Science

There are a wide range of science subjects on offer to students in Years 9&10. Students are required to complete at least two Science units over the two years of 9&10.

Year 9&10 Science offerings contain a combination of new and renamed subjects
Students are not able to complete a renamed subject if they have already completed it (i.e. can't complete 9/10 Biology if you have already completed The Science Of Life)

Subject offered in both cycles

9/10 Psychology (PSYCH)
9/10 Biology (BIO)
9/10 Chemistry (CHEM)
9/10 Physics (PHYS)
9/10 General Science (GENSCI)
9/10 Mathematical Science (MATHSCI)

Year 9&10 Science - Subject offerings for 2025

9/10 Biology (BIO)

In year 9/10 biology students build their understanding of a range of biological concepts. Students will study evidence supporting evolutionary theory linked with plate tectonics. The major area of study focuses on ecosystems and adaptations to environmental factors whilst analysing genetic expression. Students will develop their scientific thinking by conducting biological practical investigations and research projects.

Areas of study

What are the principles of genetics and inheritance?
What are the impacts of animals and environmental adaptations on ecosystems?
What are the differences between Homo sapiens and their ancestors as a result of evolution?

Learning program & assessment:

Students will demonstrate their knowledge through answering questions
Students will present their findings through multimedia presentations
Students will conduct a detailed investigation of a key science topic of their choice.

9/10 Physics (PHYS)

In 9/10 Physics students develop knowledge and understanding of forces, motion, matter and energy. These concepts are illustrated practically in a laboratory setting and related to real-world phenomena. Students develop their scientific thinking and understanding of the scientific process by conducting practical investigations across a range of physical concepts. Assessment tasks include practical construction and testing tasks and experimental write-ups.

Areas of study

What are the different methods of heat and energy transfer?
How do the characteristics of waves predict the behaviour of light and sound?
How do the principles of speed, velocity, acceleration and Newton’s laws of motion apply to our lives?

Learning program & assessment:

Students will demonstrate their knowledge through practical laboratory investigations
Students will demonstrate their knowledge through practical construction and testing tasks
Students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge through theoretical assessment

9/10 Chemistry (CHEM)

In 9/10 chemistry students develop knowledge and understanding of chemical structures and reactions. These concepts are illustrated practically in a laboratory setting and related to real-world phenomena. Students develop their scientific thinking and understanding of the scientific process by conducting practical investigations across a range of chemical concepts. Assessment tasks include modelling tasks and experimental write-ups.

Areas of study

What is an atom and how does it relate to the periodic table?
How do atoms form bonds and how does this affect the properties of materials?
What are different types of chemical reactions and why are they important to the world?

Learning program & assessment:

Students will demonstrate their knowledge through practical laboratory investigations
Students will demonstrate their knowledge through practical construction and testing tasks
Students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge through theoretical assessment

9/10 Psychology (PSYCH)

This subject allows students to begin their understanding of the mind, human behaviour and psychology as a science. Students will investigate the role of psychologists and the impact of the world around us on our mental health, the brain and the functions of the various structures within it, and how we develop our understanding of the people and the world around us through our experiences and interactions with the people we know and our environment.

Areas of study

How does our environment and experiences affect our mental health?
How does our upbring shape our emotional, cognitive and behavioural development?
How does the brain function and what effect does damage have?

Learning program & assessment:

Students will demonstrate their knowledge through undertaking laboratory reports
Students will present their findings through undertaking theoretical and practical assessments
Students will create a detailed investigation of a key psychological phenomena.

9/10 General Science 1 (GENSCI1)

General Science is a subject that covers a wide range of scientific topics and skills. It helps students understand the basic principles of physics, chemistry, biology, and earth sciences. They learn to observe, collect data, analyse information, and make interpretations. Students explore different areas such as motion, energy, matter, chemical reactions, living organisms, ecosystems, and the Earth's structure. They conduct experiments, research, and discussions to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. General Science provides a foundation for understanding the natural world and how scientific principles apply to various aspects of life.

Areas of study

Students will explore fundamental chemistry concepts
Students will discover foundational physics concepts
Students will apply core biological concepts

Learning program & assessment:

Students will demonstrate their knowledge through practical laboratory investigations
Students will demonstrate their knowledge through research and communication tasks
Students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge through theoretical assessment

9/10 Mathematical Science (MATHSCI)

Students build on their general mathematics course to develop a deeper understanding of mathematics and how it relates to the scientific world. Mathematical Science spans the three content strands of mathematics: Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability, as well as the mathematical skills related to Chemistry and Physics. Students develop their ability to use mathematical language to construct rigorous and accurate solutions to challenging problems.

Areas of study

How do mathematicians prove properties and theorems related to circles, triangles and other geometric figures?
What is the probability of multi-step experiments?
How do we use graphs and algebra to model relationships in a variety of contexts?
Where are these mathematical skills used in the chemical and physical world?

Learning program & assessment:

Students will demonstrate their understanding by completing a portfolio of work
Students will demonstrate their skills by investigating and proving complex mathematical concepts
Students will demonstrate their knowledge through theoretical assessment and end-of-semester exams

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