Head of Department - Catherine Laing
Science
includes Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Human Biology, Alternative Science and
Electronics
Introduction
Science is
a core subject at Years 9 and 10 and 11. At Years 12 and 13, if students
continue with Science they may choose to do one or more of the four specialised
areas:
Year 11
students: all students MUST take a Science course. Students will be directed
into the most appropriate course for them. Students taking five subjects will
take:
-
General Science; OR
-
Internal Science; OR
-
Life Science; OR
-
Alternative Science
Students
taking six subjects will take General Science. They may also take Internal
Science OR Life Science.
Year 12
students taking five subjects may take three of the four Science subjects
available. Students taking six subjects may take all four Science subjects.
Science subjects available in Year 12 are:
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Electronics
Science
together with Mathematics and English forms an important part of our
curriculum. It is an essential subject to lead into many careers and
professions.
What is Science about?
First and
foremost, Science is about discovery. In learning Science one discovers,
through systematic observations and experiments, what happens around us and why
things happen.
Based on
the knowledge and understanding we gain this way, scientists are able to make
new discoveries and advances in a range of areas including: technology;
medicine; engineering; material sciences; space exploration; genetic
engineering; and horticulture, to name just a few.
Much of
the Science curriculum at all levels involves hands on experiments. Students
learn not only to plan experiments and investigations into all sorts of areas,
but also to carry them out individually and in small groups.
Who can or should do
Science?
If you are
curious about the world around you and want to acquire skills to find out why
and how things happen, then Science is for you.
If you
would like to pursue a career in medical sciences, technology, scientific
research, engineering, horticulture or agriculture, the environmental sciences
or the armed forces, then Science is for you.
Whether
you have made up your mind about your career or not, you should give Science at
Year 11 a serious attempt, and at least one branch of sciences at Years 12 and
13. Many employers, including those in law and accountancy, are now asking for
graduates who have some science background so that they are able to deal with
problems in which specific issues are involved.