Science

Winmalee High School has five well-equipped laboratories as well as timetabled access to two computer rooms. These rooms have data projectors and one computer room has an interactive data projector. The Science faculty has a class set of computer data loggers with a large number of probes and sensors that will further enhance first-hand data gathering in experimental work. Wherever possible, we provide a stimulating first-hand experience approach, combining an experimental and research focus. Students learn in an enjoyable and relevant environment by being actively involved. This helps to ensure that students take responsibility for their learning, understand themselves and the world around them and are able to apply their understandings in unfamiliar situations and solve problems in creative ways.

Science is a mandatory subject in Years 7 to 10 and provides a logical view about our world. Science is an evolving body of knowledge organised as an interrelated set of models, theories, laws, systems, structures and interactions. It is through this body of knowledge that Science provides explanations for a variety of phenomena and enables sense to be made of the biological, physical and technological world. An understanding of Science and its social and cultural contexts provides a basis for future choices and ethical decisions about local and global applications and implications of Science.

Students discover the relationships and relevance Science has to their everyday lives by studying aspects of biology, geology, physics, chemistry and astronomy. Students develop their inquiry skills through experimentation and their knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities of scientists. To achieve this, the committed staff of the Science faculty employ a range of teaching strategies and assessment techniques in order to develop in students a deep level of understanding whilst providing meaningful feedback on their progress. Teachers also recognise that students have different learning styles and cater for them by delivering varied lessons integrating traditional lessons with technology-based activities. The topics in Years 7 to 10 range between four and six weeks in duration. Each unit of work has both core and extension activities. The extension activities allow capable students to explore concepts in greater depth and develop skills in teamwork, problems solving and working scientifically.

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.

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.

Earth and Environmental Sciences

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, engage with and positively participate in an ever-changing, interconnected technological world.

Science Extension (Year 12)

The study of Science Extension Stage 6 enables students with a passion for Science to explore the development of the scientific process over time, undertake high-level authentic scientific research, communicate findings and propose further research.

Further information about Science can be found at: 

Stage 4 & 5

Stage 6 - including Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science, Physics and Science Extension.