Board Developed Course

Link to NESA Stage 6 Subject Syllabus

Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Stage 5 Science.

School report achievements of mostly C and B grades or above for Science.

Exclusions: Nil

Cost: Excursion and fieldtrip expenses

Course Description:

The Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus explores the Earth’s renewable and non-renewable resources and also environmental issues. An understanding of the Earth’s resources and the ability to live sustainably on the planet is a central purpose of the study of Earth and Environmental Science. The course uses the Working Scientifically skills to develop knowledge through the application of those skills. Students engage with inquiry questions to explore knowledge of the Earth. They also undertake practical and secondary-sourced investigations to acquire a deeper understanding of the Earth’s features and naturally occurring phenomena and cycles. Fieldwork is an integral part of these investigation processes.

Main Topics Covered:

The Year 11 course consists of four modules.

Earth’s Resources

Plate Tectonics

Transformations

Human Impacts

The Year 12 course consists of four modules.

Earth's Resources

Hazards

Climate Science

Resource Management

Particular Course Requirements:

Students are provided with 15 hours of course time for Depth Studies in both Year 11 and Year 12. During this time students may undertake an investigation/activity that allows for the further development of one or more scientific concepts.

A Depth Study may be one investigation/activity or a series of investigations/activities. Depth Studies may be included in one module or across several modules.

Practical investigations are an essential part of the Year 11 and Year 12 courses and must occupy a minimum of 35 hours of course time each year. Fieldwork is an integral part of the learning process.

External Assessment:

Year 11 and Year 12 school-based assessment requirements.

Year 11 and Year 12 mandatory components and weightings.

External assessment requirements including HSC

examination specifications.

Employment / University Opportunities:

Environmental Science, Agriculture, Tourism, National Parks and Wildlife Services, Teacher.