Science is mandatory for all students from Year 7 to Year 10.
Science 7-10 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. Science emphasises the skills for working scientifically, as well as critical and creative thinking to address scientific issues.
The study of science develops students' scientific knowledge, skills and understanding so that students can develop values and attitudes within areas of science that encompass physics, chemistry, biology and earth sciences. By studying the past, present and future of science, students learn to appreciate and understand themselves and the environment.
Students at Hawkesbury High School are encouraged to be creative, responsible, scientifically literate and ready to take their place in society. Students work individually and as part of a team to plan and conduct research, investigations and experiments. They are engaged in thinking scientifically and using techniques and technology to develop problem-solving activities.
Areas covered/courses offered
- Year 7 to 10 science and agriculture
- year 11 and 12 agriculture, biology, chemistry, physics and investigating science
Year 7 to 10
In Year 7 to 10, students develop their understanding of models, theories and laws of science, the systems and structures that describe the relationships between phenomena. Students also increase their skills in developing investigation plans, selecting and using appropriate strategies to solve problems, using appropriate forms of communication to present scientific information to different audiences, and analysing both first and second hand data and information to draw conclusions.
Students studying science in Years 7 and 8 will study a range of topics from the different disciplines: biology, chemistry, physics and earth science.
Topics include
- Laboratory skills and safety
- separation techniques, matter
- living things
- forces
- energy
- plants and ecosystems
- climate science
- space
- rocks and minerals.
Student's scientific knowledge and skills acquired throughout Year 7 and 8 are tested at the end of Year 8, in late November by a Validation of Assessment for Learning and Individual Development (VALID) examination.
Year 9 and 10
Students studying science in Years 9 and 10 will study a range of topics from the different disciplines; biology, chemistry, physics and earth science.
Topics include
- Atomic structure
- Nuclear radiation
- Light and waves
- The universe
- Electricity
- Body systems
- Disease
- Human Impact and the environment
- Evidence of past life and motion.
Students in Year 11 and 12 are offered courses in agriculture, biology, chemistry, physics and investigating science.
Possible special programs/activities offered
- The big science competition
- Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) chemistry competition
Possible excursions for Stage 4 and 5 students include:
- Year 7 classes going to Taronga Zoo to study animal behaviour and look at the features used to classify animals.
- Year 8 gifted and talented day at UWS
- Year 9 field study with UWS and longneck lagoon
As part of their Year 11 courses, the biology travel to Brewongle Education Research Centre to study a local ecosystem. The Year 12 biology students visit the Human Disease Museum at the UNSW to study human diseases and add depth of knowledge to their HSC answers. Year 12 physics and chemistry students attend study days at UWS where they perform experiments in the university laboratories and attend lectures.
Staff
- Mr T Burke (Head Teacher)
- Mrs K Shortland (Deputy Principal)
- Mr E Paul (Relieving Head Teacher Science and Technology)
- Mr K Petrikas
- Ms K Dredge
- Ms M Rose