-first century. JOANNA JOHN (12O)

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STUDY OF RELIGION ANNA WHIP (11H) Study of Religion is a fascinating subject which engages with the role and importance of religion throughout human history. This year we have travelled through time and space, discovering the rituals and creation stories of primitive religions; to Rome and the reformation in Renaissance Europe; as well as looking at the religious demographics of modern-day

Australia. Term IV offered the opportunity to explore the complex nature of church-state relationships through researching a modern international religion- state issue, such as Israel-Palestine; Shiite and Sunni conflict in the politics of Iran and Iraq; and the political rise of Islamic extremist groups such as the Taliban and ISIS. Religion remains a significant factor in today’s world, and it is beneficial to understand the concepts underpinning faith-based conflicts, and further, beliefs which have had a profound impact in shaping the world in general.

CURRICULUM