Science provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of important science concepts and processes by combining theoretical study with hands on practical activities and use of technology based simulations and software.
The curriculum supports students to develop the scientific knowledge, understandings and skills to make informed decisions about local, national and global issues and to participate, if they so wish, in science-related careers.
In addition to its practical applications students can experience the joy of scientific discovery and nurture their natural curiosity about the world around them.
Junior Secondary
In years 7, 8 and 9 students are given the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge across a range of science disciplines.
Biology
This strand is concerned with understanding living things. Students investigate living things, including animals, plants, and micro-organisms, and their interdependence and interactions within ecosystems. They develop and understanding of body systems and life cycles of living things.
Physics
This strand is concerned with understanding the nature of forces and motion, and matter and energy. Students gain an understanding of how an object’s is influenced by a range of forces. They develop an understanding of the concept of energy and how energy is associated with motion, heat, sound, light and electricity.
Chemistry
This strand is concerned with understanding the composition and behaviour of substances. Students learn to classify substances based on their properties, such as solids, liquids and gases, or their composition, such as elements, compounds and mixtures. They explore physical changes and investigate how chemical reactions result in the production of new substances.
Earth and Space Science
This strand is concerned with the Earth’s structure and its place in the cosmos. Students develop an understanding of the Earth as part of a solar system that is part of a larger universe. They explore the ways in which humans use resources from the Earth and appreciate the influence of human activity on the surface of the Earth and the atmosphere.
STEM
In addition students are able to select STEM as an elective. This course explores the fields of Science, Engineering and Mathematics using a real world inquiry based project approach.
This is an elective subject that explores the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students will complete individual and group investigations covering topics not addressed in regular curriculum. Agricultural science, weather monitoring and recording technology, bridge design, robotics and food science are only a few of the topics covered. This subject is highly student focused and some of the content investigated will be determined by the students enrolled.
Senior Secondary
In the senior phase of schooling, students selecting Science have an opportunity to follow an academic pathway and/or a vocational pathway through our choice of Authority subjects; Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Engineering Technology and SAS Science subjects Aquatic Practices.
Authority Subjects
Physics
Physics is the study of matter and energy. Physics is the study of some of our attempts to understand the physical universe. Its applications in technology such as telecommunications and electrical appliances have produced and continue to produce pressures to change our society.
At a tertiary level, Physics is a widely recognised pre-requisite for entry into fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Aviation.
Biology
Biology is concerned with the study of life in all its variety. It encompasses studies of the origin, development, functioning and evolution of living systems and the consequences of change in those systems. At a tertiary level, Biology is a widely recognised pre-requisite or recommended course for entry into fields such as; Health, Medicine, Science Research and Environmental Sciences.
Chemistry
Chemistry engages students in an exciting and dynamic investigation of the material universe. This strand is concerned with understanding the chemical structure and behaviour of substances. Students learn to classify substances based on their properties, such as state of matter, acidity or structural composition. The concepts of atoms, elements, compounds and mixtures are investigated. They will explore physical changes and investigate how chemical reactions result in the production of new substances at different rates. At a tertiary level, Chemistry is a widely recognised pre- requisite is studied in first year university for fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Authority registered subjects
Engineering Technology
Engineering Technology is designed for students who have an interest in the practical application of science, mathematics and technology. It is concerned with the theoretical concepts and practical applications related to technology, industry and society, engineering materials, engineering mechanics, and control systems. It is a valuable subject for students considering tertiary level studies in the fields of engineering or technology.
Aquatic Practices
Aquatic Practices incorporates a study of the sea, inland waters and catchment areas of the local region. Students will study practical knowledge, skills and attitudes in relation to the Marine Environment that will affect students’ recreational life or future employment.
