A study of science is mandatory for all students from Kindergarten to Year 10.
Stage 4 and 5
Science is a dynamic body of knowledge which has become increasingly important and integral to our rapidly changing world. Through questioning and seeking solutions to problems, students develop an understanding of the relationships between science and technology, and the significance of their contribution to and influence on society.
Scientific inquiry fosters curiosity and provides the skills to find solutions to important problems scientific knowledge provides explanations observed phenomena. As students engage in questioning, testing ideas, developing and evaluating arguments based on evidence, they develop lifelong critical thinking and decision making skills.
Through applying the processes of Working Scientifically, students use scientific inquiry to develop their understanding of science ideas and concepts, and the importance of scientific evidence in making informed decisions about the uses of science and technology in their lives. They recognise that science advances through the contributions of many different people and developments in technology.
The study of Science is linked to problem solving, by the skills and processes of scientific inquiry. The study of Science provides opportunities for students to think and act critically and creatively, to develop informed attitudes based on evidence and reason, and to participate responsibly in developing innovative working solutions and ideas in response to opportunities and questions relevant to personal, social and environmental issues in their lives. Through engaging in Science, students begin to develop the capabilities needed to become more scientifically literate citizens.
The study of Science enables students to develop a positive self-concept as learners as well as confidence in and gain enjoyment from their learning. They become self-motivated learners through active participation in challenging and engaging experiences in order to develop innovative solutions.
Stage 6
Investigating Science
The Investigating Science course is designed to complement the study of the science disciplines by providing additional opportunities for students to investigate and develop an understanding of scientific concepts, their current and future uses, and their impacts on science and society.
Students of all abilities can engage with scientific skills and processes, and apply these to investigate relevant personal, community and global scientific issues.
The ongoing study of science and the specific Working Scientifically skills processes and their application have led humans to accumulate an evidence-based body of knowledge about human interactions – past, present and future – with the world and its galactic neighbourhood.
The course promotes active inquiry and explores key concepts, models and phenomena. The Stage 6 course is designed to enhance students’ understanding of the value of evidence-based investigations and the use of science-based inquiry in their lives. Investigating Science encourages the development of a range of capabilities and capacities that enhance a student’s ability to participate in all aspects of community life and within a fast-changing technological landscape. This course is intended to support students’ ongoing engagement with Science, and to form the foundation for further studies and participation in current and emerging STEM-related post-school activities and industries.
Earth and Environmental Science
The Earth and Environmental Science enables students of all abilities to achieve an understanding of the Earth’s resources and how to live sustainably on the planet.
Students develop their knowledge through by working scientifically engaging with inquiry questions to explore Earth’s naturally occurring phenomena and cycles. Through fieldwork, practical and secondary-sourced investigations they acquire a deeper understanding of the Earth’s features and naturally occurring phenomena and cycles.
The course provides the foundation knowledge and skills required to study Earth and Environmental science at a tertiary level. Addressing environmental science is essential in addressing current and future environmental issues and challenges and management of geological resources that are vital to Australia’s sustainable and economic future.
Biology
The biology course explores the diversity of life from a molecular to a biological systems level and examines the interactions between living things and the environments. Students explore the advancements in biotechnology and our fundamental understanding of genetics with a focus on treatments of disease and ethical issues.
The course is academically demanding with a high level of literacy skills. In order to achieve at the highest standard, the interrelationships between concepts must be well understood and communicated through extended responses.
Active inquiry and exploring key concepts, models and phenomena enhance students’ understanding of the value of evidence-based investigations and the use of science-based inquiry in their lives. Providing the foundation knowledge and skills needed to support participation in a range of careers in biology and related interdisciplinary industries and promotes an appreciation for the diversity of life on Earth.
Chemistry
Chemistry explores the structure, composition and reactions of and between all elements, compounds and mixtures. The discovery and synthesis of new materials, the monitoring of elements and compounds in the environment, and an understanding of industrial processes and their applications to life processes are central to human progress and our ability to develop future industries and sustainability.
The course is an academically challenging subject. It requires a high level of numeracy and literacy skills. The content and interrelationships between require a dedicated study regime to achieve success at the highest level.
The course promotes active inquiry and explores key concepts, models and phenomena. The Stage 6 course is designed to enhance students’ understanding of the value of evidence-based investigations and the use of science-based inquiry in their lives, and provides the foundation knowledge and skills required to study at a tertiary level, and supports participation in a range of careers in Chemistry and related interdisciplinary industries.
Physics
Physics is an academically challenging subject. It requires a high level of numeracy and literacy skills. The content and interrelationships between require a dedicated study regime to achieve success at the highest level.
The course examines phenomena on scales of space and time – from nuclear particles and their interactions up to the size and age of the Universe. This allows students to better understand the physical world and how it works, appreciate the uniqueness of the Universe, and participate in navigating and influencing the future.
The study of physics provides the foundation knowledge and skills required to support participation in a range of careers. It is a discipline that utilises innovative and creative thinking to address new challenges, such as sustainability, energy efficiency and the creation of new materials.
Extension Science [Offered in 2021]
Students who have shown an achievement in, and/or aptitude for, any of the Stage 6 Science courses: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science or Physics, in Year 11 may choose to study Science Extension in Year 12. This is a course for very capable Science students who are motivated and self-driven.
Science Extension has 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.
Students must propose and develop a research question, formulate a hypothesis and develop evidence-based responses in the form of a Scientific Research Report (approximately 2500–3000 words), which is supported by a Scientific Research Portfolio.
Courses of study
Stage 4
In Year 7 and 8, students study:
- science
Stage 5
In Year 9 and 10, students study:
- science
Stage 6
In Year 11 and 12, students can choose to study:
- biology
- chemistry
- earth and enviromental science
- physics
- investigating science