... it must be a strange world not being a scientist, going through life not knowing – or maybe not caring where the air came from, where the stars at night come from or how far away they are from us. I want to know ...
MICHIO
Science study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 10.
In science, students explore the natural and made worlds. They learn how to apply scientific skills, knowledge and understanding across a broad range of contexts. Science provides a way of inquiring about the world around us. It explores evidence and investigates ways to discover, develop and produce solutions to real-world problems. The inquiry and skill-based nature of science opens doors to ideas and discoveries. In Y11 and Y12 students can choose disciplines including: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science and Physics.
Goals
- promote a culture of High Expectations, expecting that all students will do their personal best at all times
- encourage students to critically analyse the world around them
- develop students who can work logically, collaboratively and creatively to solve problems and answer questions
- provide access to a range modern technology and equipment to build skills, encourage a curious mind and a love of Science
Activities
- we participate in the Upper Hunter Science and Engineering Challenge
- all Y7 to Y10 students participate in the P&C sponsored Robotics Program using Ozbots, Spheros, Makebots, Drones, Microbits and Lego MP3 kits
- classes have access to modern equipment including STELR Sustainable Housing educational kits, DNA Electrophoresis kit from STEM Reactor, Makey Makey Electronics and Pocket Lab data loggers
- we facilitate enrichment excursions to places such as Environmental Education Centres, Museum of Human Disease, Lucas Heights, Luna Park and Universities
- Y11 Y12 students do the University of Newcastle Experiment-Fest
- we organise University of NSW ICAS competitions for selected students
- we facilitate Agricultural Enrichment excursions including AgQuip , Tocal Field Days and the Royal Easter Show
- we have a Cattle Show Team that competes in cattle judging and steer competitions throughout the year
Team
- Geoff Butler HT REL
- Aimee Fitton
- Nathan Fletcher
- Isabella May
- Jessica Monaghan
- Leanne Mullins ON LEAVE
- Kyley Norris
- Ashley Pratten TUE
- Sarah Wilson Y10 YEAR ADVISER
Courses
STAGE 4: Y7 & Y8
- Y7 follows NESA endorsed Stage 4 Science program, classes are banded into groups of similar abilities.
- Y8 follows NESA endorsed Stage 4 Science program, two classes are streamed to allow for extension and enrichment activities, one class is selected for those students who require intensive assistance with their learning, the remaining classes are mixed ability.
- Y8 students have the option to choose electives in this area including: Agriculture, Forensic Science, Beauty and Wellbeing, Robotics and Zoology.
STAGE 5: Y9 & Y10
- Y9 & Y10 students follow NESA endorsed Stage 5 Science program. In each Year group there are two streamed classes to allow for extension and enrichment activities, the remaining classes are mixed ability.
- Y9 & Y10 students have the option to choose electives in this area including: Agriculture, Animal Management and ASPIRE (iSTEM).
STAGE 6: Y11 & Y12
- Y11 and Y12 students choose from Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science, Marine Studies and Physics.
- Y12 students who excel in Science have the option of Extension Science.
Requirements
- safety glasses, enclosed leather-like shoes
- a separate A4 lined book for science classes