Science

An understanding of and competence in science is demanded by an increasingly technological society. From a Christian perspective, science enables us to develop appreciation and understanding of the created world. Science also helps us to understand and live in the invented world of technology. Decisions about stewardship in health, technology and ethical issues need to be made on an informed and critical basis. A study of Science enables students to develop concepts, skills and attitudes to explore these issues appreciate the detail and complexity of creation, and the love and providence of the Creator; 

• Reflect God’s love in personal lifestyle and behaviour 

• Investigate and appreciate the inter-dependence of all things 

• Establish a predisposition in caring and protecting the natural world 

• Consider the contributions and limitations of science and technology 

• Consolidate fundamental inquiry, experimental and research skills.

Students are encouraged to make responsible decisions on various ethical issues relating to science and technology through considering and appreciating differing points of view held by Christians, and to form their own opinions without losing respect for others. The Christian growth of students can be assisted through helping them to have a reverence of God, a sense of wonder at creation, and a balanced view of man’s place in the universe. Developing an understanding of both the usefulness and limitations of scientific models assists students’ ability to describe our world.

Science in Years 7, 8 and 9 is taught as a separate subject which follows the curriculum standards as outlined in the Victorian Curriculum. Over Years 7 to 9, students develop their understanding of microscopic and atomic structures, how systems at a range of scales are shaped by flows of energy and matter and interactions due to forces and develop the ability to quantify changes and relative amounts.

In Year 9, students consider the operation of systems at a range of scales. They explore ways in which the human body as a system responds to its external environment and the interdependencies between biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems. They are introduced to the notion of the atom as a system of protons, electrons and neutrons, and how this system can change through nuclear decay.

They learn that matter can be rearranged through chemical change and that these changes play an important role in many systems. They are introduced to the concept of the conservation of matter and begin to develop a more sophisticated view of energy transfer.