Strathfield South High School

Many Cultures, Common Values, One School

Telephone02 9642 4422

Emailstrathfies-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.

About the faculty

Science is a mandatory subject for Years 7 to 10. Starting from 2019, students in Years 11 and 12, have a choice of specialising in biology, chemistry, earth and environmental science, investigating science and physics.

Years 7 and 8 have a compressed scope and sequence that alternates every second year. Students learn the skills to conduct experiments safely and using specialised equipment. Our main focus is to engage students in recognising the existence of science in everyday life and the tools that we use for work and recreation rely on the discoveries made in Science.

At the end of Year 8, science is a compulsory diagnostic test called Valid, which students conduct online. The test gives an overview of students’ knowledge and understanding, analytical skills and scientific literacy. 

During Years 9 and 10, science takes students through more advanced theoretical science, looking at microscopic details such as elements and compounds, cells and tissues and the reactions that occur within different systems. Year 10 students have a major project which is to design and conduct a scientific experiment to solve real world problems.

Courses for study

Stages 4 and 5 subjects

  • Science  (mandatory course for all students)

Stage 6 subjects

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth and environmental science
  • Investigating science
  • Physics

Faculty focus areas

  • Making science interesting, engaging, fun and relevant
  • Support a Year 6 transition program and work with our primary partners to build scientific interest in our future students
  • Evaluate and refine teaching practice and programs in all years with reference to school measurement, assessment and reporting toolkit (SMART) data to ensure that programs address student need areas and grow their
  • Scientific literacy and numeracy

Our strategies

  • Ensure that there is a practical element in all lessons that allow students to collaboratively work together
  • Project-based learning is embedded as a major strategy to engage students in their own learning
  • Excursions and incursions are used to enhance learning in a real environment giving authentic learning experiences to our students
  • The PEEL (point, elaboration, evidence, link) paragraph writing approach is a proven way to help students’ writing process by providing a structure for their writing
  • Explicit teaching of data collection, tabulating information, graphing information
  • Information and communication technology (ICT) integration, for example Google Suites, Google classroom, data entry and representation, and research skills 

Staff members

  • Mrs Nguyen (Head Teacher)
  • Mr Lal
  • Mr Razak
  • Miss Santhaseelan
  • Mrs Shahettin
  • Mr Simeoni