A study of science is mandatory for all students from Kindergarten to Year 10.
In science, students explore the natural and made worlds. They learn how to apply scientific skills, knowledge and understanding across a broad range of contexts.
Science 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. The inquiry and skill-based nature of science opens doors to ideas and discoveries.
In Years 11 and 12, students can choose from different science disciplines, including:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth and Environmental Science
- Investigating Science
- Physics.
The study of science provides students with a contemporary and coherent understanding of some of the basic laws, theories and principles of biology, chemistry, physics and other scientific fields and their application.
It includes an examination of the technology that uses these laws, theories and principles and the impact of this science and technology on society. Courses reflect the interdisciplinary nature of science and focus on the interdependence of science, technology and society.
This subject aims to encourage students to develop a range of practical skills including the use of current instrumentation, information technology and an increased ability to communicate understanding.
It develops a student's understanding
- of science as a continually developing body of knowledge
- of the role of experimentation in deciding between competing theories
- of the provisional nature of science explanations.
Our Senior Science course provides learning experiences through which students will
- acquire knowledge and understanding about fundamental concepts related to the nature and functioning of physical, chemical, geological and biological systems, the historical development of these concepts and their application in 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 scientific 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 physical, chemical, geological and biological systems, 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 science.
Students will develop knowledge and understanding of
- the history of science
- the nature and practice of science
- applications and uses of science
- the implications of science for society and the environment
- current issues, research and developments in science
- the resources of the Earth
- internal and external environments
- chemical changes
- organs and systems of the body
- energy
- planning investigations
- conducting investigations
- communicating information and understanding
- developing scientific thinking and problem-solving techniques
- working individually and in teams.
Students will develop positive values about and attitudes towards themselves, others, learning as a lifelong process, science and the environment.