science

Junior Secondary

The most fundamental and important aim of the Junior science courses is to provide students with an enjoyable learning experience in the field of ‘science’ and to allow them to explore how science influences their lives, their thinking and the environment in which they live. 

The course organisation has been influenced by the SACSA (South Australian Curriculum, Standards and Accountability) Framework and incorporates the Key Competencies and Essential Learning processes that have been recommended by modern curriculum developmentalists. Competence and fluency in scientific literacy is an integral part of each lesson.

In the presentation of our course work, we employ a wide variety of learning strategies and situations including practical activities, research projects and the use of information and communications technology. Students have the opportunity to develop and improve their scientific skills as well as their literacy and numeracy skills when completing written reports and assignments.

senior secondary

At year 10 level, a greater emphasis is placed on distinguishing the Physics, Chemistry and Biology topics to assist students to make informed, rational decisions about their subject selection for Stage 1.

As part of the Physics unit, students have the opportunity to build and launch model rockets. All students find this an enjoyable adjunct to the syllabus.

Please refer to the Blackfriars Curriculum page for more details about obtaining the course structure and prerequisites of each particular senior year level subject, i.e. Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Whilst the list of topics in year levels refer specifically to those in the adopted text/reference book series, ‘Scienceworld’ by Stannard and Williamson, lesson activities are frequently supplemented by using additional activities that have been developed over the years and are seen as being useful, interesting, enjoyable and relevant to our general aims. In most cases, the teacher of a particular class will determine the order in which the topics are studied.

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

Year 8 students have the opportunity to participate in the “Science on the Go” activity, which is organised by the Science Investigator team, which visits the school annually. Year 8 students also visit the Adelaide Zoo to learn about classification procedures in Ccience. The University of New South Wales Science and Chemistry competitions, as well as Science Week and Oliphant Awards activities are encouraged.

assessment

Assessment procedures and criteria may vary from class to class but always reflect a balance between practical and theoretical activities performed in the class. A student’s attitude towards set tasks and his competence in written tests, detail in practical reports and other assignments and his scientific skills will all be reflected in his term grade.

MICHAEL COX
Head of Science
(E-mail address: mcox@bps.sa.edu.au )