Science

The following courses are offered in Years 11-12 in the Science faculty:

Agriculture

The Year 11 course incorporates the study of the interactions between the components of agricultural production, marketing and management, while giving consideration to the issues of sustainability of the farming system. This is an ‘on-farm’, environment-orientated course.

The Year 12 course builds upon the Preliminary course. It examines the complexity and scientific principles of the components of agricultural production and places a greater emphasis on farm management to maximise productivity and environmental sustainability.

Biology

The Biology Stage 6 Syllabus explores the diversity of life from a molecular to a biological systems level. The course examines the interactions between living things and the environments in which they live. It explores the application of biology and its significance in finding solutions to health and sustainability issues in a changing world. It uses Working Scientifically processes to develop scientific investigative skills. It focuses on developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills in order to understand and support the natural environment.

Chemistry

The Year 11 course develops the knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to the properties and structures of matter, the types and drivers of chemical reactions and how we measure the quantities involved in these processes.

The Year 12 course builds on the concepts introduced in Year 11 by examining particular classes of chemicals, processes and a variety of chemical reactions which incorporate organic compounds and acid/base equilibrium reactions. The course challenges students to apply this knowledge to the investigation of a range of methods used in identifying and measuring quantities of chemicals which leads to an understanding of the structure, properties and trends of and between classes of chemicals.

Earth and Environmental Science

The Year 11 course investigates compositional layers of the Earth, the origins of minerals, tectonic movements and energy transformations that occur and includes the study of human impact on the Earth’s resources and its surface.

The Year 12 course investigates how the processes of plate tectonics, the formation of water and the introduction of life interact with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and climate. Investigation of hazards, the mitigation of their effects and resource management are also considered which leads to an understanding of the need to centralise the theme of sustainability for the long-term welfare of our planet and all forms of life dependent upon it.

Investigating Science

The Year 11 course focuses on the centrality of observation in initiating the scientific process and examines the human tendency to draw inferences and make generalisations from these observations. Students learn about the development and use of scientific models and the similarities and differences between scientific theories and laws.

The Year 12 course builds on the skills and concepts learnt in Year 11 with students conducting their own scientific investigations and communicating their findings in scientific reports. Students are provided with the opportunity to examine the interdependent relationship between science and technology and apply their knowledge, understanding and skills to scientifically examine a claim. The course concludes with students exploring the ethical, social, economic and political influences on science and scientific research in the modern world.

Marine Studies

Marine Studies is a Content Endorsed Course structure which enables the selection of modules that recognise and build upon students’ knowledge, understandings and skills through further and more in-depth study of this area. Marine Studies will support students in developing a commitment to and capacity for lifelong learning in this area. This may lead to further post-school study at University or TAFE or vocational training in the context of the workplace. Learning may also continue through ongoing life experiences as an area of personal interest.

Marine Studies is comprised of a 30-hour Core, 23 optional modules (of which students will complete ones negotiated with the teacher) and an optional personal interest project.

Physics

The Year 11 course develops student’s knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the study of motion, how we describe it and what causes it. The course also examines energy in its different forms and how we describe and measure electricity and magnetism and their interrelated effects.

The Year 12 course provides avenues for students to apply the concepts they were introduced to in Year 11 to motion in two dimensions, electromagnetism, theories of light, the atom and the Universe.