Science Subjects
Years 9 & 10
Matthew Grady
Science is important for developing the skills and knowledge in order to obeserve and analyse the physical and natural world around us.
The aim of the Stage 5 Science course is to further develop students’ interest in and enthusiasm for science, as well as deepen their appreciation of its role in finding solutions to contemporary science-related problems and issues.
The Stage 5 Science course provides students in Years 9 and 10 the necessary skills and knowledge to continue Science in the senior years.
Students in Stage 5 may choose to study Psychology as an elective.
Yr 9 Science
Science develops students’ skills, knowledge and understanding in explaining and making sense of the biological, physical and technological world. Through applying the processes of Working Scientifically students develop understanding of the importance of scientific evidence in enabling them as individuals and as part of the community to make informed, responsible decisions about the use and influence of science and technology on their lives.
The Science Years 9–10 course includes Life Skills outcomes and content for students with disability.
Course Code: 09SCI_Mandatory
Year Level: Year 9
Prerequisites & Limitations: None.
Suitability: All Year 9 students must study this subject.
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What Students Learn:
Students will learn about:
energy transfers and usage
ecosystems
electricity
stars and galaxies
atoms and the periodic table
plate tectonics
diseases and body systems
Assessment:
Students will complete the following assessment tasks throughout the semester:
Topic Test 1:(20% of overall grade)
Topic Test 2: (20% of overall grade)
Examination: (30% of overall grade)
Student Research Project (30% of overall grade)
Future Pathways:
Content covered in this course is a mandatory part of Stage 5 Science. This is a prerequisite for Year 10 Science.
Costs:
Nil
Yr 10 Science
Science develops students’ skills, knowledge and understanding in explaining and making sense of the biological, physical and technological world. Through applying the processes of Working Scientifically students develop understanding of the importance of scientific evidence in enabling them as individuals and as part of the community to make informed, responsible decisions about the use and influence of science and technology on their lives.
The Science Years 9–10 course includes Life Skills outcomes and content for students with disability.
Course Code: 10SCI_Mandatory
Year Level: Year 10
Prerequisites & Limitations:: None
Suitability: All Year 10 students must study this subject.
More Information
What Students Learn:
In Year 10 Science Standard students will learn about:
chemical reactions and processes
genetics
evolution
body control
motion
diseases
Assessment:
Students will complete the following assessment tasks throughout the semester:
Topic Test 1: (20% of overall grade)
Topic Test 2: (30% of overall grade)
Examination: (30% of overall grade)
Practical Task: (20% of overall grade)
Future Pathways:
Students completing this course will have met the NESA course requirements for NSW Stage 5 Science. This provides students with the opportunities to select one or more Stage 6 Science courses.
Costs:
Nil
Psychology
Students studying psychology can expect to learn about the fundamental theories and concepts in psychology. Through engaging discussions, thought-provoking experiments, and case studies, students will begin to grasp the underlying factors that shape human behaviour. From exploring the workings of the brain to investigating the influences of nature and nurture, students will gain valuable insights into what drives our thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Course Code: S5PSY_Psychology
Year Level: Year 9 or 10
Prerequisites & Limitations: None.
Suitability: Students who are interested in the scientific investigation of human behaviour and mental processes.
More Information
What Students Learn:
In Psychology students will learn to:
explain how the field of psychology provides scientific explanations for the mind and behaviour through research, theories and approaches
explain the main approaches to the study of the nature of human behaviour and the strengths and weaknesses of those approaches
explain a range of psychological theories and identifies the application of these theories to everyday life
recognise the applications and influence of psychology in popular culture and its importance to social factors
communicate psychological information and ideas using appropriate written, oral and visual forms
Assessment:
Students will complete the following assessment tasks throughout the semester:
Assessment Task 1 (25% of overall grade)
Assessment Task 2 (25% of overall grade)
Assessment Task 3 (25% of overall grade)
Yearly Examination (25% of overall grade)
Future Pathways:
Psychology provides the knowledge and understanding of human nature by asking scientific and philosophical questions. Students may wish to pursue careers in studying the fields of neuroscience, cognitive sciences, and social psychology.
Costs:
Nil
