The Science curriculum provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of important scientific concepts and processes, the practices used to develop scientific knowledge, the contribution of science to our culture and society, and its applications in our lives. The curriculum supports students to develop the scientific knowledge, understandings and skills to make informed decisions about local, national and global issues.
Students can experience the joy of scientific discovery and nurture their natural curiously about the world round them. In doing this, they develop critical and creative thinking skills and challenge themselves to identify questions, apply new knowledge, explain science phenomena and draw evidence-based conclusions using scientific methods.
In Year 7 Science, students will enjoy a mix of theory and practical lessons, introducing formal lab-based experiments into their learning for the first time. Students will learn how to be safe and responsible in the lab including how to light and use a Bunsen burner. They will learn about hazards as well as safety handling and measures. Numeracy skills, such as measuring and graphing, form part of Science along with Literacy skills, such as vocabulary and writing science practical reports.
Safety Skills
Introduction to Science
Chemistry (Properties of Materials and Separation Techniques/Water as a Resource and the Water Cycle)
Environmental Science (Renewable/Non Renewable Resources/Climate Change)
Biology (Animal Classification and Interdependence/Food Webs and Food Chains)
Physics/Inquiry (Forces and Simple Machines/Work and Energy Transfer)
There are 3 Science sessions each week in the Year 7 timetable. In general, two of these are theory based and one is practice-based; however, there are times where this may change; for example, when completing a research-based inquiry project.
At Year 7 level, it is recommended that students spend approximately 10 minutes each night to consolidate the learning that has taken place in their class. This will be teacher directed and will be a variety of different short, but engaging tasks, such as online quizzes, as well as completing questions and activities.
The Homework Room is also available each lunch time for students who choose to complete homework if, for example, they have an outside activity on a particular evening and may not have as much time. The Homework Room is also used to hold students to account who have not completed their set homework.