Beau 'takes 5' To Face Biology

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday October 31, 2007

By JODIE MINUS

FOR every half hour of yesterday's Higher School Certificate Biology exam, Beau Warren was allowed a five-minute break.

The Board of Studies gave The Illawarra Grammar School special dispensation for Beau, because he suffers from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and has difficulty concentrating.

"I have had ADD since I was about six or seven," said the 17-year-old student.

"I don't actually remember what happened at that age, but I know that I was the usual crazy, running around the house all the time, energetic, little kid.

"Then a Sydney doctor did all the tests and I was diagnosed with ADD and have been on (prescription drug) Ritalin ever since then."

The size of Beau's dose has been getting smaller over the years.

"I noticed that I still get distracted but it is getting better," he said.

"Occasionally I get hyped up but it is not very often," he said.

Beau studied three sciences for the HSC and is hoping to enrol in forensic science at the University of Western Sydney.

He said the biology paper, which 14,620 students across the state sat yesterday, was similar to the trial HSC examination.

TEACHER'S VIEW

I think it was fair. I thought the multiple choice and core sections were very straightforward. I thought the extended responses were challenging.

- Kerri Baird, biology teacher, The Illawarra Grammar School.

SAMPLE QUESTION

Biology Question Seven (multiple choice)

Which leaf structures are adaptations to assist in the conservation of water?

a) Central vein, irregular leaf shape.

b) Large air spaces, pointed leaf tip.

c) Spongy mesophyll, vascular bundle.

d) Sunken stomates, thick waxy cubicle.

TODAY

Morning: Mathematics (Extension One) 9.25am - 11.30am.

Afternoon: Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, 1.55pm - 5pm.

© 2007 Illawarra Mercury

Back to News Index | Back to Home