Science Department Newsletter

Braeburn International School Dar es Salaam: Science Department Newsletter

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,

As we approach the end of another productive half-term, we are excited to share the fantastic progress and achievements of our students in Biology and science across Year 7 to Year 12.

Year 12: Exploring the Mitotic Cycle
Our Year 12 A-level Biology students have been delving into the intricate world of cell division. Using microscopes, they have identified the stages of the mitotic cell cycle and gained a deeper understanding of the cell cycle. This challenging topic has pushed students to engage with content in greater detail, all whilst enhancing their practical skills in preparation for their Paper 3 examinations.
Students have expressed their thoughts on the subject:

• "A-level Biology is beautiful, but the subject content is huge."
• "Biology is interesting, fun, and abundant with challenging concepts."
  It’s inspiring to see them apply their knowledge of structure and function to real-life biological phenomena.

Year 11: Dedication Through Mock Exams
Year 11 IGCSE Biology students have recently completed their mock exams and returned to lessons with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. Their hard work and determination to refine their understanding and tackle exam questions have been commendable. This term, they have not only honed their theoretical knowledge but also continued to master practical skills.
To ensure every student feels prepared for the upcoming exams, we are offering targeted interventions and extra classes to provide additional support.

Year 10: Hands-On Learning
Year 10 students have made significant strides this term, exploring topics such as transport in plants, animal and plant nutrition, deficiency diseases, and the digestive system. Their enthusiasm for learning has been evident in their inquisitive questions and collaborative spirit.
This week, students applied their knowledge of plant biology to a practical investigation on water uptake in celery using dye, which brought the concept of xylem vessels and how they transport water to life.

Year 9: Early IGCSE Beginnings
Year 9 students began their IGCSE Biology journey this term, gaining an early start to this challenging curriculum. They have tackled topics such as classification, dichotomous keys, and polymers with creativity and enthusiasm.
Recently, they conducted a practical on crystal size formation, linking it to the cooling rate of salol, as well as constructing monomers and polymers with molymods. Their curiosity, innovation, and teamwork have been truly inspiring.

Year 8: Fluids, Reproduction, and Seed Dispersal
Year 8 students explored topics like fluids, reproduction, and fertilisation this term. A highlight was their experiment on seed dispersal, where they designed spinners to investigate how different lengths influenced the time spent in the air. This hands-on activity allowed students to link wind pollination concepts with real-world applications, fostering critical thinking and creativity.

Year 7: Foundations of Science and Practical Skills
Year 7 students have had an exciting term studying pressure, mixtures, and solutions. They explored how to make a solution from a solute and solvent and engaged in a wealth of experiments to separate mixtures using methods like distillation, evaporation, and filtration.
Their practical skills are improving rapidly, and they even learned how to properly manage and safely use a Bunsen burner—a vital skill for any budding scientist. These hands-on activities have instilled confidence in their abilities and a strong foundation for future scientific learning.

Thank you for your continued support in fostering a love of science in our students. We look forward to sharing more updates with you next term.

Warm regards,
The Science Department
Braeburn International School, Dar es Salaam