Grade 10 Life Science students studying sheep hearts. As part of the module on circulatory systems, students study heart structure. This section introduces quite a few new names, such as ventricle, atrium and aorta. It is one thing to see a neat labelled diagram of a heart, but quite another to see and touch a real heart, and apply those new words to something real. Being able to see a real heart means that the function of a particular structure become more obvious. For example, the walls of the ventricles are so much thicker and stronger than the atria walls, as the ventricles push blood to the rest of the body and the lungs, while the atria receive blood from the body and lungs. #weareproudlypinelands #lovescience #bethechange #learningthroughdoing

To celebrate National Arbor Week we planted three Keurboom (Virgilia sp.) trees on the school campus. We chose the Keurboom as it is indigenous, quick growing and can withstand strong wind. Keurbooms produce lots of beautiful flowers, whose nectar provides food for various insects and birds. Once the trees are established they can also be nesting sites for birds. Therefore one tree can support many organisms. To remember this event, Dr de Roo created a certificate that all students involved in the tree planting signed. The Eco-club and Dr Payne's grade 8 class were able to assist in the tree planting, and in the process learn about the importance of planting indigenous trees, and different soil types.

Thank you to Mr Robert Kati for digging the tree holes, and for teaching the students about tree roots and how to plant trees. #weareproudlypinelands #ArborWeek #treesgivelife #trees #EcoClub

All science students in Grade 11 at Pinelands High School completed a Science Fair project in May of this year. A small group of seven students were then selected to participate in the Western Cape Virtual Science Fair - Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. All 7 of our entrants won an award, with Aaliyah Sonnie winning a gold medal for her project on the "Effect of Socioeconomic Status on Awareness and Behaviour Regarding Global Warming". Joshua Lugt and Kaneez Abbas both won silver medals while Andrew Cornelissen, Nabeelah Ismail and Dorcas Rezant won bronze medals. We are so proud of these Grade 11 students, for their hard work and dedication to this extra curricular activity, particularly during COVID times. 

Aaliyah, Joshua and Kaneez will represent the Western Cape region at ISF (International Science Fair) which is both a national and international level competition, to be held virtually in October. We wish them all the best in this next phase of the competition.

Seated L to R: Kaneez Abbas, Dorcas Rezant, ,Nabeelah Ismail, Andrew Cornelissen

Standing: Mrs Nicole Masureik, Yusha Samaai

Absent: Joshua Lugt, Aaliyah Sonnie

THANK YOU to our students, staff and parents who contributed to the Toiletry Gift Bag Drive organised by our Interact Society. Thank you to Nihal, Mia and Isra for enduring that all gift bags were properly packed and then delivered to the Saartjie Baartman Centre.  

The Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children (SBCWC ) is a one-stop centre for women and children who are survivors of abuse. Their vision is the creation of a safe and secure society and a human rights culture where women and children are empowered to exercise their full rights. Visit their website to find out about the incredible work they do with women and children.