Our Science teachers believe it is vital that all students receive a grounding in current scientific processes, knowledge, values, and skills for them to function in our complex, changing society. Science at the college also provides students with the opportunity to gain a level of understanding sufficient to pursue tertiary studies in any major scientific discipline.
The curriculum in Year 7, 8, 9, and 10 is closely aligned to the Science learning area statement in the Australian Curriculum. The Inquiry Strand addresses the skills of scientific investigation and the ways people use scientific information, whilst the Understanding Concepts outcomes cover distinctive scientific understandings, theories, ideas and knowledge, and draws from the traditional scientific disciplines.
Year 7 and 8
Students in Year 7 & 8 are placed in non-streamed classes where they are offered a generalised course designed to give them an overview of the major scientific disciplines and a solid foundation in scientific problem-solving methods and scientific communication.
Year 9 and 10
In Year 9 and 10 students are streamed into ability pathways that lead to particular combinations of upper school subjects. Some Year 9 and 10 pathways have a community service component that applies science to everyday life, such as researching, designing and building functional gardens around the college, as well as container recycling programs.
Year 11 and 12
Year 12 WACE (Western Australian Certificate of Education) subjects on offer are Chemistry and Human Biology. In Year 11 the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) Units 1 & 2 are offered in Chemistry and Human Biology. These lead to Units 3 & 4 in Year 12 and the WACE examinations. All courses are designed to match closely with the Standards Authority’s Guidelines on assessment and content. Other science subjects such as Physics can be accommodated through SIDE with support from our staff.
Facilities and Resources
All Science students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories that are serviced with fume hoods and large interactive Smart TVs as teaching tools. The computer laboratory ensures that students have immediate access to the latest research and developments in the scientific world.
Science Events
Students have opportunities to be involved in scientific events like the Year 8 “Solar Car Challenge” (which we won in 2021), “Science Rocks Careers Expo” for Years 9/10 and the Year 9 University Camp. Many guest speakers are made welcome to further enrich scientific learning
Curriculum Leader Science – Steve Bedford
