Biology  / Length: Semester or Full Year

Course Content

Stage 1 Biology consists of the following topics:

• topic 1: cells and microorganisms

• topic 2: infectious disease

• topic 3: multicellular organisms

• topic 4: biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics.

Two topics are studied in each semester, with Topic 1 and 2 being covered in the 1st semester (Biology A). 

Assessment

• investigations folio: practical reports, research into science as a human endeavour (50%)

• skills and application tasks: tests and assignments (50%).

Additional Details

• If wanting to continue with Stage 2 Biology, it is recommended that students complete 2 semesters of Stage 1 Biology (Biology A and B). If only 1 semester can be taken, Semester 1 is recommended (Biology A). 

• B grade or better in Year 10 General Science is a prerequisite. 

• There may be a cost throughout the year for optional activities and opportunities (Marine Biology excursion) that align with the Learning and Assessment Plan.

• SACE Credits: 10 (semester) or 20 (full year) (Stage 1 SACE).

Chemistry / Length: Full Year

Course Content

Stage 1 Chemistry consists of the following topics:

• topic 1: materials and their atoms

• topic 2: combinations of atoms

• topic 3: molecules

• topic 4: mixtures and solutions

• topic 5: acid and bases

• topic 6: redox reactions.

Assessment

• investigations folio: practical reports, research into science as a human endeavour (50%)

• skills and application tasks: tests and assignments (50%).

Additional Details

• B grade or better in Year 10 General Science is a prerequisite. 

• SACE Credits: 20 (Stage 1 SACE).

Marine Biology / Length: 1 Semester

Course Content

In Marine Biology, students engage in research and experimental inquiry into topics related to the marine environment. The topics chosen will focus on the diverse aspects of marine ecosystems and may include marine biodiversity, oceanography, marine conservation, marine life behavior, coral reef ecology or other subjects as negotiated with the teacher. Classwork emphasises practical skills in marine science, including fieldwork techniques, data collection and analysis, as well as using scientific inquiry to address significant marine biological issues.

Assessment

• inquiry folio (75%)

• collaborative inquiry (25%).

Additional Details

• C grade or better in Year 10 Science is a prerequisite.

• There may be a cost throughout the year for optional activities and opportunities (Marine Biology excursion) that align with the Learning and Assessment Plan.

• There is no exam for this subject.

•  SACE Credits: 10 (Stage 1 SACE).

Nutrition / Length: Semester 

Course Content

Concepts covered in Stage 1 Nutrition include:

• principles of nutrition, psychology and health

• health promotion and emerging trends

• sustainable food systems.

Underpinning skill sets include:

• nutrition literacy and numeracy

• nutrition and technology.

Assessment

• investigations folio: practical reports, research into science as a human endeavour (50%)

• skills and application tasks: tests and assignments (50%).

Additional Details

• B grade or better in Year 10 Science is a prerequisite. 

• SACE Credits: 10 (Stage 1 SACE).

Psychology / Length: Semester or Full Year

Course Content

Introduction to Psychology (Psychology A - Semester 1) consists of the following topics:

• topic 1: science Inquiry skills

• topic 2: forensic psychology

• topic 3: choice: developmental or neuropsychology.

Advanced Psychology (Psychology B - Semester 2) consists of the following topics:

• topic 1: emotions

• topic 2: cognition

• topic 3: choice: food psychology or cyber psychology.

Assessment

• investigations folio including group investigation (50%)

• skills and application tasks (50%).

Additional Details

• Introduction to Psychology will run in Semester 1. 

• Advanced Psychology will only run in Semester 2 and students who choose this option must have done Introduction to Psychology in Semester 1. 

• B grade or better in Year 10 General Science is a prerequisite. 

• SACE Credits: 10 (semester) or 20 (full year) (Stage 1 SACE).