Science is mandatory for all students from Year 7 to Year 10.
Science 7-10 provides a way of inquiring about the world around us. It explores evidence and investigates ways to discover, develop and produce solutions to real-world problems. Science emphasises the skills for working scientifically, as well as critical and creative thinking to address scientific issues.
In Years 11 and 12, students can choose from different science disciplines, including:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth and Environmental Science
- Investigating Science
- Physics.
Science Extension is also offered for Year 12.
Science years 7 to 10
Through their study of science students develop a knowledge and understanding about the living and non-living world. Students examine the historical and ongoing contribution of scientists, including Australian scientists, to scientific research. They examine the impact on their lives of scientific knowledge and its applications to their communities and surroundings.
Year 11 & 12 Science
Biology years 11/12
The Year 11 course investigates cellular structure and provides a base for understanding the way in which multicellular organisms transport and absorb nutrients and carry out gas exchange. Exploring variations in the structures and functions of organisms provides an understanding of the effects of the environment on living things and how this leads to biodiversity.
The Year 12 course investigates reproduction, inheritance patterns and the causes of genetic variation in both plants and animals. Applications of this knowledge in biotechnology and various genetic technologies are explored in the light of their uses in the treatment, prevention and control of infectious and non-infectious diseases.
Chemistry years 11/12
To provide learning experiences through which students will:
- Acquire knowledge and understanding about fundamental concepts related to matter and its interactions, the historical development of those concepts and their application to personal, social, economic, technological and environmental situations.
- Progress from the consideration of specific data and knowledge to the understanding of models and concepts and to the use of generalised terms related to chemistry in their explanations, from the collection and organisation of information to problem-solving and from the use of simple communication skills to those which are more sophisticated.
- Develop positive attitudes towards the study of matter and its interactions, the environment and opinions held by others, recognising the importance of evidence and the use of critical evaluation of differing scientific opinions related to various aspects of chemistry.
Physics years 11/12
Physics stage 6 aims to provide learning experiences through which students will:
- Acquire knowledge and understanding about fundamental concepts related to natural phenomena and their causes, the historical development of these concepts and their application to personal, social, economic, technological and environmental situations.
- Progress from the consideration of specific data and knowledge to the understanding of models and concepts and the explanation of generalised physics terms from the collection and organisation of information to problem-solving and from the use of simple communication skills to those that are more sophisticated
- Develop positive attitudes towards the study of natural phenomena and their causes and opinions held by others, recognising the importance of evidence and the use of critical evaluation of differing scientific opinions related to various aspects of physics.
Investigating Science
The Year 11 course focuses on the centrality of observation in initiating the scientific process and examines the human tendency to draw inferences and make generalisations from these observations. Students learn about the development and use of scientific models and the similarities and differences between scientific theories and laws.
The Year 12 course builds on the skills and concepts learnt in Year 11 with students conducting their own scientific investigations and communicating their findings in scientific reports. Students are provided with the opportunity to examine the interdependent relationship between science and technology and apply their knowledge, understanding and skills to scientifically examine a claim. The course concludes with students exploring the ethical, social, economic and political influences on science and scientific research in the modern world.
Science Extension
Science Extension is a new course with a focus on the authentic application of scientific research skills to produce a Scientific Research Report generally acceptable for publication. Students propose and develop a research question, formulate a hypothesis and develop evidence-based responses to create their Scientific Research Report which is supported by a Scientific Research Portfolio. The four modules integrate the skills of Working Scientifically within the course content to form the framework for the Scientific Research Project.