STAGE 2 SCIENCE
PHYSICS
FULL YEAR COURSE - 20 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
A pass in Stage 1 Physics A & B.
Course Description
Students who complete this course will understand some of the key concepts in Physics, the characteristics of Physics and the ways physicists ask questions about nature. They will understand how physics concepts are used in selected applications and show the ability to solve problems using physics ideas. They will develop skills in the communication of physics ideas.
Content
Assessment Components
Additional Information
A good scientific calculator is essential for this course. The purchase of a work book is required (approximately $40). A study guide is recommended (approximately $30).
FULL YEAR COURSE - 20 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
A pass in Stage 1 Physics A & B.
Course Description
Students who complete this course will understand some of the key concepts in Physics, the characteristics of Physics and the ways physicists ask questions about nature. They will understand how physics concepts are used in selected applications and show the ability to solve problems using physics ideas. They will develop skills in the communication of physics ideas.
Content
- Motion in 2 Dimensions
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Light and Matter
- Atoms and Nuclei
Assessment Components
- 40% Investigations Folio
- 30% Skills and Applications Tasks
- 30% Examination
Additional Information
A good scientific calculator is essential for this course. The purchase of a work book is required (approximately $40). A study guide is recommended (approximately $30).
BIOLOGY
FULL YEAR COURSE - 20 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
A pass in any Stage 1 Science subject.
Course Description
Students will develop an appreciation for the scientific process as a means of enquiry into the living world, as well as an awareness of the social implications that research in the biological field creates. They will develop their ability to communicate a comprehensive understanding of a wide variety of biological concepts and to subsequently apply these to new situations.
Content
Assessment Components
FULL YEAR COURSE - 20 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
A pass in any Stage 1 Science subject.
Course Description
Students will develop an appreciation for the scientific process as a means of enquiry into the living world, as well as an awareness of the social implications that research in the biological field creates. They will develop their ability to communicate a comprehensive understanding of a wide variety of biological concepts and to subsequently apply these to new situations.
Content
- Macromolecules
- Cells
- Organisms
- Ecosystems
Assessment Components
- 40% Investigations Folio
- 30% Skills and Applications Tasks
- 30% Examination
CHEMISTRY
FULL YEAR COURSE - 20 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
A pass in Stage 1 Chemistry A & B.
Course Description
Students who complete this course will have demonstrated an understanding of how knowledge of chemistry can be used to make informed conclusions or decisions, taking into account social and environmental contexts. They will have shown their ability to formulate questions, manipulate apparatus, record observations, and design and undertake chemistry investigations.
Content
Assessment Components
FULL YEAR COURSE - 20 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
A pass in Stage 1 Chemistry A & B.
Course Description
Students who complete this course will have demonstrated an understanding of how knowledge of chemistry can be used to make informed conclusions or decisions, taking into account social and environmental contexts. They will have shown their ability to formulate questions, manipulate apparatus, record observations, and design and undertake chemistry investigations.
Content
- Elemental and Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Techniques
- Using and Controlling Reactions
- Organic and Biological Chemistry
- Materials
Assessment Components
- 40% Investigations Folio
- 30% Skills and Applications Tasks
- 30% Examination
EARTH & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FULL YEAR COURSE - 20 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
A pass in any Stage 1 Science subject.
Course Description
This course considers how human beings use the Earth’s resources and the impact of human activities on the environment. Students will complete an investigation into an Earth or environmental issue. They will look at how the use of geological resources affects their lifestyle, the future of renewable energy such as solar, wind and wave power, pollution of the atmosphere, rivers and oceans, the environmental impact of mining and exploration techniques, the melting of the ice sheets, ocean temperatures and currents and the impact of fossil fuels on ecosystems.
Content
Assessment Components
FULL YEAR COURSE - 20 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
A pass in any Stage 1 Science subject.
Course Description
This course considers how human beings use the Earth’s resources and the impact of human activities on the environment. Students will complete an investigation into an Earth or environmental issue. They will look at how the use of geological resources affects their lifestyle, the future of renewable energy such as solar, wind and wave power, pollution of the atmosphere, rivers and oceans, the environmental impact of mining and exploration techniques, the melting of the ice sheets, ocean temperatures and currents and the impact of fossil fuels on ecosystems.
Content
- Earth Systems
- The Earth’s Resources
- Does the earth have a sustainable future?
- Climate change
Assessment Components
- 30% Investigation Folio
- 40% Skills and Applications Tasks
- 30% Earth Systems Study
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - STEM
FULL YEAR COURSE - 20 CREDITS
Course Description
This course is for students wishing to continue into tertiary or further studies in Science, Environmental Science or Environmental Technology. It is a junction of Mathematics, Science and Technology used to look at and develop engineering solutions. This is a largely self-directed course where students choose a topic associated with an environmental or sustainability issue, that requires and engineering solution. Through the use of mentors, students design and construct investigations, gather and interpret data, and critically evaluate the impact of science and technology on the environment, and develop a working or model solution. 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.
Content
Assessment Components
Additional Information
A course fee of $80 includes materials for student projects. Due to the practical nature of the scientific investigations conducted, there is often a requirement for after school, weekend and school holiday work.
FULL YEAR COURSE - 20 CREDITS
Course Description
This course is for students wishing to continue into tertiary or further studies in Science, Environmental Science or Environmental Technology. It is a junction of Mathematics, Science and Technology used to look at and develop engineering solutions. This is a largely self-directed course where students choose a topic associated with an environmental or sustainability issue, that requires and engineering solution. Through the use of mentors, students design and construct investigations, gather and interpret data, and critically evaluate the impact of science and technology on the environment, and develop a working or model solution. 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.
Content
- Field Science Principles and Practice
- Design Investigation
- Analysis and Interpretation of Scientific Data
- Critical Evaluation of Scientific Practices
Assessment Components
- Investigation
- Practical Investigations
- Issues investigations
- Demonstration
- Data Interpretation Exercise
Additional Information
A course fee of $80 includes materials for student projects. Due to the practical nature of the scientific investigations conducted, there is often a requirement for after school, weekend and school holiday work.
PSYCHOLOGY
FULL YEAR COURSE - 20 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
C grade or better in any Year 11 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 also required due to the language requirements of the course.
Course Description
Psychology seeks to describe, explain, and predict in relation to thoughts, feelings and behaviour. In this unit students utilise the research tools used in Psychology. They develop skills in the use of the scientific method as it applies to Psychology and learn to select the appropriate research design for a given investigation. Ethical issues relating to each topic and investigation are explored and analysed.
Content
Assessment Components
FULL YEAR COURSE - 20 CREDITS
Assumed Knowledge
C grade or better in any Year 11 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 also required due to the language requirements of the course.
Course Description
Psychology seeks to describe, explain, and predict in relation to thoughts, feelings and behaviour. In this unit students utilise the research tools used in Psychology. They develop skills in the use of the scientific method as it applies to Psychology and learn to select the appropriate research design for a given investigation. Ethical issues relating to each topic and investigation are explored and analysed.
Content
- Introduction to Psychology
- Social Cognition
- Personality
- Altered States of Awareness (sleep)
- Learning
Assessment Components
- 30% Investigation Folio
- 40% Skills and Applications Tasks
- 30% External Component (Exam)