Science Faculty

Course description: 
Biology encompasses the study of living things and the interactions integral to the survival of species and conservation of ecosystems. In this subject, students will study 4 topics:   

Topic 1: Cells and Microorganisms   

Topic 2: Infectious Disease   

Topic 3: Multicellular Organisms   

Topic 4: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics  

Students will be encouraged to be critical thinkers and explore how scientific progress and discoveries are influenced and shaped by a wide range of social, economic, ethical, and cultural factors. Practical activities will take a range of forms and see students develop investigable questions and/or testable hypotheses, and select and use equipment appropriately to collect data. Students display and analyse the data they have collected, evaluate procedures, describe their limitations, consider explanations for their observations, and present and justify conclusions appropriate to the initial question or hypothesis.     

Assessment:  

Topic tests (50%),   

Practical reports (25%)  

Science as a Human Endeavour (SHE) investigations (25%)  

Assumed Knowledge:   

Stage 1 Biology builds on the 10 Science curriculum.  

A minimum B grade in Year 10 Science is needed to be prepared for passing this Stage 1 subject.  

Course description: 
Chemistry is the study of matter and the chemical reactions between substances. Science inquiry skills and science as a human endeavour are integral to students’ learning in this subject and are interwoven through the science understanding.   

In their study of these topics, students develop and extend their understanding of some of the fundamental principles and concepts of chemistry, including structure, bonding and acid-base reactions.   

 Using an inquiry approach to learning through observation, speculation, prediction, experimentation, analysis, evaluation, and communication students develop and extend their science inquiry skills and reinforce their understanding of science as a human endeavour.     

The year comprises six topics:   

Topic 1: Materials and their Atoms   

Topic 2: Combining Atoms  

Topic 3: Molecules   

Topic 4: Mixtures and Solutions   

Topic 5: Acids and Bases   

Topic 6: Redox Reactions  

Assessment:  
Topic tests (50%),   

Practical reports (25%)  

Science as a Human Endeavour (SHE) investigations (25%)  

Assumed Knowledge: 
Stage 1 Chemistry builds on the 10 Science curriculum.  

A minimum B grade in Year 10 Science is needed to be prepared for passing this Stage 1 subject.  

Course description: 
The study of Physics is constructed around using qualitative and quantitative models, laws, and theories to better understand matter, forces, energy, and the interaction among them.     

Students have opportunities to develop their investigative skills and use analytical thinking to explain and predict physical phenomena. Students plan and conduct investigations to answer a range of questions, collect and analyse data and observations, and communicate their findings in an appropriate format. Problem-solving and using evidence to make and justify conclusions are transferable skills that are developed in this course.    

The following topics are studied:   

Topic 1: Linear Motion and Forces   

Topic 2: Energy and Momentum   

Topic 3: Thermal Physics   

Topic 4: Electricity   

Topic 5: Waves   

Topic 6: Nuclear Models and Radioactivity    

By studying physics, students understand how new evidence can lead to the refinement of existing models and theories and to the development of different, more complex ideas, technologies, and innovations.   

Through further developing skills in gathering, analysing, and interpreting primary and secondary data to investigate a range of phenomena and technologies, students increase their understanding of physics concepts and the impact that physics has on many aspects of contemporary life and the complex ways in which science interacts with society. 

Assessment:
Topic tests (50%),   
Practical reports (25%) 
Science as a Human Endeavour (SHE) investigations (25%)  

Assumed Knowledge: 
Stage 1 Physics builds on the 10 Science curriculum 

A minimum B grade in Year 10 Science is needed to be prepared for passing this Stage 1 subject.  

Course description:
The study of Biology is constructed around understanding the diversity of life as it has evolved, the structure and function of living things, and how they interact with their own and other species and their environments. In this subject, students will study 4 topics:   

Topic 1: DNA and proteins   

Topic 2: Cells as the basis of life   

Topic 3: Homeostasis   

Topic 4: Evolution  

Students study biological systems and their interactions, from the perspectives of structure and function, energy and control in microscopic cellular structures and processes, through to macroscopic ecosystem dynamics.  

Students explore the dynamic nature of biological science and the complex ways in which science interacts with society, to think critically and creatively about possible scientific approaches to solving everyday and complex problems and challenges.  

 Practical activities will take a range of forms and see students develop investigable questions and/or testable hypotheses, and select and use equipment appropriately to collect data. Students display and analyse the data they have collected, evaluate procedures, describe their limitations, consider explanations for their observations, and present and justify conclusions appropriate to the initial question or hypothesis.     

Assessment:  
Topic tests (40%),   
Practical reports (20%)  
Science as a Human Endeavour (SHE) investigations (10%)  
External Examination (30%)  

Assumed Knowledge:   

It is recommended that students study Stage 1 Biology to a B standard to best prepare themselves for this course.  

Students interested in undertaking Stage 2 Biology in Year 11 must have achieved A grades in Year 10 Science. Interest in this is indicated via web preferences subject selections and students will be informed of the process following this.

Course description: 
In their study of Chemistry, students develop and extend their understanding of how the physical world is chemically constructed, the interaction between human activities and the environment, and the use that human beings make of the planet’s resources. Students consider examples of benefits and risks of chemical knowledge to the wider community, along with the capacity of chemical knowledge to inform public debate on social and environmental issues.   

 Through the study of Chemistry, students develop the skills that enable them to be questioning, reflective, and critical thinkers; investigate and explain phenomena around them; and explore strategies and possible solutions to address major challenges now and in the future (for example, in energy use, global food supply, and sustainable food production).  

Students integrate and apply a range of understanding, inquiry, and scientific thinking skills that encourage and inspire them to contribute their own solutions to current and future problems and challenges, and pursue future pathways, including in medical or pharmaceutical research, pharmacy, chemical engineering, and innovative product design.  

The year comprises four topics:   

Topic 1: Monitoring the environment  

Topic 2: Managing chemical processes  

Topic 3: Organic and biological chemistry  

Topic 4: Managing resources

Assessment:  
Topic tests (40%)  
Practical reports (20%)  
Science as a Human Endeavour (SHE) investigations (10%)  
External examination (30%)  

Pre-requisite:   
Stage 1 Chemistry.  

It is recommended that students achieve at least a B standard in Stage 1 Chemistry to best prepare themselves for this course.  

Course description:  
The study of Physics is constructed around using qualitative and quantitative models, laws, and theories to better understand matter, forces, energy, and the interaction among them.  

 Students learn to analyse projectile motion, with and without air resistance, and apply Newton's Laws to understand momentum and the motion of celestial bodies. Students examine the magnetic fields created by moving charges in currents and vacuums, and the forces these fields exert. The dual nature of light as both a wave and a particle is explored, in addition to the properties of, and interactions between, subatomic particles. 

The following topics are studied:  

Topic 1: Motion and Relativity 

Topic 2: Electricity and Magnetism 

Topic 3: Light and Atoms. 

Practical investigations involve individual and collaborative activities, during which students extend their science inquiry skills. Students plan and conduct investigations to answer questions, collect and analyse data and observations, and communicate their findings. By studying physics, students understand how new evidence can lead to the refinement of existing models and theories and the development of more complex ideas, technologies, and innovations.    

Assessment: 
Topic tests (40%) 
Practical reports (20%) 
Science as a Human Endeavour (SHE) investigations (10%) 
External examination (30%) 

Pre-requisite:  
Stage 1 Physics.

It is recommended that students achieve at least a B standard in Stage 1 Physics to best prepare themselves for this course.