Science

Studying science promotes a greater understanding of the world around us by exploring the impacts of scientific knowledge and developments on society.

It challenges students to explore and question, and so fosters the development of fundamental skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and communication.

Year 7

Science in Year 7 encourages the curiosity of young minds and demonstrates the relevance of science in everyday life.

Learning centres on the basics of safety, and explores the topics of Ecology, Sustainability, Simple Machines and the Earth and its Neighbours.

Students complete hands-on activities and experiments, make models of scientific concepts, learn how to write practical reports, and complete a Science Fair project.

Year 8

Science in Year 8 focuses on observing and exploring the world around us.

What does the inside of a sheep’s lung look like? Why is the sky blue? How are mountains formed?

Learning in Year 8 includes investigating how the earth was formed, looking at our history through the formation of fossils, creating and observing chemical reactions and understanding how our body systems work.

Students complete hands-on activities including experiments and dissections, communicating their findings in practical reports and investigations.

Year 9

Science in Year 9 focuses on making connections. Learning includes areas such as Ecology, Body Science, Chemistry and Electricity & Magnetism.

Bigger questions are explored including how the body systems work together to maintain survival, and how ecosystems are affected by humans’ impacts and invasive species.

Students demonstrate their understanding of key concepts through investigations, topic tests and analysis of scientific procedures in written practical reports.

Year 10

Science in Year 10 hones in on each science discipline in more depth, creating pathways and choices for student learning.

These areas include

  • Physics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental and Space sciences
  • Behavioural science

Student activities include self-designed experiments, fieldwork, practical activities and investigations.

Science


VCE

Students may select elective VCE subjects from:

Biology

The study of living things. It is a study of the dynamic relationships between living organisms, their interdependence, their interactions with the non-living environment, and the processes that maintain life and ensure its continuity. Biology enables students to understand that despite the diverse ways of meeting the challenges of survival, all living things have many structural and functional characteristics in common.

Chemistry

Chemistry is a key science in explaining the workings of our universe through an understanding of the properties and interaction of substances that make up matter. Most processes, from the formation of molecules in outer space to the complex biological interactions occurring in cells, can be described by chemical theories. Although there are no sharp boundaries between sciences such as chemistry, physics and biology, chemistry is used to explain natural phenomena at the molecular level, as well as create new materials such as medicines and polymers.

Environmental Science

This subject provides the opportunity for students to understand the structure, function and diversity of natural ecosystems on this planet and to evaluate the impacts of human activities on them. Students examine strategies to maintain and protect the ecological health of the environment while meeting the needs and desires of human populations.

Physics

Physics is a theoretical and empirical science, which contributes to our understanding of the physical universe from the minute building blocks of matter to the unimaginably broad expanses of the Universe. This understanding has significance for the way we understand our place in the Universe.

Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of mental processes and behaviour in humans. Biological, behavioural, cognitive and socio-cultural perspectives inform the way psychologists approach their research into the human condition.