Pittwater High School

RESPECTFUL ASPIRE RESPONSIBLE

Telephone02 9999 4035

Emailpittwater-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Science

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.

Science and technology are of increasing importance and integral to our rapidly changing world. A student's sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural and made world is fostered through actively engaging in the processes of Working Scientifically and Working Technologically. Through questioning and seeking solutions to problems, students develop an understanding of the relationships between science and technology, and the significance of their contribution to and influence on society.

Scientific inquiry is a distinct way of finding answers to interesting questions and solutions to important problems about the natural world locally, nationally and globally, including shaping sustainable futures. Scientific knowledge provides explanations for a variety of phenomena and enables sense to be made of the Natural Environment and the Made Environment. As students engage in posing questions, testing ideas, developing and evaluating arguments based on evidence, they demonstrate honesty and fairness in using the skills of Working Scientifically.

Through applying the processes of Working Scientifically, students use scientific inquiry to develop their understanding of science ideas and concepts, and the importance of scientific evidence in making informed decisions about the uses of science and technology in their lives. They recognise that science advances through the contributions of many different people.

Download mandatory and elective stages and yearly subjects to study (PDF 278KB)