stage 1 SCIENCE
BIOLOGY A
SEMESTER COURSE - 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
C grade or better in Year 10 Science. Note that Biology A is NOT a prerequisite for Biology B – they can be taken independently.
Course Description
In this course students explore cells as the basis for all life, including their structure and functions. They will follow this with an examination of single celled organisms. This will lead into detailed examination of the causes and prevention of disease. Students will develop both an understanding of and skills in Biology through these contexts, as well as developing their research and problem solving skills. If students intend to only take one semester of Biology at Stage 1 and then go on to Stage 2 Biology then it is recommended they choose Stage 1 Biology A.
Content
Assessment Components
SEMESTER COURSE - 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
C grade or better in Year 10 Science. Note that Biology A is NOT a prerequisite for Biology B – they can be taken independently.
Course Description
In this course students explore cells as the basis for all life, including their structure and functions. They will follow this with an examination of single celled organisms. This will lead into detailed examination of the causes and prevention of disease. Students will develop both an understanding of and skills in Biology through these contexts, as well as developing their research and problem solving skills. If students intend to only take one semester of Biology at Stage 1 and then go on to Stage 2 Biology then it is recommended they choose Stage 1 Biology A.
Content
- Cells and Microorganisms
- Infectious Diseases
- Scientific Method and Experimental Design
Assessment Components
- 40% Investigations Folio
- 60% Skills and Applications Tasks
BIOLOGY B
SEMESTER COURSE - 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
C grade or better in Year 10 Science. Note that Biology A is NOT a prerequisite for Biology B – they can be taken independently.
Course Description
In this course students study the systems and processes in multicellular organisms. This will be followed by examining how organisms interact with their environment, with a focus on the diversity of living things. Students will develop both an understanding of and skills in Biology through these contexts, as well as developing their research and problem solving skills.
Content
Assessment Components
SEMESTER COURSE - 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
C grade or better in Year 10 Science. Note that Biology A is NOT a prerequisite for Biology B – they can be taken independently.
Course Description
In this course students study the systems and processes in multicellular organisms. This will be followed by examining how organisms interact with their environment, with a focus on the diversity of living things. Students will develop both an understanding of and skills in Biology through these contexts, as well as developing their research and problem solving skills.
Content
- Multicellular Organisms
- Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics
- Scientific Method and Experimental Design
Assessment Components
- 40% Investigations Folio
- 60% Skills and Applications Tasks
CHEMISTRY A
SEMESTER COURSE - 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
A high pass in Science in Year 10.
Course Description
In this course students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts in Chemistry. Many of the concepts are abstract and will require students to think in a creative and theoretical way. To help with this students complete a number of practical explorations that aim to make the models more accessible in real world terms.
Content
Assessment Components
SEMESTER COURSE - 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
A high pass in Science in Year 10.
Course Description
In this course students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts in Chemistry. Many of the concepts are abstract and will require students to think in a creative and theoretical way. To help with this students complete a number of practical explorations that aim to make the models more accessible in real world terms.
Content
- Materials and their Atoms
- Combinations of Atoms
- Molecules
Assessment Components
- 50% Tests and Exam
- 25% Practical Work
- 25% Assignments
CHEMISTRY B
SEMESTER COURSE - 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
A pass in Stage 1 Chemistry A.
Course Description
Using the fundamentals gained in Chemistry A students will expand their understanding of Chemistry. Many aspects of this course are more applied than Chemistry A and students will begin to get an impression of the value of Chemistry to society and individuals.
Content
Assessment Components
SEMESTER COURSE - 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
A pass in Stage 1 Chemistry A.
Course Description
Using the fundamentals gained in Chemistry A students will expand their understanding of Chemistry. Many aspects of this course are more applied than Chemistry A and students will begin to get an impression of the value of Chemistry to society and individuals.
Content
- Mixtures and Solutions
- Acids and Bases
- Redox Reactions
Assessment Components
- 50% Tests and Exam
- 25% Practical Work
- 25% Assignments
EARTH & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (GEOLOGY)
SEMESTER COURSE - 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
C grade or better in any Year 10 Science subject.
Course Description
In this course students explore the range of natural hazards posed by the Earth and its atmosphere, from volcanoes, earthquakes and mega-tsunamis to landslides, hurricanes and tornadoes. We will be looking at the opening and closing of oceans, the formation of mountain ranges, hot spot volcanoes and deep ocean trenches. In addition students will learn how to identify specimens of rocks and mineral crystals and how to recognise features of geological interest in the field.
Content
Assessment Components
Additional Information
There will be at least two field trips essential to completing this course, with associated costs.
SEMESTER COURSE - 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
C grade or better in any Year 10 Science subject.
Course Description
In this course students explore the range of natural hazards posed by the Earth and its atmosphere, from volcanoes, earthquakes and mega-tsunamis to landslides, hurricanes and tornadoes. We will be looking at the opening and closing of oceans, the formation of mountain ranges, hot spot volcanoes and deep ocean trenches. In addition students will learn how to identify specimens of rocks and mineral crystals and how to recognise features of geological interest in the field.
Content
- Impacts of natural hazards around the world
- Prediction and control of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes
- Extra-terrestrial impacts and the consequences for life
- Practical identifications of rocks and mineral crystals
- How rocks are made and subsequently destroyed on planet Earth
- Radioisotopes and dating rocks using fossils
Assessment Components
- 50% Practical Investigation
- 25% Research Investigation
- 25% Tests
Additional Information
There will be at least two field trips essential to completing this course, with associated costs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - STEM
SEMESTER COURSE - 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
There are no prerequisites, but students are expected to have passed Year 10 Science.
Course Description
This subject is a junction of Mathematics, Science and Technology used to look at and develop engineering solutions. It is both academic and practical. Students will apply inquiry-based approaches to design, plan, and undertake investigations on issues around energy generation and alternative technologies. Both collaboratively, and individually, they will employ a scientific approach to collecting, representing, and analysing data using technological tools effectively. After critically evaluating their procedures or models, students communicate scientifically to draw evidence-based conclusions that may lead to further testing, exploring more effective methods or solutions, or new questions. It feeds naturally into Environmental Science & Technology - STEM (Scientific Studies) at Stage 2.
Content
Assessment Components
Additional Information
Some after school work may be required. There will be a compulsory fee of $30.
SEMESTER COURSE - 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
There are no prerequisites, but students are expected to have passed Year 10 Science.
Course Description
This subject is a junction of Mathematics, Science and Technology used to look at and develop engineering solutions. It is both academic and practical. Students will apply inquiry-based approaches to design, plan, and undertake investigations on issues around energy generation and alternative technologies. Both collaboratively, and individually, they will employ a scientific approach to collecting, representing, and analysing data using technological tools effectively. After critically evaluating their procedures or models, students communicate scientifically to draw evidence-based conclusions that may lead to further testing, exploring more effective methods or solutions, or new questions. It feeds naturally into Environmental Science & Technology - STEM (Scientific Studies) at Stage 2.
Content
- Investigations – sustainable energy and the greenhouse effect
- Practical Modelling - sustainable energy systems
- Practical Investigation – solar power
- Oral Presentation – practical energy solutions
Assessment Components
- Practical Investigations
- Issues Investigation
- Demonstration or Collaborative Presentation
Additional Information
Some after school work may be required. There will be a compulsory fee of $30.
PHYSICS A
SEMESTER COURSE - 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
A high pass in Year 10 Science and Advanced Mathematics.
Course Description
This course aims to introduce the fundamentals of Physics with an emphasis on forces and motion. Students will develop understanding of and improve their problem solving skills, as well as applying Physics knowledge to a variety of situations.
Content
Assessment Components
SEMESTER COURSE - 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
A high pass in Year 10 Science and Advanced Mathematics.
Course Description
This course aims to introduce the fundamentals of Physics with an emphasis on forces and motion. Students will develop understanding of and improve their problem solving skills, as well as applying Physics knowledge to a variety of situations.
Content
- Linear Motion and Forces
- Energy and Momentum
- Electric Circuits
Assessment Components
- 60% Investigation Folio (practicals and issues report)
- 40% Skills and Application Tasks (tests)
PHYSICS B
SEMESTER COURSE - 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
A pass in Stage 1 Physics A.
Course Description
This course continues the exploration of the fundamentals of Physics with an emphasis on energy. Students will develop understanding of and improve their problem solving skills, as well as applying Physics knowledge to a variety of situations.
Content
Assessment Components
SEMESTER COURSE - 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
A pass in Stage 1 Physics A.
Course Description
This course continues the exploration of the fundamentals of Physics with an emphasis on energy. Students will develop understanding of and improve their problem solving skills, as well as applying Physics knowledge to a variety of situations.
Content
- Waves
- Heat
- Nuclear Models and Radioactivity
Assessment Components
- 60% Investigation Folio (practicals and issues report)
- 40% Skills and Application Tasks (tests)
PSYCHOLOGY A
SEMESTER COURSE – 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
C grade or better in any Year 10 Science subject. Entry into this course without achieving this grade will only occur by way of Coordinator approval. Students should also be aware that literacy skills are required due to the language requirements of the course.
Course Description
The study of Psychology enables students to understand their own behaviours and the behaviours of others. Stage 1 Psychology builds on the scientific method by involving students in the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. The course introduces students to the four levels of explanation of behaviour (biological, basic processes, person, and sociocultural) that underpins all topics. Stage 1 consists of a compulsory topic Introduction to Psychology and 2 additional topics. At least one topic must integrate all 4 levels.
Content
Assessment Components
SEMESTER COURSE – 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
C grade or better in any Year 10 Science subject. Entry into this course without achieving this grade will only occur by way of Coordinator approval. Students should also be aware that literacy skills are required due to the language requirements of the course.
Course Description
The study of Psychology enables students to understand their own behaviours and the behaviours of others. Stage 1 Psychology builds on the scientific method by involving students in the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. The course introduces students to the four levels of explanation of behaviour (biological, basic processes, person, and sociocultural) that underpins all topics. Stage 1 consists of a compulsory topic Introduction to Psychology and 2 additional topics. At least one topic must integrate all 4 levels.
Content
- Introduction to Psychology
- Human Psychology Development
- Social Behaviour, Intelligence Brain and Behaviour, and potentially a new area of study
Assessment Components
- 30% Investigations: Folio Group Investigation and Issues Investigation
- 70% Skills and Applications Tasks
PSYCHOLOGY B
SEMESTER COURSE - 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
C grade or better in any Year 10 Science subject. Entry into this course without achieving this grade will only occur by way of Coordinator approval. Students should also be aware that literacy skills are required due to the language requirements of the course.
Course Description
The study of Psychology enables students to understand their own behaviours and the behaviours of others. Stage 1 Psychology builds on the scientific method by involving students in the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. The course introduces students to the four levels of explanation of behaviour (biological, basic processes, person, and sociocultural) that underpins all topics.
Content
Assessment Components
SEMESTER COURSE - 10 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
C grade or better in any Year 10 Science subject. Entry into this course without achieving this grade will only occur by way of Coordinator approval. Students should also be aware that literacy skills are required due to the language requirements of the course.
Course Description
The study of Psychology enables students to understand their own behaviours and the behaviours of others. Stage 1 Psychology builds on the scientific method by involving students in the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. The course introduces students to the four levels of explanation of behaviour (biological, basic processes, person, and sociocultural) that underpins all topics.
Content
- Introduction to Psychology
- Emotions
- Cognition, Intelligence, Brain and Behaviour, and potentially a new area of study
Assessment Components
- 30% Investigations: Folio Group Investigation and Issues Investigation
- 70% Skills and Applications Tasks