Science and LOTE

Science provides an empirical way of answering interesting and important questions about the biological, physical and technological world. The knowledge it produces has proved to be a reliable basis for action in our personal, social and economic lives. Science is a dynamic, collaborative and creative human endeavour arising from our desire to make sense of our world through exploring the unknown, investigating universal mysteries, making predictions and solving problems. Science aims to understand a large number of observations in terms of a much smaller number of broad principles. Science knowledge is contestable and is revised, refined and extended as new evidence arises.

Years 7, 8 , 9 and 10

The Science curriculum promotes six overarching ideas that highlight certain common approaches to a scientific view of the world and which can be applied to many of the areas of Science understanding. These overarching ideas are patterns, order and organisation; form and function; stability and change; systems; scale and measurement; and matter and energy.

Students in each year level study the same curriculum delivered by skilled teachers who collaborate, provide consistent approaches to learning and feedback to students. Students who demonstrate high skills, interest and ability in Science will be given the opportunity for extension in the academic pathway class. This class prepares students for the rigours of Senior School ATAR curriculum as well as preparation for tertiary studies. Examinations are an expected part of the assessment schedule for the academic classes.

Human Biology ATAR

The Human Biology ATAR course gives students a chance to explore what it is to be human - how the human body works, the origins of human variation, inheritance in humans, the evolution of the human species and population genetics. Through their investigations, students research new discoveries that increase our understanding of human dysfunction, treatments and preventative measures. Practical tasks are an integral part of this course and develop a range of laboratory skills; for example, biotechnology techniques. Students learn to evaluate risks and benefits to make informed decisions about lifestyle and health topics, such as diet, alternative medical treatments, use of chemical substances and the manipulation of fertility.

Biology ATAR

A unique appreciation of life and a better understanding of the living world are gained through studying the Biology ATAR course. This course encourages students to be analytical, to participate in problem-solving and to systematically explore fascinating and intriguing aspects of living systems, from the microscopic level through to ecosystems.

Students develop a range of practical skills and techniques through investigations and fieldwork in authentic contexts, such as marine reefs, endangered species, urban ecology, or biotechnology. Scientific evidence is used to make informed decisions about controversial issues.

Chemistry ATAR

The Chemistry ATAR course equips students with the knowledge, understanding and opportunity to investigate properties and reactions of materials. Theories and models are used to describe, explain and make predictions about chemical systems, structures and properties. Students recognise hazards and make informed, balanced decisions about chemical use and sustainable resource management. Investigations and laboratory activities develop an appreciation of the need for precision, critical analysis and informed decision making.

This course prepares students to be responsible and efficient users of specialised chemical products and processes at home or in the workplace. It also enables students to relate chemistry to other sciences, including biology, geology, medicine, molecular biology and agriculture, and prepares them for further study in the sciences.

Physics ATAR

In the Physics ATAR course students will learn how energy and energy transformations can shape the environment from the small scale, in quantum leaps inside an atom’s electron cloud, through the human scale, in vehicles and the human body, to the large scale, in interactions between galaxies. Students have opportunities to develop their investigative skills and use analytical thinking to explain and predict physical phenomena. Students plan and conduct investigations to answer a range of questions, collect and interpret data and observations, and communicate their findings in an appropriate format. Problem-solving and using evidence to make and justify conclusions are transferable skills that are developed in this course.

Human Biology General

The Human Biology General course gives students a chance to explore how the human body works. Students focus on bones, muscles, nerves and hormones, and how they maintain the body to act in a coordinated manner. The causes and spread of disease and how humans respond to invading pathogens are studied, as well as the role of males and females in the process of reproduction.

Students investigate the body systems through real or virtual dissections and practical examination of cells, organs and systems. They research contemporary treatments for dysfunctions of the body systems and are encouraged to use ICT to interpret and communicate their findings in a variety of ways. Second-hand data is used to investigate transmission of diseases from a historical perspective and recent global incidences.

Language - Japanese

The benefits of being fluent in a second language are being better understood every day from global understanding to  career opportunities. Students gain an understanding of other societies, the ability to interact with people and cultures      other than their own and practical skills which they can use in future social, cultural and vocational areas.

Through Languages, students are also able to further develop their skills and understandings in English and their overall  literacy.

Parent/Carer attitude toward language learning is crucial to your child’s success.

It’s our job at school to teach the language, but here are some simple things that you can do to help.

• Be positive. Learning a language is an asset for life.
• Encourage your son or daughter to ‘keep at it’ if they find something difficult, rather than giving up.
• Ask your child about their language class – what topic are you doing this term? what is your major assessment task? What new sentence did you learn today?
• Ensure you know who your child’s language teacher is and email him or her directly if you have any questions or concerns. 
• Have your son or daughter teach you to say something in the language every week. This also makes for a fun family bonding experience.
• Make sure that your child gets homework done and assessment tasks in on time. Apart from anything else, this is an important life skill. 

For further explanation on course information, contact HOLA – Kimberley Annear

Phone 9621 6300 or email Kimberley.Annear@education.wa.edu.au