Home < Curriculum < Learning Areas < Science

| Year 7-10 | Years 11-12 |

A new Science Precinct has been built in recent years with state of the art, well-equipped laboratories and extensive computing capabilities to take us into the twenty-first century. This, together with the implementation of the Curriculum Framework, gives students the opportunity to “Work Scientifically” enabling them to develop critical thinking skills, as well acquiring knowledge about the biological, physical and technological world.

The School’s Science Program for Years 7, 8,9 and 10 is based upon the outcomes of the Curriculum Framework. All Year 7, 8,9 and 10 students participate in Science. The program for the post-compulsory years (Years 11 and 12) consists of five Courses.

In the Science learning area there are two key areas, “Working Scientifically” and Understanding Concepts”.

Working Scientifically

The Working Scientifically outcomes address the skills of investigating, communicating scientifically, applying Science to daily life, using scientific knowledge and skills responsibly and understanding that scientific knowledge continues to evolve.

Understanding Concepts

These outcomes are developed in conjunction with the Working Scientifically outcomes. Their purpose is to enhance students’ conceptual understanding of the physical and biological world.

Four outcomes are developed through different science content introduced in Years 7, 8,9 and 10.

The outcomes include:

• Earth and Beyond: students understand how the physical environment on Earth and its position in the universe impact on the way we live.
• Energy and Change: students understand the scientific concept of energy and explain that energy is vital to our existence and to our quality of life.
• Life and Living: students understand their own biology and that of other living things, and recognize the interdependence of life.
• Natural and Processed Materials: students understand that the structure of materials determines their properties and that processing raw materials results in new materials with different properties and uses.

Students in Years 11 and 12 have the opportunity to study the examination-based courses of Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences or Human Biological Science and a non examination-based course called Integrated Science.

Detailed information on all of these courses can be found in the Year 11 and 12 Student Handbook.