Science Department
The Science Department strives to create an environment which favours the pursuit of excellence and the development of the values of integrity and responsibility, whilst applauding the success and initiative of others we work alongside. We are committed to developing critical thinking skills and the building of a knowledge base that informs future action.
Students are encouraged to express their own ideas in an environment that is supportive and respects the dignity of the individual and their right to hold different opinions on issues. They are taught to recognise that scientific understandings evolve and must be adapted to reflect new discoveries.
The Science curriculum promotes awareness of our place in, and impact on, the environment and society. Concepts of diversity, sustainability and conservation are presented as challenging aspects of Science.
School developed resources have been written for use in the lower school years, offering a curriculum that challenges and extends students and forms a very strong foundation for the rigour of upper school science courses.
The Year 8 Program is described
here.
The Year 9 Program is described
here.
The Year 10 Program is described
here.
The Year 11 and 12 subjects are described
here.
Facilities In 2007 the new state of the art science building opened. This features 6 new maxi-laboratories and two well equipped science classrooms, as well as open areas for group or individual computer research and display. These new facilities, together with nine other older, but well equipped laboratories; enable the school’s science program to be strongly activity based and hands-on.
The new science block opens onto the Bullcreek Reserve, a wonderful remnant bushland area that is a focus for environmental studies by most students and rehabilitation activities, especially those conducted by the Bushranger Cadets.
Consistently acknowledged as one of the top 10 schools in TEE Science subjects. The percentage of students at this school attempting science courses in Year 11 and 12 is larger than in any other school in the State. Many students study three sciences, Chemistry, Physics and Human Biology being a common combination. Biology, Physical Science and Senior Science are also offered.
The percentage of students sitting at least one science in the Tertiary Entrance Examinations is very large and the success of the school in preparing students can be judged by the consistent high performance (hyperlink to a photo of 8 general exhibition students in 2006 TEE and photo of the Australian Newspaper School of the Year award) of the students in the sciences.
Up to 10% of the annual intake into the Faculty of Medicine at UWA is of Rossmoyne students.
Pursuit of excellence In addition to running a PEAC programme for primary school students, an Academic Extension programme offers students in Years 8, 9 and 10 the opportunity to laterally and vertically extend their science understanding. This program is available to students nominated by their science teacher. One of the highlights of the year for the Extension Programme is the Science Circus presented at the end of the year for visiting primary school students.
Many of our students choose to sit for competitions like the Rio Tinto Big Science Competition and the UNSW International Competitions and Assessments in Science. Consistently they demonstrate high levels of success in a range 12% – 26% above the State average.