Science

Studying Science opens the door to a world of exploration, discovery, and understanding. It encompasses a broad spectrum of disciplines, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology and Psychology. Science equips students with the tools and knowledge to investigate the natural world, unravel its mysteries, and make sense of complex phenomena.

Through scientific inquiry, students will develop critical thinking skills, learn to formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and analyse data to draw logical conclusions. Science fosters a spirit of curiosity and inquiry, encouraging students to question, explore, and seek evidence-based answers to the fundamental questions of how and why things work. It promotes problem-solving abilities, logical reasoning, and the development of a scientific mindset that values evidence, skepticism, and the constant quest for knowledge.

Science not only cultivates a deep appreciation for the wonders of the universe but also has practical applications that impact society, technology, and our understanding of the world. By studying Science, students become active participants in shaping the future, as they contribute to advancements in medicine, technology, environmental sustainability and the human experience.

  • The ATAR Biology course focuses on the diversity of life and the intricate functions and interactions of systems. This courses explores cellular processes and ecosystems as well as the environmental, health and sustainability challenges of the 21st century. Mathematical skills of the 7-10 curriculum are required in this course, particularly in the analysis of data and the construction of graphs. Through completion of this course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the processes involved in scientific inquiry as well as the complexities of ecosystems and biodiversity.

    Review the Biology ATAR syllabus here.

    Course Pre-Requisites: 50% in Year 10 Spark Path Science or 60% in Mainstream Science

  • Human Biology ATAR explores the structures and functions of our bodies. This extends to exploring integrated regulation systems (such as thirst) as well as genetics and reproduction. Students will focus on the tradition of inquiry which has shaped contemporary understandings of the human body. Critical thinking, evaluation and analysis are crucial skills of this course and students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills, scientific literacy, and an understanding of the ethical considerations related to human biology. The Human Biology ATAR course provides students with foundational knowledge necessary for the pursuit of further studies or careers in fields such as medicine, health sciences, or biomedical research.

    Review the Human Biology Syllabus here.

    Course Pre-Requisites: 50% in Year 10 Spark Path Science or 60% in Mainstream Science.

  • The Chemistry ATAR course focuses on the transformations materials and substances go through during interactions and the transfer of energy. This course develops student understanding of key chemical concepts and models of structure, bonding and chemical change. Through the application of complex knowledge students will encounter the role of chemists in society and will investigate hypotheses, manipulate variables, analyse data and construct evidence-based arguments. An understanding of chemistry is foundational to many pathways in fields of forensic science, environmental science, medicine, dentistry and pharmacology. Mathematical skills of the 7-10 curriculum are an essential component of this course including the use of equations and notation.

    Review the Chemistry ATAR syllabus here

    Course Pre-Requisites: 60% in Year 10 Spark Path Science or 75% in Year 10 Mainstream Science

  • In the Physics ATAR course students apply physics principles to understand practical situations in the world around them in the areas of light, sound, heat, movement and electricity. Students will develop their skills of observation, measurement, analysis of data and scientific communication along with investigative skills. By planning and conducting investigations, students will collect and interpret data and communicate their findings. In this course, students will interrogate a range of phenomena and technologies, including the kinetic particle model, the atomic model, electromagnetic theory, and the laws of classical mechanics. Problem-solving and using evidence to make and justify conclusions are transferable skills that are developed in this course. The Physics ATAR course provides a foundation in physics knowledge, understanding and skills for those students who wish to pursue tertiary study in science, engineering, medicine and technology.

    This course requires students to use Mathematical skills developed through the 7-10 Maths curriculum as well as the numerical skills developed through the Science Inquiry strand of the Science curriculum. This includes skills such as converting fractions to percentages, recognising and using ratios and changing the subject of equations.

    Review the Physics ATAR syllabus here.

    Course Pre-Requisites: 60% in Year 10 Spark Path Science or 75% in Mainstream Science as well as 60% in Year 10 Extension Mathematics

  • The Psychology ATAR course provides students with foundational psychological knowledge relating to individuals, such as cognition, biological bases of behaviour and personality traits. Psychology is useful - both to individuals assisting us to improve ourselves and our relationships - and to society. It can be applied to any context in which humans are involved. In this course, understanding and knowledge is developed around socialisation, moral development, the formation of attitudes and how people relate and communicate. The study of Psychology is highly relevant to further studies in the health professions, education, human resources, social sciences, sales, media and marketing and management.

    Psychology is a scientific evidence-based discipline which requires students to interpret information from sources as well as critically interrogating theories, claims and concepts with empirical evidence.

    Review the Psychology ATAR syllabus here.

    Course Pre-Requisites: 50% in Year 10 Spark Path Science or 60% in Mainstream Science.

  • The Human Biology General course explores the body of knowledge associated with how humans function. Students will learn about the structures and functions of the body as well as complex concepts such as reproduction and biotechnology. Through inquiry and investigation, our knowledge and understanding of the human body is constantly evolving. In this way, students in the Human Biology General course will gain a deep appreciation for scientific investigation and how to think critically, evaluate evidence and communicate findings. An understanding of human biology is vital for a range of careers, such as the medical and paramedical fields as well as childcare, sport and social work.

    View the Human Biology GENERAL syllabus here.

    Course Pre-Requisites: NIL

  • Studying the Science in Practice General course provides students with the opportunity to investigate science issues in the context of the world around them. Aspects of Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Physics are studied. Through this, students are able to develop their scientific skills of curiosity, observation, collection and analysis of evidence in a range of contexts. Integrated Science encourages students to be questioning, reflective and critical thinkers about scientific issues. Students develop a range of practical skills and techniques through investigations and fieldwork and use scientific evidence to make informed judgements. Students conduct practical investigations that encourage them to apply what they have learnt in class to real-world situations and systems. The Integrated Science General course is designed to purposefully build upon the broad knowledge of the 7-10 curriculum and is vital for a range of careers, including paramilitary professions and the police force.

    View the Integrated Science GENERAL syllabus here.

    Course Pre-Requisites: NIL

  • The Psychology General course invites students to explore the bases of human behaviour and the internal and external factors that influence how humans think, feel and act. Students will use scientific methods of inquiry to develop hypotheses and conduct research. Students will use psychological language and will interpret information in meaningful ways as they delve into concepts such as personality formation and the structures of the human brain. Completion of the Psychology General course offers ideal preparation for a range of pathways and career paths including early childhood work, education, social work and counselling.

    View the Psychology GENERAL syllabus here.

    Course Pre-Requisites: NIL

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