Building Cells, Building Understanding
When is a cell more than a cell? When our Year 8 students construct them with their own hands.
Walk into the Year 8 science laboratories this term, and you’ll find a vibrant gallery of cellular architecture crafted entirely from modelling clay. But these aren’t just art projects. They represent the culmination of a learning journey that transforms abstract biological concepts into tangible, deeply understood knowledge.
Students were challenged to transform their understanding into a three-dimensional reality. Using modelling clay, each group constructed a detailed cell model, carefully creating, positioning and labelling each organelle.
Vibrant purples, pinks, blues, oranges, and greens brought each cell to life. Some students opted for realistic colours; others chose bold, artistic palettes. Each model was different, yet all demonstrated solid scientific understanding, where students actively build their knowledge through this experience.
The act of physically building these cells required countless decisions: How big should the nucleus be? How can I show ribosomes on the rough Endoplasmic Reticulum but not the smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum? Do all cells look like this? Each decision required understanding. Each choice demonstrated knowledge and collaboration.
As our students move forward in their science studies, they carry with them not just knowledge of cell organelles, but something far more valuable: the experience of constructing understanding for themselves. They’ve learned that science isn’t about memorizing terms from a textbook—it’s about observing, questioning, discussing, creating, and ultimately making sense of the natural world.
At St Peter’s Girls’ School, we believe that the best way to learn science is to do science. And these stunning clay cells? They’re proof that when we give students the tools to construct their own understanding, remarkable things happen.
Kate Fryer
Director of Teaching and Learning
Year 9 Aquatics and Team Building Experience
On Thursday and Friday of Week 2, all Year 9 students participated in an Aquatics and Team Building Experience. This is an important part of our Year 9 Becoming Program, providing our students the opportunity to foster and develop meaningful school relationships. Blessed with amazing weather, the 2 days were highly successful and a great way to start the year.
Student reflections:
The Aquatics and Team Building Experience was a two-day program designed to build teamwork, confidence, and connection within our Year 9 Homegroups. The first day was spent at school participating in team-building activities such as guiding a blindfolded partner through an obstacle course or working together to create aqueducts, which challenged our communication and problem-solving skills. On the second day, we travelled to the Murraylands, where we took part in a range of water-based activities including knee boarding, water skiing, sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, boat handling, kayaking, and canoeing. These activities provided a unique opportunity for many of us to step outside our comfort zones and try things we had never experienced before! Overall, the program encouraged personal growth, collaboration, and resilience, while helping us learn more about ourselves and each other in a supportive and engaging environment.
Kayla Medefindt, 9NIBR
The Aquatics Excursion was really fun, and was a great opportunity for us to bond with our new class. We all enjoyed many exciting water activities such as knee boarding, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and more. Each second of the day was packed with new experiences and opportunities to connect with our peers, especially as many of the water sports required teamwork, determination and encouragement. At the end of the day, we were all swapping stories whilst wishing that we never had to leave.
Victoria Hii, 9SAKN
