Science
Biology - 1BGY10 & 2BGY20
Science inquiry skills and science as a human endeavour are integral to students’ learning in Biology and are interwoven through their science understanding. Students investigate biological systems and their interactions, from the perspectives of energy, control, structure and function, change, and exchange in microscopic cellular structures and processes, through to macroscopic ecosystem dynamics. These investigations allow students to extend the skills, knowledge, and understanding that enable them to explore and explain everyday observations, find solutions to biological issues and problems, and understand how biological science impacts on their lives, society, and the environment. They apply their understanding of the interconnectedness of biological systems to evaluate the impact of human activity on the natural world. Students undertake a variety of different topics while studying the three strands of science inquiry skills, science as a human endeavour and science understanding.
| Stage 1 Topics | Stage 2 Topics |
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Stage 2 Assessment (Stage 1 Assessment mirrors the requirements of Stage 2)
| School-based Assessment | Weighting |
| Investigations Folio | 30% |
| Skills and Applications Tasks | 40% |
| External Assessment | |
| 130-Minute Online Examination | 30% |
Chemistry - 1CEM10 & 2CEM20
Science inquiry skills and science as a human endeavour are integral to students’ learning in Chemistry and are interwoven through the science understanding. In their study of Chemistry, students develop and extend their understanding of how the physical world is chemically constructed, the interaction between human activities and the environment, and the use that human beings make of the planet’s resources. They explore examples of how scientific understanding is dynamic and develops with new evidence, which may involve the application of new technologies. Students undertake a variety of different topics while studying the three strands of science inquiry skills, science as a human endeavor and science understanding.
| Stage 1 Topics | Stage 2 Topics |
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|
Stage 2 Assessment (Stage 1 Assessment mirrors the requirements of Stage 2)
| School-based Assessment | Weighting |
| Investigations Folio | 30% |
| Skills and Applications Tasks | 40% |
| External Assessment | |
| 130-Minute Examination | 30% |
Physics - 1PYI10 & 2PYI20
Science inquiry skills and science as a human endeavour are integral to students’ learning in Physics and are interwoven through the science understanding. In their study of Physics, students extend their understanding of natural phenomena, from the subatomic world to the macrocosmos, and to make predictions about them, using qualitative and quantitative models, laws, and theories to better understand matter, forces, energy, and the interaction among them. By studying physics, students understand how new evidence can lead to the refinement of existing models and theories and to the development of different, more complex ideas, technologies, and innovations. Students develop and extend their inquiry skills, including in designing and undertaking investigations, and collecting and analysing primary and secondary data. They interpret and evaluate data, and synthesise and use evidence to construct and justify conclusions.
| Stage 1 Topics | Stage 2 Topics |
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|
Stage 2 Assessment (Stage 1 Assessment mirrors Stage 2 requirements)
| School-based Assessment | Weighting |
| Investigations Folio | 30% |
| Skills and Applications Tasks | 40% |
| External Assessment | |
| 130-Minute Examination | 30% |
Psychology - 1PSG10 & 2PSG20
Psychology sits between the life sciences and the humanities, which means psychology can, as a discipline, emphasise connections to either the sciences or the humanities. This subject aims to describe and explain both the universality of human experience and individual and cultural diversity. It also addresses the ways in which behaviour can be changed. It offers a means for making society more cohesive and equitable; that is, psychology offers ways of intervening to advance the well-being of individuals, groups, and societies. However, every change also holds the possibility of harm. The ethics of research and intervention are therefore an integral part of psychology.
Psychology is based on evidence gathered as a result of planned investigations following the principles of the scientific inquiry. By emphasising evidence-based procedures including observation, experimentation, and experience, this subject allows students to develop useful skills in analytical and critical thinking and in making inferences. Students investigate contemporary examples of how science interacts with society. This may focus on one or more of the key concepts of science as a human endeavour.
Stage 1 Topics
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Lifespan Psychology
- Emotion
- Psychological Wellbeing
- Psychology in Context (Indigenous, Enrivonmental, Forensic, Organisational & Cyberpsychology)
- Negotiated Topic
Stage 2 Topics
- Psychology of the individual
- Psychological Health and Wellbeing
- Organisational Psychology
- Social Influence
- The Psychology of Learning
- Healthy Minds
Stage 2 Assessment (Stage 1 Assessment mirrors the requirements of Stage 2)
| School-based Assessment | Weighting |
| Investigations Folio | 30% |
| Skills and Applications Tasks | 40% |
| External Assessment | |
| 130-Minute Online Examination | 30% |