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Saudi Arabia wins soccer competition at Perth campus

Who would you have picked to win the soccer "Campus Champion" competition at Taylors College in Perth?

World Cup fever lingered a little longer at the Perth campus as teams from various nations competed for the coveted Campus Champions title.

Some countries struggled to form a complete team, but they were willing to put old rivalries aside and form coalitions. In the end the teams that competed were as follows:

In the early rounds the teams all played three games. The final was scheduled for Tuesday 17 August and it was to be between the top two teams.

Grand final day came and the match was between Saudi Arabia and South America. It would be fair to say the Saudis were at a disadvantage as Ramadan had just begun. After a very competitive and close game the final score saw Saudi Arabia the victors with a 2 - 1 win over South America.

The players of the competition were: Saaed Alqahtani (Saudi Arabia) and Fabio Abbud (South America).

Congratulations to all involved!

A sunny UWAFP graduation ceremony

On June 8, a typically sunny day in Perth day, 132 UWAFP graduates celebrated the end of their study at Taylors College with a ceremony held at the University of Western Australia campus.

The proceedings were held in the Social Sciences lecture theatre which housed all of our graduates, their guests, Taylors teachers and a number of dignitaries. We were very pleased to welcome the following UWA faculty members: Mr Peter Curtis, UWA Registrar and Chairman of the UWAFP Management Committee; Professor Jane Long, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) and Chairman of the UWAFP Board of Studies; Professor John Dell, Dean Engineering, Computing and Mathematics; and Professor George Stewart, Dean Life and Physical Sciences. Joining these guests was a strong contingent from the UWA International Centre.

Following the awarding of the certificates, a musical interlude was enjoyed from two of our current students: Adriana Siew Yiik TIONG and Enoch Park. They performed a piece they had written especially for the ceremony - Adriana played piano and Enoch performed on the cello.

Other highlights included a rousing speech by Valedictorian Karen Lydia Fernandes who was also the recipient of the Business/Arts Dux award. Karen spoke of her time at Taylors and reminded us all of the optimism and energy of youth. Other award winners included Yang Wang, Dux for Maths / Science and Evgeniya Balanova who won the Principal’s award for campus contribution during her time at Taylors College.

We heartily congratulate all graduates and wish them the best of luck in all of their future pursuits!

Weekly university-style lecture starts on a high note

This week's Perth TELP/AYA lecture got off to an appropriately musical start this morning when teacher Mark Steinward played to the students on his digeridoo.

Mark was invited to play by the lecturer, Suzanne Slowiak, who spoke about the importance of Aboriginal culture in Australia. He's an accomplished musician who learned to play the didgeridoo as a child.

The lecture is a weekly event and gives students the opportunity to experience a university-style talk in a supportive environment with note-taking tasks given according to their level of English.

Next week's topic is 'Read faster; Read better!'

UWAFP students enjoy tour of the main UWA campus

Students enjoy their first look at UWA campus.

New students to Taylors College were given a tour of the University of Western Australia in the second week of term one. They were welcomed by the International Student services team in the impressive $50 million Business Building which opened in 2009. Students were then split up into groups of 15 and taken on a tour of the campus by members from the international office.

Students moved around the campus visiting the Chemical and Molecular Science Building, the Law Faculty , Languages and the Arts and also became familiar with the plethora of student facilities ranging from cafes to social and sporting clubs available to all Taylor's  students. The tour finished with morning tea at Currie Hall, the university's residential college.
 
The excitement and buzz among the students was a good indicator that this was certainly a worthwhile tour. Yang, from China commented, "The tour was very exciting. UWA is such a beautiful campus, it has motivated me to work really hard this year. " Brian a student from Singapore said, "Wow!!!! What an incredible place, the facilities in the Science Building are amazing, I can't wait to get there in 2011."

Students can look forward to a more detailed tour of their facilities as the year progresses.  


 

Australia Day party for students

Students enjoyed some good Aussie tucker (food) and performances at a party to celebrate Australia Day.

Australia Day falls on 26 January, but since it's a national public holiday (and the Perth campus was closed) students celebrated with a party the day after: on Wednesday 27 January. The Taylors College Student Services Team thought that a great way to introduce students to Australian culture would be to organise a BBQ with some classic Australian music and a performance by indigenous Australians from the Warrdong Aboriginal Centre.

The party took place in the main courtyard when classes finished at 2pm sharp. Australian flags decorated the space and the classic Australian song, 'Land Down Under' by the band Men at Work was playing from the speakers. Since an Australia Day party wouldn't be complete without an Aussie BBQ, our Campus Director David Berry took his place behind the grill to cook up a storm. Sausages and onions were sizzling and hot dog rolls and condiments were ready to be devoured.

Complementing the food was some great entertainment throughout the afternoon. Students were treated to live music played by TELP teacher Mark Steinward and Student Services Manager, Ian Craig. Also, indigenous Australians from the Warrdong Aboriginal Centre performed for the students, teaching them the history and importance of indigenous culture in Australia.

The Warrdong Aboriginal Centre's performance included music from a didgeridoo - a traditional Aboriginal wind instrument. It's a difficult instrument to play and although students were invited to try, it seems they may need a few more Australia Days to practice before being able to master it. Everyone who did try, however, deserves congratulations. A special mention must also be made to Mark Steinward who was actually able to keep up with the leader from Warrdong.

Thanks to the Student Services Team for organising this event! It was a great way to make our new and returning students feel welcome at the campus and create a nice relaxed atmosphere - perfect for making new friends at the beginning of the year.

 

Perth Orientation Day

Don't be nervous about the year ahead!

By the end of Orientation Day students might be a little tired but they definitely won't be nervous about starting at Taylors College. Orientation Day is the best way for students to find out about their new living and studying environment and get excited about the great year ahead.

The Taylors College Orientation program took place on Monday 25 January. It's the most important activity that kicks off the New Year at the Perth Campus. This year just over 180 new students were welcomed at orientation - all of them probably feeling a mixture of nervousness and excitement about their new adventure ahead.

It's normal to for new students to feel a little nervous and overwhelmed and that's exactly why Orientation Day is an important way to help students get used to their new living and studying environment. Students were greeted by the new Dean of Foundation, Mrs Kerry Valentine, and Acting Campus Director, David Berry. Sessions throughout the day provided valuable help for students with their visas and informed them about the student support services available at the campus.

Students' various study options were also explained. Guests from The University of Western Australia International Centre congratulated the new students and introduced them to the wide range of courses available. Not only that, students were also told about all the additional benefits a UWAFP student receives, such as free use of the UWA library, regular visits to the university and course advice sessions throughout the year from faculty staff.

Orientation Day is important for finding out essential information about being a student at Taylors College but it's also a great way to meet the teachers and get to know other students in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. To this end, other activities included morning tea, lunch, parent tours, student card sessions and computer account information.

It's a busy day for staff and students alike but definitely worth it in the end. By the end of the Orientation Day program students' nervous feelings are typically replaced by relief and excitement. To all the new students: enjoy the year ahead!

A dose of CSI for UWAFP students

Taylors students go on a university field trip and undertake a practical on DNA fingerprinting - CSI style.

A group of biology students from the University of Western Australia Foundation Program (UWAFP) visited the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at The University of Western Australia (UWA). This faculty is one of 2 science faculties at UWA - which has been ranked in the top 50 universities in the world for life and agriculture sciences (Shanghai Jiao Tong University rankings by broad subject fields, 2008).

The students did an engrossing practical on DNA fingerprinting, analysing whether or not plants had been genetically modified. This powerful procedure is used as a way of identifying specific individuals on the basis of their DNA profiles and is also used to identify paternity or maternity, in criminal forensic science, in locating gene segments that cause genetic disease and to engineer drought resistant plants.

The laboratory was expertly conducted by Gray Cass and ably assisted by Ian Waite from UWA. The students found it an extremely valuable and enjoyable learning experience that reinforced the theoretical work that they had covered in class. 

What our students have to say about the trip?

'Thankyou for organising the trip last Friday. I have learned a lot, especially from Gary and Ian. I always think that practical work is a better way to learn, and it truly is. For a foundation student like me, it is a very rare opportunity to carry out this kind of advanced experiment. This is my first time to see and actually use a $300 pipette! Besides that, to carry out this analysis (which is normally done by tertiary students or professionals) is an unforgettable experience.' [Shu Khoon Ooi from Malaysia.]

'Back in Malaysia we don’t really get the chance to learn outside of the class. The emphasis is mostly on theory, not practice. This was my first biology class field trip as well as the first time for me to carry out a DNA fingerprint experiment. To be able to operate such advanced technology and equipment was amazing. Gary did a great job explaining the process and how important it is to be accurate when carrying out an experiment. This is especially the case for a science student because any slight mistakes may lead to misjudgement and change a person’s fate.' [Joee Lim from Malaysia.]


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Spiders, skeletons and mummies on Taylors Halloween cruise

There was dancing and relaxing on a Taylors College cruise along the Swan River.

In late October things got a little spooky around the school as we prepared for the inaugural Halloween River Cruise. Spiders, skeletons and mummies invaded the reception area in the lead up to the big event.

Students and teachers gathered at Barrack St Jetty on Friday 30 October at sunset. We were a motley crew of vampires, witches, pirates and monsters. We boarded our boat and cruised along the Swan River towards Fremantle. Some hit the dance floor (showing off their breakdancing skills), while others enjoyed the back deck with its breeze and awesome views.

All good things must come to an end though, so sadly we disembarked at Barrack St Jetty. Happily we're left with our fond memories (and lots of good photos).

Alumni students reunion

It has been three years since the first cohort of students from The University of Western Australia Foundation Program stepped foot onto the UWA Claremont campus and common are the questions from teachers and staff...

Whatever happened to this student?
I wonder how their studies are going at UWA?
I heard this student has received numerous awards from their faculty?

So, it was time to finally have these questions answered and on May 19th Taylors College Perth held the inaugural UWAFP Alumni Party. The aim was to host an event in a place that was easy for all of our alumni to find and at a venue that promoted an easy relaxed setting. The Australian Institute of Management’s Private Function Room in the new A$50 million UWA Business School was the perfect place for such a function.

This was a great opportunity for past and current students to meet with old friends to discuss and share experiences about studying at the University. Past students and even past teachers had the chance to reacquaint themselves with the Taylors staff. The atmosphere was abuzz as we watched smiling faces sharing fond memories about their time at the Claremont Campus.

Throughout the afternoon, guests were treated to delicious snacks and drinks that were provided by the UWA International Centre. The event was officially opened by Mr Garry Hendy, Associate Director of the International Centre. The Associate Director welcomed all guests and noted how delighted he was to see so many of the UWAFP success stories present on the day. 

Our Guest Speaker for the event was Professor Don Markwell, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education) who spoke of the values and importance of international education and the opportunities of experiencing a new culture. Professor Markwell also reflected on his own times as an international student. He encouraged all students to take advantage of any activity that will allow interaction with local students, as they will have a much deeper understanding and appreciation of what it really means to integrate into a new cultural and educational environment and take from it some of the most memorable experiences of their lives.

Rudo Makuyana from Zimbabwe who graduated in December 2007 was also invited to speak. Rudo is currently studying in her second year of the Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine. The audience listened on attentively as she provided an entertaining overview of her own experiences of living and studying at UWA, including some good advice on social activities and clubs which guarantee interaction with local students.

As the last pastry was eaten and group photo taken, staff and students were saying their goodbyes and busily writing down their contact details as they were ushered out the door. The party had come to an end almost as fast as it had begun.  

On behalf of the College a special mention must be made to the UWA International Centre for hosting such a wonderful event and contacting our alumni, the UWA Faculty and Taylors College staff who also attended and finally to our guest speakers. Taylors College thanks you for all your hard work in making this event such a success and we look forward to working with you again in 2010.  

A special mention must be made of our students, of whom we are all so very proud and who continue to impress. We thank you for attending and wish you well in your future endeavours.

                 David Bird and Kien lim with UWAFP Alumni students

                Students gathering in the AIM function room

                  David Enright catching up with UWAFP Alumni

                     Professor Kamy Cheng with UWAFP students

Year 11 Geography Excursion – Coastal Landforms

As a part of the course work on coastal landforms and land use, students went on an excursion to Cottesloe Beach, Floreat Beach and Trigg Beach. At each of the field study sites students observed and recorded details of rock formation, features of coastal erosion and deposition, and land use. 

Foundation Geography Excursion – Assessing Perth’s Urban Morphology

The overall aim of the field study was to provide students with first hand experience, and to see examples of Perth’s Urban Morphology. The field work took the students to several functional zones which form part of Perth’s internal morphology. The tasks focused on recording characteristics of each functional zone and looking for evidence of processes which have formed the zones. Processes highlighted on the day included the role of planning, centripetal and centrifugal forces, invasion and succession, accessibility, gentrification, urban renewal, aggregation, segregation, urban blight, economic rent mechanism and urban relocation.

The UWAFP Students visited the following areas as part of the field study:

Geography Excursion – Alcoa Refinery, Pinjarra

The field trip was to the Alcoa Refinery near Pinjarra. The main purpose of the field study was to provide students with the chance to see first hand the alumina refinery and bauxite mine. The Alcoa tour guides provided a thorough overview of the refining processes, marketing, mining and environmental management. A key objective was to collect information and to ask questions in order to describe, explain and evaluate Alcoa’s activities.

Footy Jumper day

For the first time the, Study Group Perth Campus celebrated Footy Jumper Day! Footy Jumper Day raises funds for Beyondblue, an organisation focused on helping those affected by depression, anxiety and related drug and alcohol problems.

The day was a great success, with both staff and students getting involved. We saw lots of different footy jumpers including AFL, rugby and the most popular, soccer. The day was capped off with an all school soccer match where both Taylors College and Embassy CES were represented, as well as couple of staff members.

We are please to announce that, as a school, we raised just over $600 for Beyondblue.

Year 11's walk through class

As part of their Skill Building Course Year 11 students are formally trained in how to operate effectively whilst on educational field trips/excursions.

Recently the Skill Building Class participated in a practice exercise which took them down to the Swan River just behind the College campus, passing by the old Claremont Museum and along the River bank before returning to the College.

The temperature was a pleasant 26 degrees, a light breeze was blowing and the sun was shining, all of which added to a very enjoyable and informative experience. Students were required to complete an extensive worksheet about the surrounding environment as part of their fieldwork training.

The results were impressive and an every one had a great time.

Day Trip to the Gravity Discovery Centre

The Perth summer laid on a spectacular 370 day for 52 Taylors College students to visit The Gravity Discovery Centre in Gingin, north of the city.

As much as this a very enjoyable day out for the students, there was a serious side as the trip involved contextualised experiments which relate to the physics curriculum.

After arriving at Gingin, the students started the day with a brief DVD presentation on the background to the centre and why it had been established. This was a very interesting presentation which highlighted the uniqueness of the centre.

After the DVD presentation, the students were split into two groups so that they could participate in two practical experiments. The first experiment involved a huge conical pendulum. Students collected data from a spinning bob, suspended from 14 metre long cable. With the collected data,students were able to calculate the approximate mass of the Earth.

The second experiment was not for those with a fear of heights. Students climbed 220 steps to the top of the Leaning Tower of Gingin, a tower built at a 150 angle. From the top of the tower, 45 metres from ground level, students dropped water balloons to observe the interaction of gravity and mass.

After these two experiments, the students enjoyed a barbeque lunch and a chance to cool down from the midday heat.

In the afternoon, the focus switched to matters of the universe. Centre staff conducted students around an historic display of telescopes. After this, students were treated to a trip around the universe as a huge screen displayed a computer simulation of the many galaxies that make up the universe. Students found the information and the massive graphical display spellbinding.

The final group event of the day was a walk round the Cosmology Centre. The centre depicts timeline images relating to the big bang through to predictions on how the universe will change. Again, students found the images and the information fascinating.

The visit ended with the students having the opportunity to walk round and interact with the many exhibits which demonstrate the behaviour of gravitational forces.

As the students boarded the bus to return to the college campus, it was clear that, not only had everyone enjoyed a great day, but much had been learned that would underpin the students’ learning.


Taylors College Graduation day

On Monday 16th June, UWAFP students formally gathered for the last time in the Kurrajong Lecture Theatre at the historical Claremont Teachers College for their graduation.

The Key Note Speaker was Dr Nick Spadaccini, Deputy Chair of the UWAFP Board of Studies, who delivered an inspiring speech to our graduates, which followed with Principal Dr Shirley Bode’s tips on how to be successful at university.

Following the Awards Ceremony, Social Program Coordinator, Julie Langoulant played a PowerPoint presentation that looked back at our graduates time at Taylors. Students sat back with their friends reminiscing at all the fun times they shared at the College, whilst these wonderful images were being projected onto the walls in the lecture theatre. The formal ceremony concluded with the Valedictory speech by Tracie Ng Cie Lynn and a special musical performance by one of our talented students, Jeffery Lau.

On behalf of everyone at Taylors College Perth,we would like to wish our students a happy and successful future.

 

Taylors College masquerade ball

The Annual School Ball will be one of the biggest social highlights of the year. Planned and executed by the Student Representative Council and Social Program Coordinator, Julie Langoulant, the decision was to host the event at the exclusive Parmelia Hilton Hotel with this year’s theme being Masquerade.

Everyone looked glamorous in their gorgeous dresses and smart suits and wearing their beautifully decorated masks.

The night was filled with many great performances starting with an interesting rendition of The Phantom of Opera by Year 11 Coordinator, Marc Stoitis and Dean of High School, David Berry. Other stars of the night that showed off their musical talents were David Yeo, Nooch Grg, Jeffery Lau, Saba Kafami and Adel Ghuloom.

We were honoured with a special appearance by the Jackson 5 who entertained us all with a great performance of ‘Blame it on the Boogie’. The Jackson 5 cast was led by Marc Stoitis with
students, David Yeo, Glen Quah, Krit Thritirangsi and Matthias Shim. Their groovy moves kick started the dancing on the dance floor where more students showcased their dancing skills.

The evening created the perfect atmosphere for students to come together and relax and unwind from their studies. It will be a night well remembered.

                Julie Langoulant (left) with UWAFP students

International food festival

May 27th will go down in the history as the day Taylors College hosted the ‘meeting of the foods’.

Students from all different nationalities spent the evening of the 26th busily mixing and cooking an assortment of delicious dishes from their home countries. The next morning, their kitchens bid a
tearful farewell to the aromas from around the world as students packed their bags and headed to the Perth campus for ...International Food Day 2008!

Not to be outdone, the High School teachers and the Student Services staff also cooked up a storm. It all came together with soft drinks, tea, coffee, knives, forks, spoons, plates and the most amazing spread of international cuisine. Students and staff enjoyed a great cultural exchange with Chinese music and a DVD of Australia’s National parks playing in the background.

Amid all the merriment those who attended managed to dig deep and donate to the China Earthquake Appeal. A big thank you to all.

            Liesl Barnett with Tiew Ei Yao and Makiyo Du Ba

                                 David Berry with Bui Minh Tuan

Taylors College High School students gets a sneak peak of University Life

On Tuesday 25 March, as part of the new Activities program our enthusiastic Year 10 and 11 students were treated to a sneak preview of what University life is all about.  They enjoyed a short bus ride down to The University of Western Australia campus with their year coordinators, Norma Williams and Marc Stoitis for a 90 minute tour of the campus.   

It was a mid-semester and the University buildings and grounds were alive, with students being busy with their study and recreational activities. Our students were able to check out the International Centre, Winthrop Hall, the Sunken Garden, the tropical Grove, Somerville Auditorium, the Reid Library, the Octagon Theatre and many of the Faculty buildings.

Students were impressed with the sheer magnitude of the operation on campus and had plenty of questions. Taylors College Perth builds such visits into its program to provide its young students with an early connection to the University that they all aspire to attend. On their return to our campus many motivated students made urgent enquiries to the student counsellor about possible career paths and university life in general.

All in all, a morning well spent.

High School students walking around the UWA Campus

Year 11 Students gravitate towards the Theory of Relativity

The trip of Year 11 Physics students to the Gravity Discovery Centre in Gingin (about 100 Km from Perth) provided additional learning experience on the Physics concepts they have learned in class. It also made them aware of the challenges and interesting possibilities a degree in the physical sciences would offer.

Students had a guided tour of the Centre’s exhibits adding to their understanding of concepts of
magnetism/electromagnetism, waves /gravity waves, motion, light/sound, the galaxy and milky way as well as some information on the latest researches/projects in the field of Physical science especially in Western Australia.

They inspected various demonstration equipment like gravity lens, breathing mirrors, chaos orbit, time coil, magnetic skate, Einstein orbit, Foucault and coupled pendulums,levitation and anti-gravity demo,and laser interferometer, to name a few.

There was also a brief visit to the Cosmology gallery - the biggest multi-media projection dome in Australia - with its geometric Penrose tiling on the floor and art works of famous artists hanging around its walls.

The excursion winded up with a guided tour of the Observatory Centre where a number of telescopes are housed, and where some students had the chance of viewing the sun. They were also treated to a film and lecture presentation about our galaxy and milky way and NASA’s two rover missions to Mars.

Everyone was starving at the lunch time. A very big thank you to David Berry, who worked very hard on the “barbie” (with his willing assistant- Mike, the bus driver) to get everyone fed their much needed lunch on time.

It was an all day activity so, most students were tired and sleepy on their trip back to the Taylors College.

Taylors College Year 11 students take a sneak peak in the Observatory Centre

Students gather for a picture at the Cosmology Gallery

Students enjoying lunch and taking in the native Australian landscapes at Gingin

Students awarded a Certificate of Excellence

Two UWAFP students who graduated from Taylors College in December 2007 were recipients of the Dean’s Award for Excellence from the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics. 

Each student was awarded a AU$1,500 cheque and Certificate for their outstanding academic achievements in UWAFP throughout 2007.  Dr Kamy Cheng, Associate Dean from the Faculty sent the following letter to Taylors College to announce this fantastic news!

“Dear Taylors

Many thanks for your strong support to our Faculty of Engineering, Computing & Mathematics. In February 2008, we will have 12 students commencing at The Faculty through your UWAFP program and some with very good results.

Our Dean would like to give an award to your top two students entering our engineering course this semester. Along with the award certificate, there will be a cheque of A$1,500 for the award winning student. The students, as well as staff from Taylors College will be invited to our Faculty's Award Ceremony to be held during the first semester.

The two students are:

Mr. CHIOU Jyh-Jye (Tony) from Taiwan
 
Miss HUANG Qiu Jiao from P.R. China  

On behalf of our faculty, I like to thank you for your continuing support and I look forward to working closely with Taylors College in 2008.”

On behalf of the Pincipal and Taylors College staff we would like to congratulate Chiou Jyh Jye Tony and Huang Qiu Jiao on such a magnificent achievement and wish them good luck in their future studies at The University of Western Australia.

UWAFP students visit The University of Western Australia

On Feb 12th and 19th, the new foundation students had their initial orientation tour of The University of Western Australia (UWA).

The students enjoyed the benefits of visiting an empty campus prior to the commencement of the university academic year. The students were shown the facilities including library, Chancellery, main teaching areas and The International Centre and had refreshment in the student cafeteria.

As part of the program The University's International Centre organized some of their key Student Ambassadors to guide the students around the campus. The ambassadors many of whom were international students themselves were well informed and provided answers to the many and varied questions of our new and enthusiastic group of foundation students.

The foundation students have also been invited to attend the O’Day. On Friday 29th February over 4000 students flock to O’Day for the biggest campus event of the year. O’Day is an orientation festival for the University students and the general public alike, showcasing the university’s many clubs and societies and culminating with an outdoor concert on the Oak Lawn.

Students visited the new $65 million Molecular and Chemical Sciences building at UWA

Staff from the UWA International Centre provide informative campus tours for UWAFP students

Students outside the Geology and Geography Building at UWA

Chinese New Year celebration

On Friday the 8th February, the Perth Campus celebrated Chinese New Year. The students were treated with an amazing lion dance show and a feast of oranges and watermelons.

Both staff and students were excited to see the traditional lion dance, it is believed that the loud beats of the drum and the deafening sounds of the cymbals together with the face of the lion dancing can evict bad or evil spirits.

Students and staff were encouraged to wear red or bright colours to scare away bad fortune as per the tradition of Chinese New Year.

It was great to see everyone participate in this fantastic show.


UWAFY January and April 2007 results

Taylors College Perth wishes to congratulate the 2007 January and April foundation program students for their outstanding achievement.

The UWAFP Dux for Taylors College Perth, Mr. Anthony Lam Hui Hung from Hong Kong received an offer to study Medicine at UWA.

November Highlights at the Perth Campus

A UWAFP student with the Student Services Team A UWAFP student with the Student Services Team

Grow a “Mo” to Raise Some Dough

“Movember”, the month formerly known as November is a nation-wide moustache-growing charity event held each November.

The event is sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank and proceeds go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and Beyond blue.

If anyone visited the Perth Campus during the month of “Movember” they would have noticed many of the teachers and students walking around the grounds with a furry upper lip to support the efforts of raising money and awareness towards men’s medical health issues. 

The event was led by the Campus’s Year 11 Co-ordinator, Marc Stoitis and the Student Representative Council. Students were encouraged to support the event by either growing their own moustache or for those who can’t or who didn’t want to, purchasing a stick-on moustache and going out into the wider community to raise money and awareness for this worthy cause. 

Congratulations to all the students involved for their tremendous effort. The College raised a total of A$250.00 for the charities involved.  


Taylors College Farewells the Graduating Class of 2008

On Tuesday 20th November 2007 we celebrated our UWAFP and Year 12 TEE student’s completion of their coursework with an End of Course ceremony.

The Graduation Ceremony was held at The University of Western Australia Club, with a beautiful outlook over the Matilda Bay Foreshore.

The students were addressed by the Principal, Dr. Shirley Bode and our Guest Speaker from UWA, Associate Professor Jane Long, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Teaching and Learning), who both congratulated the students and wished them well for their future endeavours.  Following this, each student was called to the podium to receive their Graduation Certificate and a gift from Dr. Bode and Associate Professor Long.

Congratulation to all of the UWAFP and Year 12 students and to the following students for achieving the top marks for their coursework for their subjects.


Accounting LOU, Pei Yi (Louisa)
Biology LAM, Hiu Hung
Chemistry KWOK, Man Ho
Computer Science LEUNG, Suk Kwan
Economics YAP, Kai Min
English GANESHANANDHA, Ruthra
Geography LEE, Sum Yu Sally
Mathematics LIU, Yi Xi
Media and Communications KEY, Tamsyn
Physics SONG, Wen

The Principal’s Awards went to Rebecca Chin and Keith Huang.

The Dux of the 2007 University of Western Australia Foundation Program is LAM Hiu Hang.

The highlights of the afternoon students included the special performances by our own musical duo Rebecca Chin & Roy Sim followed by Tanpuch Wanwarang’s rendition of Green Day’s ‘Time of Your Life’.

Imarese Towuru then gave a valedictory address to the graduating class.

Melbourne Cup Day – The Race that Stopped the College

On Tuesday 6th November, the campus celebrated Australia’s Melbourne Cup Day.

As always the build up to promote the race that stops the nation was huge. There were hat competitions, novelty sweepstakes, and even the addition of “Taylor the horse” sent into classrooms to instill a little Australian culture and values onto the students.

The party was held in the College’s Lecture Room to watch the race with students. Many students joining in on the festivities wearing hats ranging from completely admirable to completely outrageous. 

Geography students get their hands dirty in Regional WA

Last month, 23 geography students from Taylors College Perth left by bus early in the morning to put certain facets of the wheat/ sheep region of Western Australia under the microscope. 

Along the way to the regional centre of Northam we visited various farm paddocks to observe the two main physical problems facing the farmers on this land: (a) the increasing rate of salinity and (b) extensive erosion despoiling fields which had been very productive in the past and now were useless for any form of agriculture. We also observed what is being done (in the long term) to rectify these problems.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly our visit to a large crop and livestock farm at Grass Valley where farmer Angus Cooke instructed us in his anecdotal way in the intricacies of farming in Australia. No one would ever forget the way his sheep dog Blondi rounded up fifty large rams in a very large paddock and presented these rams to stand in front of the group of students only 10 metres away. Many photos were taken also of students on, in and by the huge combine harvester, tractor, seeder with bin and spreader.

The day was a very productive one where the students were able to form a much deeper understanding of not only the landscapes on the Great Western Plateau, but also of the human genius at work on the land.

Klaas Edel
Geography Teacher


Year 11 students go totally wild

Earlier this month the Year 11 students at Taylors College Perth embarked on an exciting journey to experience a small slice of the Australian outback! The excursion, to Caversham Wildlife Park, was led by teachers Andrew Bullen and Tanya Allen and Perth turned on its finest warm, sunny weather for the day.
 
By 10am, the adventure had begun and the group was on the road. There was a party atmosphere on the bus, with teachers organising music and games for the students, to help make time go by quickly on their 45 minute trip to Perth's outer suburbs.

As students stepped off the bus, it was like entering into another world, one without chaos, pollution or traffic jams.  The scenery was so peaceful with nothing but large open fields with animals roaming about in their natural habitat.

The park was full of many different animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, donkeys and camels, but the main interest for the students were the animals that are native to Australia such as the koalas, wombats and kangaroos.  Definite highlights of the trip would be going for a camel ride around the park as well as posing for photos with the wombat and koala – however having the chance to pat and feed a kangaroo was hands down the number one experience for the day!


Biology Students Experiment with the Building Blocks of Life at UWA

Recently one of the UWAFP Biology classes at Taylors College visited the University of Western Australia to undertake some practical work on Gel Electrophoresis, which ia a method used in biochemistry and molecular biology to separate DNA. The students are currently studying a unit in Genetics, and Gel Electrophoresis is a core procedure in certain fields of Genetic Engineering.

The laboratory session was conducted by Dr Patrick Finnegan, a cell biologist and Senior Lecturer in the School of Plant Biology. The students found it a most rewarding and enriching experience and it complemented and reinforced what they had been studying in class at Taylors. It also exposed them to the excellent facilities available at this university. In the fields of Science and Agriculture UWA is ranked in the top 50 in the world.


The Great Spaghetti Bridge Challenge

The competition was won by Andy Thomas and Bin Yan The competition was won by Andy Thomas and Bin Yan

UWAFP students undertaking the Mechanics unit of study were given the challenging task of constructing a Spaghetti Bridge as part of their assessment. 

The bridge needed to be constructed entirely of spaghetti and any suitable adhesive that is capable of spanning a gap of 75 cm over ‘Taylors Gorge’ whilst holding a 400gram car.

A competitive element was introduced to build the best ‘engineered’ bridge with judging to be conducted by UWA’s Dr Kamy Cheng Associate Dean (International), Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics with certificates and prizes being awarded accordingly.  

The results were outstanding with 24 bridges of all types appearing on judging day.

The overall winners were Andy Thomas and Bin Yan whose structure resembled the Sydney Harbour Bridge.  Alvin Lim was the runner-up with a superb solo suspension bridge effort.

Congratulations to all involved for the tremendous effort and the outstanding results.

We look forward to the competition in 2008.

Overall winners Bin Yan and Andy Thomas receive their prizes from Dr Kamy Cheng

 

Grab a Hat...it's time to raise some money!

Raising money for Activ Foundation Raising money for Activ Foundation

The Student Representative Council organised Hat Frenzy Friday which was their very first fundraising activity for the year.  From 9am onwards, students and staff were seen walking around the Perth campus wearing hats that could fit in the very glamorous, the very funky, the very silly or the very daggy categories. But it was all in the effort of raising money for a very good cause. 

Selling items such as wrist bands, pens, key chains and other little trinkets the Council did an amazing job at emptying the staff and students pockets to raise money for the "Activ Foundation", a charity in Western Australia who helps to improve the lives of intellectually disabled people and their families. To finish off a really fun day, our Social Program Coordinator organised a well deserved BBQ for the students. 

The students at Taylors College Perth managed to raise $789.00 making them the 2nd highest fundraising school in Western Australia for Activ Foundation.

Congratulations to everyone involved!

Happy 1st Birthday Perth campus!


This month marked a very special occasion for every one at the Perth Campus.  It has now been one year since the big move from O’Connor to our wonderful new campus at UWA Claremont, and what better way to celebrate than throwing a Birthday Party!

The party which was organized by our brilliant Social Program Coordinator, Christina Andrade kicked off on Friday afternoon after classes had finished.  By 1pm the courtyard was packed with over 300 students from our Taylors, Martin and Embassy programs as they gathered together to join in on the social activities, including a free BBQ lunch, and a staff vs. students volleyball match on the school oval. 

The campus social committee was in full gear throughout the afternoon with our enthusiastic club leaders encouraging students to join the various clubs and societies.  Students had an abundance of clubs to choose from which could have ranged anywhere from Philosophy to Frisbee Throwing. The Clubs on-campus serve to motivate and encourage students to develop new social networks and and making them feel more part of the College and UWA community.

But it wouldn’t have been a birthday without a birthday cake.  Before the afternoon was officially over, students eagerly crowded around the massive cake with spoons and plates in the ready position as they sung ‘Happy Birthday’. 
Before the crowds broke away our Acting Campus Director John De Reuck addressed the staff and students to mark this occasion as a very significant milestone for the Campus.

Even though it has only been one year since the relocation, the campus has moved forward in leaps and bounds.  Our students now have access to fantastic new teaching facilities, which are supported by the new UWAFP program launched in October 2006.  In addition to this, our students are now within 3km from the main UWA campus which allows them access to the UWA Library, on-campus accommodation and the Guild facilities.

These are only just a few highlights that have happened over the last year, and now that we are moving into 2007, the future looks very promising for the Campus and our students as they prepare themselves for the exciting challenges that lie ahead.

Students enjoy a BBQ lunch Students enjoy a BBQ lunch
Students challenge staff to a friendly volleyball game Students challenge staff to a friendly volleyball game
Signing up to the College Social Clubs Signing up to the College Social Clubs

Student 2006 Yearbook

2006 was a busy year for our Claremont campus in Perth.  The recently released 2006 Student Yearbook is full of  students' stories and experiences, photos of class trips, social activities and events.

If you'd like to see what Perth campus is like, the Yearbook is a must read!

 

Photos from the 2006 Student Yearbook Photos from the 2006 Student Yearbook

UWA Foundation Year students take over the University

On Tuesday 5th September, soon to be graduates of The University of Western Australia Foundation Program (UWAFP) visited the UWA Campus for tours of the different faculties.  Fresh from finishing their Term 3 exams and one step closer to the reality of tertiary studies, the students were very keen and excited about the visit.

During the visit, the students were provided with comprehensive information about the facilities and courses available, and even had the opportunity to network with some of the key UWA faculty staff.  The faculties visited included Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Commerce and Economics, Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, and Life and Physical Sciences.

Course Director for the UWAFY, Mr David Enright organises the excursion to UWA for every intake so that students can get a distinct ‘feel’ for university life and to familiarise themselves with the UWA campus. Mr Enright added that ‘these trips also provide a source of motivation to students who have realised from the beginning that their hard work and study will yield results’. 

And to the students asking for suggestions on just how to enter the University, Mr Enright enthusiastically replies “Be confident and believe in yourself, once your goals are set, everything you do from then on is either moving you closer towards them or further away.”

Students set for a 'Night Under the Stars'

On the evening of August 4 this year, over 160 students from the Perth campus gathered at the Parmelia Hilton Hotel to celebrate the biggest event on the school’s social calendar, the Annual School Ball.  This year the Student Council chose the theme ‘A Night Under The Stars’.

When the clock struck 6.30pm the students arrived in their chariots looking very glamorous in their gowns and tuxedos. As they were ushered through the entry of the hotel ballroom their eyes widened as they crossed over into an illustrious setting of a picturesque summer’s night eloquently decorated with balloons, streamers, stars and glitter.

The evening was officially opened by our two MC’s Rebecca Summerfield and Ricky Keung, followed with a welcome by the students in different languages ranging from Mandarin to Portuguese. Highlights of the evening would have to include the talented performances of Mohamed Anuar Azahari and Mr Brendon Norris for their song and guitar playing duet, and a special mention must go to Anne Zhang  and Angela Bat Enkh for their solo musical performances on the flute and piano. Our Brazilian students Valeska Marques and Ricardo Mayorga then took charge of the dance floor as they performed the Brazilian samba in front of the entire crowd.  Congratulations also to Tom Huang and Goh Xing Zhi who were crowned as our 2006 King and Queen of the Stars.

The evening was certainly one to remember, filled with laughter, great dancing and fantastic food.  As the clock struck midnight on August 5 the last candles were extinguished and thus ended one of the most successful Annual School Balls on the record.

Congratulations to our wonderful Librarian, Dorle Ruthrof and the Student Council for all their hard work and dedication to make ‘The Night Under The Stars’ a special and memorable occasion for the students and staff alike.