Students develop an understanding of scientific theories and concepts used in a real-world context. Using an inquiry approach, students utilise practical skills to design scientific investigations to further develop their understanding of scientific concepts, in preparation for further study in Science. They also develop STEM skills through a project-based learning approach. Students study a range of topics including:

Year 7:

• Introduction to the Laboratory/ Scientific Skills

• Earth and Space

• Chemical Change

• Forces and Simple Machines

• Living Diversity and Classification

• Separating Mixtures

• Solving Real World Problems

• Water

Year 8:

• States of Matter
• Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
• Energy Transfers and Transformations
• Rocks and The Rock Cycle
• Alternative Energy
• Cells, Tissues, Organs and Systems

Year 9:

• Body Systems (responding to external stimuli)

• Sound, Light and Electrical Energy

• Atoms and Nanotechnology

• Chemical Reactions of Acids and Bases

• Geological processes (Natural Hazards and Disasters)

• Natural Radioactivity

• Ecology and Nature’s Cycles
  
  

Year 7 and 8 students are also involved in developing projects for the Oliphant Science Awards.

Year 9 and 10 students have the opportunity to be involved in Rotary’s Science and Engineering Challenge.

Year 10:
In Year 10, students focus on Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology in order to prepare them for Year 11 and 12 and to help them make more informed choices as they move further into the SACE.

• Physics
  • Motion
  • Energy Transformations and Efficiency
• Chemistry
  • Periodic Table
  • Chemical Reactions
• Biology
  • Genetics
  • Evolution
• Earth & Space Sciences
  • Earth Cycles and Global Systems
  • Big Bang Theory and The Universe
• Psychology
  • Introduction to Psychology