Duration One Unit
Biology
Students will explore the following topics
genetic inheritance which includes the function of DNA, chromosomes, genes and alleles
the roles of mitosis and meiosis in passing on genetic information to the next generation (genotypes and phenotypes in monohybrid crosses involving dominant and recessive traits)
the theory of evolution by natural selection which outlines the processes of variation, isolation and adaptation and is supported by evidence including the fossil record, biogeography and comparative embryology
past and present biodiversity and how all organisms have some degree of relatedness to each other
Types of Assessment
Tests
Practical experiments and/or research task
Worksheets
Examination
Pathways This course is recommended for students aiming to pursue VCE Biology or VCE Environmental Science
Contact Teacher: Ms Sharon Jones
Duration One Unit
Chemistry
This elective provides students with a foundational understanding of key chemical concepts and processes. Students will examine how models of the atom have changed over time. They will explore the Periodic Table, identifying patterns and trends in the properties of elements, and the different types of intramolecular bond-ing.
This subject covers the application of the Law of Conservation of Mass to chemical reactions, including writ-ing word and balanced chemical equations. Students will investigate energy changes in reactions, classifying them as exothermic or endothermic, and will develop the ability to predict products and analyse the effect of changing reaction conditions.
Students will also be introduced to basic quantitative chemistry. They will learn how to calculate relative atomic mass, determine the number of particles in a mole, and calculate the mass of substances in a given sample.
This subject supports the development of scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Types of Assessment
Tests
Practical experiments and/or research task
Worksheets
Examination
Pathways This course is recommended for students aiming to pursue VCE Chemistry or VCE Environmental Science
Contact Teacher: Ms Sharon Jones
Duration One Unit
Earth and Space Science
This elective will provide students with an understanding of Earth’s interrelated systems (atmosphere, bio-sphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere) and how the dynamics of global climate change can be modelled and explained by examining the interactions between greenhouse gas emissions and energy exchanges within and between Earth’s systems.
Students will also learn how space exploration seeks to expand knowledge of the origins and structure of the universe and to resolve the challenges of humans travelling and living away from Earth’s surface. They will learn that the universe contains features including galaxies, stars, solar systems and black holes. Students will be introduced to the big bang theory and learn how it models the origin and evolution of the universe and is supported by evidence.
Types of Assessment
Tests
Practical experiments and/or research task
Worksheets
Examination
Pathways This course is recommended for students aiming to pursue VCE Environmental Science
Contact Teacher: Ms Sharon Jones
Duration One Unit
Physics
Students will develop an understanding of motion and will be able to explain that interaction of forces and exchange of energy can be predicted using the laws of physics. They will work with electrical circuits and model resistance in series and parallel. They will investigate and compare gravitational, magnetic and elec-tric fields, including shapes and directions of fields produced by bar magnets, and by current-carrying wires, loops and solenoids.
Types of Assessment
Tests
Practical experiments and/or research task
Worksheets
Examination
Pathways This course is recommended for students aiming to pursue VCE Physics
Contact Teacher: Ms Sharon Jones
Duration One Unit
Psychology
Students are introduced to the subject of Psychology and are encouraged to consider how Psychology is rep-resented in everyday life. Students explore the scientific method by engaging in research and experiments with an emphasis on identifying variables, interpreting data and drawing evidence-based conclusions. The key knowledge and skills covered across the semester will prepare students for Units 1-4 Psychology. Stu-dents interested in taking VCE Psychology are highly recommended to study Year 10 Psychology.
Types of Assessment
Scientific poster (practical report)
Research assignments
Media Analysis
Topic Tests
Examination
Pathways This course is recommended for students aiming to pursue VCE Psychology
Contact Teacher: Ms Sharon Jones