St Clair High School Science department aims to provide students with as
diverse a curriculum as possible, enhancing the traditional subjects of Chemistry,
Geology, Biology and Physics. Students explore the role of science within our
society and how science interacts with and touches on our everyday lives. The
Faculty of Science has a proud tradition of preparing confident students for
the challenges of living in a complex technological environment and their future
careers.
The experienced and specialised teaching team consistently help students achieve
targeted outcomes. The staff recognises students have different learning styles
and cater for them by delivering varied lessons combining traditional lessons
integrated with technology. In addition with 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 ensure
young people 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 course for students undertaking junior high school (Years 7 to 10). All students will be required to sit for their Essential Science Skills Assessment Exam (ESSA) at the end of year 8 and the School Certificate in Science at the completion of Year 10.
In junior high school, Science is taught in a practical, hands-on way. By catering for a range of interest and ability levels, students are given the opportunity to experience the principles they are learning through investigations, demonstrations, field trips, videos or the use of digital technology. A range of diverse teaching processes are employed, with a focus on skill development, including working as a group, research and oral skills. Experimental Research Projects are a mandatory part of the Science Syllabus for Stages 4 & 5 and constitute the major part of our Science homework requirements.
Students in years 11 and 12 may choose to study the individual science courses of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth and Environmental Science or Senior Science. Senior Science students are given the opportunity to explore areas as diverse as biotechnology, space and environmental issues. The aim is to equip students to function in a world where scientific ideas are at the forefront, and to make them aware of career paths in these areas. Students have traditionally achieved excellent results in all of these disciplines and many have gone on to pursue Science based degrees at university.
All Science students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of local and national co-curricular activities such as quizzes and competitions the department enjoys a fine reputation and boasts a long tradition of success.
There are currently six science laboratories which provide the opportunity for a variety of practical activities. Science provides an understanding of the physical world which surrounds our students.