Learning beyond the classroom is an initiative that is embraced by students and teachers at Somerville House. Picture students gathered in the Science Labs at 7.30am on a Tuesday morning. They begin their day deliberating the many facets of biology, chemistry and physics, to name a few, all before some of us have had our morning coffee.

The students have decided to join together to share their talents, strengthen their knowledge and increase their understanding at the School’s Science Help Tutorials, setting a strong foundation to advance and promote the future of women in science.

Head of Science, Mrs Michelle Thomas, is thrilled with the success of the tutorial sessions and the bonds that are being formed between the Middle and Senior Years students.

“Attendance at the tutorial sessions is completely voluntary, so it is overwhelmingly positive to see the volume of girls who join these support groups,” Mrs Thomas said.

“We have many passionate and caring Senior students who enjoy mentoring the girls in the younger years, imparting the knowledge they have obtained during their years of studying Science at the School,” she said.

“Our younger students admire the Senior girls, and it is a wonderful way to demonstrate the Senior Science curriculum to the younger cohort.”

Attended by students from Years 7 to 12, the School’s Science Help Tutorial Sessions is an opportunity for girls to bring along any questions they may be stuck on, or a chance to seek some feedback or advice on work they have completed.

Year 11 UQ Science Ambassador and School Captain elect, Dinethra Epa, champions science at the School and enjoys sharing her passion at the tutorial sessions.

“One of the reasons I love science is that it helps me to understand the world around us,” Dinethra said.

“Science explains to us why things occur, why they exist and why we behave the way we do,” she said.

“In this way, we could argue that science is the answer to life. This is why I love science.”

“The Science Help Tutorial Sessions are a great way for me to share my passion with girls in the Middle and Senior Years, and create constructive conversation when we’re trying to solve a problem,” Dinethra said.

Dedicated and committed teachers who supervise and co-ordinate these initiatives allow the students of Somerville House to expand their education and challenge themselves, well beyond the traditional classroom walls.