The Science Department strives to create an environment which favours the pursuit of excellence and the development of the values of integrity, aspiration, and connection, 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.
Year 7 Science Program
All students in Year 7 follow a common course of five units:
Working as a Scientist (Science Inquiry Skills)
This course is an introduction to secondary science. Its aim is to provide students with the prerequisite knowledge and skills needed for all further secondary science studies. It covers:
- an introduction to the science laboratory and laboratory skills
- safety in the use of science equipment.
- an introduction to the scientific method and its terminology
- using these methods to carry out investigations to solve problems.
Separating Substances (Chemical Science)
Chemical substances can be elements, compounds or mixtures. Students look at the properties of these groups and how they can be separated using a range of techniques.
Living Things (Biological Science)
All the millions of living things can be sorted into groups using differences. Classification uses these differences to help organise the diversity of life. Students investigate the characteristics of living things and the way they are classified into taxonomic groups and how we name living things scientifically. Students also look at how living things interact through food chains and webs and how human activity can affect these interactions.
Forces and Simple machines (Physical Science)
There are many forces in nature. Students investigate forces, how they are measured and what they can do. All sorts of devices, tools and machines are used to put these forces to work. Students investigate simple machines and how they work.
The Sky and Earth’s Resources (Earth and Space Science)
Students look at the positions of the sun, Earth and moon and their effect on changes in seasons and tides. How solar and lunar eclipses occur. The sun is an important source of energy and students investigate its effect on renewable and non-renewable resources and how it drives the water cycle.
Thinking Science Program
All Year 7 students are also participating in the Thinking Science program. This program is aimed to improve student’s cognitive development through the use of a problem solving activities. It encourages students to work cooperatively and allows students to reflect ion their own thinking and problem solving processes. The program is structured to run over two years and will therefore continue in their science lessons in Year 8.
Last updated: October 2017
Year 8 Science Program
All students complete a common course of four units:
Investigating Chemistry (Chemical Sciences)
Students use the kinetic theory to explain the properties of solid, liquids and gases. They examine atoms as the building blocks of matter and how they are classified as elements in the Periodic Table. Students investigate chemical and physical changes. They look at the preparation, properties and uses of some important gases.
Energy (Physical Sciences)
Energy appears in different forms. Students investigate the types and sources of energy, energy transformations and the efficiency of appliances.
Body Systems (Biological Sciences)
Students investigate cells and how they are the building blocks of living things. They use the structures found in plant, animal and fungi cells to classify them and look at the specialised functions of those structures. Students then examine the systems in multicellular organisms to enable them to survive and reproduce.
Geology (Earth and space Sciences)
Students use the rock cycle to explain how rocks, minerals and soil are formed over time. Students investigate the minerals and ores mined in Western Australia and recognise that a significant part of our wealth and prosperity in the state comes from the mining area.
NOTE: Science Inquiry Skills and Science as a Human Endeavour are integrated into each science unit.
Last updated: October 2017
Year 9 Science Program
All students complete a common course of four units:
Heat and Electricity (Physical Sciences)
Students will investigate how energy is able to be transferred through different mediums using heat and electricity. Students will learn about the science and technology of household energy and its uses. As energy consumers, students will be able to make informed decisions regarding the safe use, purchase and conservation of energy.
Ecology (Earth and space Sciences, Biological Sciences)
Students will investigate the components of an ecosystem and understand that ecosystems change over time. They will use the theory of plate tectonics to explain how ecosystems have changed over time due to changing weather patterns. How Australia has a diverse and unique range of flora and fauna due to the change in land masses over time. They will study the effect of human activities on ecosystems and the importance of conservation in maintaining ecosystem diversity.
Maintaining Balance (Biological Sciences)
Students will investigate how living things maintain a constant internal environment. They will study how body systems interrelate to supply cells with resources and remove waste.
They will investigate how pathogenic disease affects the functioning of the organ systems and the lines of defence multicellular organisms have to protect themselves.
Interactions in Chemistry (Chemical Sciences)
Students investigate the structure of atoms and their electron configurations. They use valencies to write formulae and balanced chemical equations. Students investigate the properties of acids and bases. They study a variety of chemical processes including those involving acids, oxygen and fuels.
NOTE: Science Inquiry Skills and Science as a Human Endeavour are integrated into each science unit.
Last updated: October 2017
Year 10 Science Program
In Year 10 students complete a common course of four units;
• Advanced Chemistry
• Classical Physics
• Earth and Space Sciences
• Biological Science
To be able to select particular subjects in Year 11 students must meet certain prerequisites.
| Year 11 Course | Prerequisite Required |
| ATAR Chemistry | 65% or more in Exam |
| ATAR Physics | 65% or more in Exam |
| ATAR Biology | 60% or more in Exam |
| ATAR Human Biology | 60% or more in Exam |
Year 10 Science Electives
There are 2 electives offered to Year 10 students:
Science Discovery
Science Discovery is for students who have a strong interest in science. Students explore topics like forensic science, physics of car design, kitchen chemistry, cosmetics, the stars and beyond, rocketry, and the science behind toys.
Medical Science
This course is designed for students with an interest in pursuing careers in the medical industry, such as medicine, dentistry, and radiography. Students explore topics like the human body, microbiology, diseases, health and lifestyle choices, and modern medical technologies.
Year 11 and 12 Science Courses
The following science courses are available.
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Human Biology (General and ATAR)
- Physics
Learn more about the Year 11 and Year 12 Science Syllabus from the School Curriculum and Standards Authority.
Entry to all courses are subject to prerequisites being met from Year 10. Most students wishing to study these courses in Year 12 would be expected to have completed the corresponding course in Year 11. Detail of these requirements can be found in the relevant Student Handbook.