Jacaranda Nature of Biology

The Jacaranda VCE Nature of Biology series includes these features:

• Exam and SAC support, including:
  • Access to every past VCAA exam questions since 2006 within each subtopic and topic in the print; and available in learnON and an exam question booklet
  • Annually updated SACs with marking rubrics, customisation tips, risk assessments and sample responses
  • Additional exams and topic tests with solutions
  • Fully worked solutions for every question
• A suite of hundreds of videos, led by experienced teachers guiding students through VCAA exam questions, sample problems and key concepts.
• Practical investigation support, including:
  • Sample investigations with teacher and student facing versions in customisable digital eLogbooks
  • Full risk assessments and laboratory advice
  • Dedicated topics to support students in scientific investigations and bioethical research linked to both Outcome 3 and Key Science Skills
• Aligned to the VCE Biology Study Design (2022-2026), with content tailored to all the Key Knowledge and Key Science Skills.
• Our learning framework is designed to provide a rich and deep learning experience, support students of all abilities and allow them to learn and contextualise key Biology concepts.
• Features including a free customisable eWorkbook, summaries, embedded glossary terms and contemporary case study boxes.
• Resources to support teachers in transitioning to the new Study Design
• Available for the first time on learnON, our most powerful digital learning platform, which features:
  • Immediate, corrective feedback for students
  • An in-built testmaker for teachers to create assignments from a large pool of questions for immediate, spaced and mixed practice
  • Instant reports into student progress, providing visibility into student progress and performance .

Judith Kinnear and Marjory Martin

As the original authors of Jacaranda’s Nature of Biology, Judith Kinnear and Marjory Martin’s lifelong interest in, and passion, for the biological sciences and education are the driving forces in their continuing academic studies and professional achievements. Having taught at both school and university levels, with experience in both curriculum development and academic research, their continuing aim is to produce resources that engage students in the many facets of biology and encourage them to understand the living world as a dynamic, evolving science.

For the brand new sixth edition, Judith and Marjory will be joined by a passionate team of experienced VCE Biology educators:

Sarah Beamish

Sarah has a Bachelor of Science (Plant Physiology and Honours in Meteorology), and a Diploma of Education. Formerly a research scientist, Sarah’s rich passion for teaching, education, and communicating complex scientific concepts, led her to become a teacher. Having taught for over 13 years, Sarah is currently the Assistant Head of Science at St Kevin’s College in Toorak where she is a teacher of VCE Biology, Science and Geography. Sarah has also been a VCAA assessor for VCE Biology.

Lucy Cassar

After completing a Doctorate in Medicine (Immunology) from Monash University, Lucy spent time as a research scientist investigating areas from cancer research to gene therapy. Currently a senior Biology teacher at an independent school in Melbourne’s west, Lucy is committed to inspiring the next generation of students to appreciate Biology and the scientific world around them, instilling a passion for learning as well as hoping to inspire the next generation of scientists.

Nick Hamer

Originally from England, Nick’s passion for Science, specifically the practical work of data collecting and being able to use evidence to test the theories, led him to study a Bachelor of Science (Honours in Genetics) from the University of Liverpool. After working as a research scientist for the UK Government, Nick completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, and taught GCSE Science and A-level Biology. Since emigrating to Australia in 2013, he has taught VCE Biology at regional and metropolitan schools in Victoria.

Elise Meehan

Elise has a Science degree focused in Conservation and has recently completed a Masters in Clinical Teaching. Elise has over 15-years’ experience working in secondary education, having taught in Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom. Currently the Head of Science at Saint Ignatius College Geelong, Elise has a passion for developing curriculum which incorporates evidence-based learning that caters for all students.

Sacha O’Connor-Price

Sacha discovered her passion for science during high school, leading her to embark on a career in teaching and inspiring VCE Biology students. She has been a senior Biology teacher since 2009, teaching in both rural and city schools, and across sectors. Currently the Head of House at a grammar school in Melbourne, Sacha teaches VCE Biology, and has been VCAA assessor since 2014.

Ritu Tyagi

Ritu graduated from Delhi University (India) with a Bachelor of Microbiology (Honours) and completed her Diploma of Education from University of Melbourne. Ritu has been teaching Maths, Science and VCE Biology at Roxburgh College for the past 11 years. Currently at Roxburgh College, she is dedicated to continuously improving student literacy outcomes.