Year 10 Science

Throughout 2024 students will study three main focus areas: Genetics and evolutionary change, Reactions and Waves and Motion. Within these main focus areas, students will also assess the use of scientific knowledge and data in evidence-based decisions and when verifying the legitimacy of claims.

Focus Area 1: Genetics and evolutionary change

This focus area develops students’ understanding of how the incredible diversity of living things is explained by the theory of evolution and supported by evidence from genetics. Students explore how DNA stores and transmits heritable information, and how changes in DNA contribute to variation within and between species over time. They investigate how modern genetic technologies can analyse, modify or apply this information in fields such as medicine, agriculture and conservation.

Throughout the unit, students engage with real and simulated data sets, selecting and using appropriate tools to organise, process and represent biological information. They learn to interpret patterns, draw evidence‑based conclusions and evaluate the reliability of data.

Students also build their capacity to communicate scientific ideas clearly and convincingly. They construct arguments supported by evidence, use accurate scientific terminology, and present their thinking in a range of formats including written explanations, diagrams, models and digital representations. Together, these skills enable students to understand the mechanisms driving biological diversity and to participate meaningfully in contemporary discussions about genetics and evolution.

Focus Area 2: Reactions

This focus area builds students’ understanding of how and why chemical reactions occur, and how scientists investigate them safely and systematically. Students learn to describe a range of reaction types—including synthesis, decomposition, displacement and neutralisation—and recognise the observable changes that signal chemical change. They explore the factors that influence reaction rates, such as temperature, concentration, surface area and catalysts, and use particle‑level reasoning to explain these effects.

Students develop their capacity to work as practising scientists by generating meaningful questions and formulating testable hypotheses that identify clear cause‑and‑effect relationships. They design investigations that are safe, ethical, valid and reliable, selecting appropriate variables, controls and methods to ensure quality data.

Throughout the unit, students use scientific tools and instruments to make accurate observations and measurements. They follow planned procedures with attention to safety and precision, collecting data that can be analysed to draw evidence‑based conclusions about chemical behaviour.

Together, these skills enable students to understand chemical reactions deeply while building the investigative capabilities required for senior science and real‑world laboratory practice.

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