Head Teacher: Mr A. Smith

Science develops students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in making sense of and explaining the biological, physical and technological world, enabling them to make informed choices and responsible decisions as individuals and as part of the community.

Students examine and investigate phenomena that occur over a range of dimensions, from subatomic to cosmological, from events that take place almost instantaneously to processes occurring over billions of years, form the origins of the universe to contemporary phenomena.

Through their study of science, students develop knowledge and understanding about the living and non-living world. Students examine the historical and continuing contributions of scientists and the implications of scientific research for scientific knowledge, society, technology and the environment.

The study of Science in Years 7 - 10 is mandatory and provides the necessary foundation for the development of knowledge and understanding, skills and values and attitudes for everyday life experiences as well as the Science courses offered in years 11 and 12.

Students have the option to specialise in Years 11 and 12, the following options for study in the senior school:

Biology investigates how life forms started on the Earth and how Australia’s unique flora and fauna came to be. There is a close examination of the ways in which our various organs function and interact together; the diseases we suffer from and our human ancestors.

Chemistry studies the classification, separation and properties of elements, compounds and mixtures; special properties of water related to its structure and bonding; variety and use of carbon compounds; energy changes in reactions and rates of reactions; the importance of fossil fuels; oxidation and reduction reactions; uses of nuclear chemistry; and chemical monitoring of the environment.

Physics studies waves, their behaviour and how they can be used in communication; the analysis of the moving objects in modern society; examination of space exploration and travel; investigation of electricity in the home; developing an understanding of modern electronic devices; and the investigation of the atomic physics.

Senior Science covers topics that are relevant to today’s world, with practical applications and technology. The topics in year 11 include a study of water, the human body, plants and the local environment. For the HSC topics include a study of the chemistry of foods and everyday chemicals and how they affect the body; information systems, communication and technology; bionics and medical technology with relation to the human body