Science

Length: Full Year

Contact Person: Science Leader

Learning
In year 7 you will learn to classify the world around them, from living organisms to the diverse mixtures that make up our planet. You will get to apply your learning to find answers to big questions including:

• What is science and how can it help us solve global problems?
• Do we need to save the bees?
• How will we support life on Mars?
• Can we make change for environmental sustainability in our local area?

Assessment
Forms of assessment include tests, practicals, assignments, projects and story writing.

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Not applicable.

Curriculum Charges: Not applicable.

Stationery Requirements:

• A4 Display folder with 20 refillable pockets.
• Graph pad A4 50 leaf grid and punched
• Work pad A4 50 leaf ruled and punched.

Length: Full Year

Contact Person: Science Leader

Learning This year, you will investigate the microscopic world and the energy that drives physical changes. you will stretch your curiosity by learning to look closely at the mysteries around you, asking deeper questions about how everything from microscopic structures to massive
global forces actually work. By exploring different points of view and testing your ideas, you’ll develop an open-minded way of thinking that helps you accept new evidence and embrace unexpected discoveries.

Assessment
Forms of assessment include tests, practicals, assignments, projects and story writing.

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Not applicable.

Curriculum Charges: Not applicable.

Stationery Requirements:

• A4 Display folder with 20 refillable pockets.
• Graph pad A4 50 leaf grid and punched
• Work pad A4 50 leaf ruled and punched.

Length: Full Year

Contact Person: Science Leader

Learning This year, you will supercharge your curiosity by learning to look at global trends, tech breakthroughs, and natural mysteries to ask the kind of deep questions that spark real discovery. You will develop an open-minded approach by learning how to critique scientific
models, value different cultural perspectives, and see how big ideas evolve when diverse teams work together. As part of your studies, you will have the chance to put science in the real world by applying the scientific method to a big question of your design.

Assessment
Forms of assessment include Tests, Practicals, Assignments, Projects, SHE (Science as a Human Endeavour) tasks and Story writing.

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Not applicable.

Curriculum Charges: Not applicable.

Stationery Requirements:

• A4 Display folder with 20 refillable pockets.
• Graph pad A4 50 leaf grid and punched
• Work pad A4 50 leaf ruled and punched.

Length: Full Year

Contact Person: Science Leader

Learning
Year 10 bridges the gap between general science and specialized senior subjects.

You will apply your learning to find answers to big questions, including:

• How does the Periodic Table help us understand the world around us?
• What makes us human?
• Can genes increase the risk of cancer?
• Are self-driving cars the way of the future?
• How can we apply Newton's Laws to car crash investigations?
• Are we responsible for the rise of superbugs?
• Climate change - how should we respond?

Assessment
Forms of assessment include Tests, Practicals, Assignments, Projects, SHE (Science as a Human Endeavour) tasks and Story writing.

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Not applicable.

Curriculum Charges: Not applicable.

Stationery Requirements:

• A4 Display folder with 20 refillable pockets.
• Graph pad A4 50 leaf grid and punched
• Work pad A4 50 leaf ruled and punched.

Length: Semester

Contact Person: Science Leader

Learning
You will explore forensic science through Stage 1 Scientific Studies, covering crime scene investigation, forensic biology, chemistry, anthropology, and digital forensics. Through hands-on tasks and case studies, you will develop critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills while examining ethical and societal impacts of advancements in forensic analysis.

Assessment
Students are assessed through:

• Investigations Folio – including practical investigations and science as a human endeavour
• Skills and Applications Tasks – such as analysing nutritional data in case studies

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Students achieving a B or above in year 9 science, and by teacher recommendation and approval

Curriculum Charges: $20 for materials specific to the course.

Stationery Requirements:

• A4 Display folder with 20 refillable pockets.
• Work pad A4 50 leaf ruled and punched.

Length: Full Year

Contact Person: Science Leader

Learning
How do invisible microorganisms control everything from the food we eat to our very survival?

Can removing just one single species cause an entire forest or ocean ecosystem to completely collapse?

Stage 1 Biology explores the diversity of life, the structure and function of organisms, and their interactions with species and environments. Topics covered during the year include:

• Cells and microorganisms
• Infectious disease
• Multicellular organisms
• Biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics

Assessment
Students demonstrate evidence of their learning through the following assessment types:

• Skills and Applications Tasks (e.g. Tests)
• Investigations Folio (e.g. SHE tasks, Projects, Practical reports)
• Mid and end of year exam

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Students achieving a B or above in Year 10 Science, or by recommendation and approval of the subject teacher and Learning Area Leader

Curriculum Charges: Not applicable.

Stationery Requirements:

• A4 Display folder with 20 refillable pockets.
• Graph pad A4 50 leaf grid and punched
• Work pad A4 50 leaf ruled and punched.

Length: Full Year

Contact Person: Science Leader

Learning
In Stage 2 Biology, students investigate biological systems from cells to ecosystems, focusing on energy, control, structure, and change. They develop skills to analyse data and understand the impact of biological science.
Key topics include:

• DNA and proteins
• Cells as the basis of life
• Homeostasis
• Evolution

Assessment
Students demonstrate evidence of their learning through the following assessment types:

• Skills and Applications Tasks (e.g. Tests) (40%)
• Investigations Folio (e.g. SHE tasks, Projects, Practical reports) (30%)
• External Examination (30%)

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: A B grade or higher in Stage 1 Biology, Physics, or Chemistry, or entry by teacher and Learning Area Leader approval.

Curriculum Charges: SASTA Stage 2 Biology Study Guide $33.

Stationery Requirements:

• A4 Display folder with 20 refillable pockets.
• Graph pad A4 50 leaf grid and punched.
• Work pad A4 50 leaf ruled and punched.

Length: Full Year

Contact Person: Science Leader

Learning
How can the exact same chemical reactions inside your phone battery power the future of electric vehicles?

How did a breakthrough molecular discovery cause a global plastic crisis, and how are chemists engineering new polymers to fix it?

You will develop and extend your understanding of how the physical world is chemically constructed, the interaction between human activities and the environment, and the use that human beings make of the planet’s resources.
Topics include:

• Materials and their atoms
• Combinations of atoms
• Molecules
• Mixtures and solution
• Acid and bases
• REDOX reactions

Assessment
Students demonstrate evidence of their learning through the following assessment types:

• Skills and Applications Tasks (e.g. Tests)
• Investigations Folio (e.g. SHE tasks, Projects, Practical reports)
• Mid and end of year exam

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Students achieving a B or above in Year 10 Science, or by recommendation and approval of the subject teacher and Learning Area Leader

Curriculum Charges: Additional costs for excursions as required.

Stationery Requirements:
Not Applicable.

Length: Full Year

Contact Person: Science Leader

Learning
In Stage 2 Chemistry, students assess the benefits and risks of chemical knowledge for society and its role in public debates on social and environmental issues. They explore green and sustainable chemistry to minimize environmental impact.
Topics covered during the year include:

• Monitoring the environment
• Managing chemical processes
• Organic and biological chemistry
• Managing resources

Assessment
Students demonstrate evidence of their learning through the following assessment types:

• Skills and Applications Tasks (e.g. Tests) (40%)
• Investigations Folio (e.g. SHE tasks, Projects, Practical reports) (30%)
• External Examination (30%)

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: A B grade or higher in Stage 1 Biology, Physics, or Chemistry, or entry by teacher and Learning Area Leader approval.

Curriculum Charges: SASTA Stage 2 Chemistry Study Guide $33.

Stationery Requirements:

• A4 Display folder with 20 refillable pockets.
• Graph pad A4 50 leaf grid and punched.
• Work pad A4 50 leaf ruled and punched.

Length: Full Year

Contact Person: Science Leader

Learning
Why do you take so much longer to stop when driving at highway speeds than you might expect?

How high would you have to lift a Mars bar to give it the same amount of Gravitational Energy as the energy contained in its sugar?

Students will use qualitative and quantitative models, laws, and theories to better understand matter, forces, energy, and the interaction among them.
Topics include:

• Linear motion and forces
• Electric circuits
• Heat
• Energy and momentum
• Waves
• Nuclear models and radioactivity

Assessment
Students demonstrate evidence of their learning through the following assessment types:

• Skills and Applications Tasks (e.g. Tests)
• Investigations Folio (e.g. SHE tasks, Projects, Practical reports)
• Mid and end of year exam

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Students achieving a B or above in Year 10 Science, or by recommendation and approval of the subject teacher and Learning Area Leader

Curriculum Charges: Additional costs for excursions as required.

Stationery Requirements:
Not Applicable.

Length: Full Year

Contact Person: Science Leader

Learning
In Stage 2 Physics, students develop skills in gathering, analysing, and interpreting primary and secondary data to investigate a range of phenomena and technologies, students increase their understanding of physics concepts and the impact that physics has on many aspects of contemporary life.
Topics covered during the year include:

• Motion and relativity
• Electricity and magnetism
• Light and atoms

Assessment
Students demonstrate evidence of their learning through the following assessment types:

• Skills and Applications Tasks (e.g. Tests) (40%)
• Investigations Folio (e.g. SHE tasks, Projects, Practical reports) (30%)
• External Examination (30%)

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: A B grade or higher in Stage 1 Biology, Physics, or Chemistry, or entry by teacher and Learning Area Leader approval.

Curriculum Charges: SASTA Stage 2 Physics Study Guide$33.

Stationery Requirements:

• A4 Display folder with 20 refillable pockets.
• Graph pad A4 50 leaf grid and punched.
• Work pad A4 50 leaf ruled and punched.

Length: Semester/Full Year

Contact Person: Science Leader

Learning
Why is it surprisingly easy for your brain to create flawless, vivid memories of events that never actually happened?

Are you a blank slate shaped entirely by your life experiences, or was who you are today already locked into your DNA before you took your first breath?

Through psychology, you will extend your knowledge, skills, and understanding of science inquiry, science as a human endeavour and science understanding.
Topics include:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Lifespan Psychology
• Emotion
• Psychological Wellbeing
• Psychology in Context

Assessment
The following assessment types enable students to demonstrate their learning:

• Investigations Folio (e.g. deconstruct a problem and design an investigation, SHE investigation)
• Skills and Applications Tasks
• Mid and end of year exam

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Students achieving a B or above in Year 10 Science, or by recommendation and approval of the subject teacher and Learning Area Leader

Curriculum Charges: Additional costs for excursions as required.

Stationery Requirements:

• A4 Display folder with 20 refillable pockets.
• Graph pad A4 50 leaf grid and punched
• Work pad A4 50 leaf ruled and punched.

Length: Full Year

Contact Person: Science Leader

Learning
The topics in Stage 2 Psychology provide the framework for developing integrated programs of learning through which students extend their skills, knowledge, and understanding of science inquiry, science as a human Endeavour and science understanding.
The following topics are assessed in the school assessment types:

• Psychology of the Individual
• Psychological Health and Wellbeing
• Organisational Psychology
• Social Influence
• The Psychology of Learning

Assessment
The following assessment types enable students to demonstrate their learning in Stage 2 Psychology.

• School assessment (70%)
• Investigations Folio (e.g. psychological investigation, SHE investigation) (30%)
• Skills and Applications Tasks (at least 3) (40%)
• External assessment (30%)
• Examination

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: A B grade or higher in Stage 1 Psychology, or entry by teacher and Learning Area Leader approval.

Curriculum Charges: SASTA Stage 2 Psychology Study Guide $33.

Stationery Requirements:
Not Applicable.

Length: Semester/Full Year

Contact Person: Science Leader

Learning
How do multi-million dollar ad campaigns manipulate your cravings, and how can you spot the real science behind food marketing?

How can modifying what we put on our dinner plates help fight global climate change, and what will the high-tech, sustainable 'future foods' of tomorrow look and taste like?

You will investigate current scientific information about nutrients and their role in the body, as well as social and environmental issues related to nutrition. You will explore the link between food, health, and diet-related diseases, using this knowledge to reflect on and improve dietary and lifestyle choices. Key concepts include principles of nutrition, physiology and health, health promotion, emerging trends, and sustainable food systems.

Assessment
Students are assessed through:

• Investigations Folio – including practical investigations and science as a human endeavour
• Skills and Applications Tasks – such as analysing nutritional data in case studies

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Students achieving a B or above in Year 10 Science, or by recommendation and approval of the subject teacher and Learning Area Leader.

Curriculum Charges: $20 per Semester for materials specific to the course.

Stationery Requirements:

• A4 Display folder with 20 refillable pockets.
• Work pad A4 50 leaf ruled and punched.

Length: Full Year

Contact Person: Science Leader

Learning
Nutrition is the science of human health, physiology, and dietary patterns. You will explore the diet-disease relationship, current trends, and how factors like culture, economics, and sustainability influence food choices. Key concepts include nutrition principles, health promotion, and sustainable food systems.

Assessment
Students are assessed through:

• Investigations Folio – including practical investigations and science as a human endeavour
• Skills and Applications Tasks – such as analysing nutritional data in case studies

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Students achieving a B or above in Stage 1 Nutrition, or by recommendation and approval of the subject teacher and Learning Area Leader.

Curriculum Charges: SASTA Stage 2 Nutrition Study Guide $33.

Stationery Requirements:

• A4 Display folder with 20 refillable pockets.
• Work pad A4 50 leaf ruled and punched.