Science is mandatory for all students from Year 7 to Year 10.
Through the study of science, students investigate phenomena that occur over a range of scales, from the subatomic to the cosmological, from events that take place almost instantaneously to processes occurring over billions of years, from the origins of the universe to contemporary phenomena.
At Seven Hills High School (SHHS), the science faculty aims to equip students with the necessary tools and knowledge, and encourage appropriate values and attitudes, to allow students to engage at many levels with the world of science. We also focus heavily on students’ skills in problem solving and critical thinking.
The science curriculum at SHHS is in line with the changes in syllabus requirements, which now reflect the national curriculum.
Curriculum
Stage 4
· Welcome to Science
· Living Things
· Blue Planet
· Crystal Clear
· Energy
· Our Wild Environment
· Elements of Matter
· All Systems Go
· May the Force Be With You
· Dynamic Earth
Stage 5
· Ecosystems
· Keeping It Under Control
· Plug It In
· Useful Chemicals
· Making Waves
· Nature's Fury
· On the Move
· Mystery Solutions
· Life Goes On
· Hi-Tech
· Star Wars
· Forensic Science
Stage 5 Electives
Agricultural Technology
Through the study of Agricultural Technology students develop knowledge, understanding and skills which enable them to contribute positively to their own lifestyle and to the social, economic and environmental future of Australia. It also provides students with an opportunity to experience aspects of an agricultural lifestyle through direct contact with plants and animals and a variety of outside activities.
Assessment
As a result of these experiences students will be assessed and reported on outcomes in science not only on their knowledge and understanding but also on their skills in working scientifically.
Assessment tasks in science will include:
· Skill tests and activities (eg. skills in drawing and analysing graphs, tables, etc.)
· Practical tasks at school or at home
· Research tasks
· Homework tasks
· Examinations
Facilities
At Seven Hills High School we have state of the art Science Laboratories with lab benches, fume cupboards, emergency safety switches for electrical and gas as well as data projectors or Interactive Whiteboards. This allows Science students to conduct experiments safely and learn using the latest technology.
Excursions
Taronga Zoo
Each year as part of the Year 7 Science Program, ‘Wild Things' a visit to Taronga Zoo enables students to experience and appreciate the diversity of animal life found on our planet. Students attend an interactive presentation given by zoo staff, covering topics such as diversity among vertebrates and invertebrates, classification and adaptations.
Collegiate Science Competition
Each year Seven Hills High School sends 2 teams of 4 stage 4 students to compete against our fellow junior collegiate schools in Quakers Hill and Riverstone High Schools. Students compete in a range of experimental activities and trivia competition to attain the title of champion school for the calendar year.
Science and Maths Exposed
Each year, up to 15 students from year 9 venture to Western Sydney University at Parramatta to be exposed to the range of interesting and fulfilling work and study opportunities available to them in the fields of Science and Mathematics.
Opportunities in Science
ICAS Science Competition
An international test style competition run by The International Competitions and Assessments for Schools. It assesses students' skills in interpreting data, applying data and higher order skills including investigating, reasoning and problem solving. Students in Years 7-10 have the opportunity to participate in the Science Competition.
Streamwatch
Streamwatch is a long running water monitoring program initiated by Sydney Water and the Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA). In 2013 the Australian Museum took over the running of the program supported by Sydney Water. At Seven Hills a students can nominate to be a part of the Streamwatch program in Year 8. The group regularly monitor water quality at Lalor Creek through the testing of chemical and biological features of the waterway.
Victor Chang Award
The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute School Science Award has been developed to encourage an interest in science among secondary school students and promote science as a rewarding career choice. This award is given to one Year 10 student per year.
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.