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.
In Years 11 and 12, students can choose from different science disciplines, including:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth and Environmental Science
- Investigating Science
- Physics.
In Year 12, students who are studying at least one other science subject may also choose to study Science Extension.
The Science Faculty at Katoomba High School strives to create a vibrant and stimulating learning environment for our students. With a focus on scientific literacy, skill, knowledge and understanding, we aim to encourage in our students an appreciation of the natural world and the scientific process leading to new discoveries.
Excursion and Incursions
The Science Faculty endeavours to broaden the horizons of students by offering a range of activities. These include experiences such as visits by a reptile show and CSIRO, as well as trips to universities, Luna Park and museums.
Competitions
Science and Engineering Challenge
The Science and Engineering Challenge is a nationwide STEM outreach program presented by the University of Newcastle in partnership with communities, Rotary clubs, universities and sponsors. Through the Challenge, students experience aspects of Science and Engineering which they would not usually see in their school environment. The Challenge runs a range of programs but focuses on inspiring students in year 10 to consider a future career in science and engineering by choosing to study the enabling sciences and mathematics in years 11 and 12.
NSW Aurecon Bridge Building Competition
Aurecon's Bridge Building Competition offers participants ‘real-world' experience of what they can look forward to as future engineering students and professionals. The competition is open to Years 8 and 9 students in Australia. Using materials supplied by Aurecon, students are tasked with designing and constructing a model bridge using the construction guidelines provided.
Assessment
Students are assessed throughout the course by a range of means, including:
- Oral presentations
- Research Reports
- Individual Research Projects
- Secondary Source Investigations
- Practical Investigations
- Senior Depth Studies
- Written Exams
These assessment tasks are designed to give the students an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills gained throughout the course. This also enables teachers to assess student progress.
Additionally, students sit an external exam at the end of both Year 8 and Year 10. The Validation of Assessment for Learning and Individual Development (VALID) program provides online end-of-stage assessments for the science key learning area. The assessments assist schools to monitor student achievement and inform planning, programming and assessment practice.
Senior Subjects
While the study of Science is mandatory to Year 10, in the senior years students may choose to study a more streamlined Science subject. At Katoomba High we offer a range of subjects for students to chose from:
Biology
The study of Biology in Stage 6 enables students to develop an appreciation and understanding of biological concepts that are used to explore the diversity of life, from a molecular to a biological systems level, and the interactions between living things and the environments in which they live. Through applying Working Scientifically skills processes and the use of biological technologies, the course aims to examine how biological practices are developed and used.
Chemistry
The study of Chemistry in Stage 6 enables students to develop an appreciation and understanding of materials and their properties, structures, interactions and related applications. Through applying Working Scientifically skills processes, the course aims to examine how chemical theories, models and practices are used and developed.
Earth and Environmental Science
The study of Earth and Environmental Science in Stage 6 enables students to develop an appreciation and understanding of geological and environmental concepts that help explain the changing face of the Earth over time. Through applying Working Scientifically skills processes, the course aims to examine how earth and environmental science models and practices are used and developed.
Investigating Science
The study of Investigating Science in Stage 6 enables students to develop an appreciation and understanding of science as a body of knowledge and a set of valuable processes that provide humans with an ability to understand themselves and the world in which they live. Through applying Working Scientifically skills processes, the course aims to enhance students' analytical and problem-solving skills, in order to make evidence-based decisions and engage with and positively participate in an ever-changing, interconnected technological world.
Physics
The study of Physics in Stage 6 aims to enable students to develop an appreciation and understanding of the application of the principles of physics, and of the theories, laws, models, systems and structures of physics. It also enables students to apply Working Scientifically skills processes to examine physics models and practices and their applications.