Science Faculty

Year 7 have been studying foundation chemistry, learning about atoms, how they behave and how elements combine to form the compounds and mixtures we see, eat, wear, sit on and breath every day. They have recently moved onto classification and how we group living things. 

Year 8 started the term looked at the various resources we extract from the Earth and the importance of using sustainable methods. They followed on learning about ecosystems and how we must make sure we take care of the environment.

Year 9 examined the human body, working to understand how the body is co-ordinated through the nervous and endocrine (hormonal) systems. This included a brain, eye and kidney dissection, which most of the students enjoyed. They finished the term gathering information on infectious diseases and how the body tries to protect us from them. 

Year 10 have enjoyed the very practical topic of Chemical Reactions. They learned to appreciate how the atoms which make up matter can join in different ways to produce the variety of substances we see and use all around us. They have focused on planning investigations, determining which is more acidic apple or orange juice using titration, comparing factors which effect rusting, finding the relationship between surface area and reaction rate and watching how we can use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gas. 

Year 11 are steadily working through their courses and are enjoying being able to study courses which they have an interest or passion for. They realising of demands of Stage 6 means they need to follow a regular and comprehensive study program at home, especially leading into next term where they will have to complete an end of course examination. Year 11 Biology enjoyed an excursion to the Australian Museum where they got to see life size replicas and skeletons of the megafauna that once roamed around Australia.

Year 12 are working to complete their courses and are currently preparing for the HSC Trial Examinations, which are scheduled for mid-way through next term. We wish them all the best for these and offer our assistance to ensure they comprehensively prepare and perform to their capacity. Holiday study sessions maybe available for your course so see your classroom teacher to get the details for these. Year 12 Biology had a blast at their overnight Taronga Zoo excursion where they enjoyed the views of Vivid, braved some snake handling and behind the scenes experiences. They also went to the Museum of Human Disease, which is on campus at the University of NSW. Year 12 Physics and Chemistry students experienced University life at Ourimbah using their laboratories to revise some of their mandatory experiments.

Ms Louise Green

Head Teacher Science