Port Hacking High School

To strive is to achieve

Telephone02 9524 8816

Emailporthackin-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Science

Science is mandatory for all students from Year 7 to Year 10.

At Port Hacking High School, Year 7 to 10 Science is taught as theme modules, each with a mix of content and skills drawn from the major branches of Science. Marine and Aquaculture Technology – a subject that explores the multifaceted nature of the sea – is offered as an elective subject in Years 9 and 10. Science is non-compulsory in Years 11 and 12 and becomes more specialised into distinct disciplines: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. There is also a subject called Investigating Science where the key focus is the practice of science and can combine a mix of content from all disciplines.

The study of Science is unique among the other subjects taught at the school. It guides students to organise their thoughts and ideas logically and have them critiqued by others in order to solve complex problems. It challenges students to be objective and not be influenced by others opinions or fake news stories. Instead, the practice of science provides the tools for students to gather evidence to support or refute information. It encourages the growth of independent thinkers that can help provide the best solutions to some of the world’s most complex problems.

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.