Science

The Science curriculum at Campbell High School is underpinned by a commitment to making science relevant and practical for all students. Course units are based on current topics and contain many opportunities to learn and develop deep understandings and practical skills relating to the process of investigating issues in a scientific manner. By the end of year 10, students who have successfully completed science programs at Campbell High School will be well prepared for further study in science at college or CIT.

Campbell High School guarantees all students will have opportunities to study science from year 7 to year 10 with a core program for all students.  Students in year 7 are grouped in like cohorts in science on the basis of their literacy and numeracy skills. Usually a small class is formed to assist students who need additional skill development in these areas. All classes follow a common course of study.

In year 8, the science program provides scope for students who have particular strengths and interests in science as well as providing a core general program. The level 2 program is designed for the general student population and provides students an interesting and challenging sequence of science lessons and experiences. As in year 7, students are catered for who require additional support in their science learning.

The level 1 program is for students who have shown a significant interest in science and have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement in their year 7 studies. Level 1 courses are designed to extend students vertically (concepts are more challenging) and laterally (encompassing more content).

Students are placed in level 1 or level 2 courses in years 8, 9 and 10 on the basis of performance during the preceding year, as well as teacher recommendation. Class placements are not fixed and provisions are made for movement between levels throughout the year.

The year 10 level 1 Science course is designed and delivered to prepare students for study of tertiary (T) science units at college. Therefore, students considering studying tertiary (T) level science units at college should aim to be in level 1 science when entering year 10.

To cater for those students in years 9 & 10 who have a particular interest in science and wish to be more up to date with the latest scientific developments, we offer an elective unit as part of the year 9 & 10 electives structure. This unit is called Science Extension and runs for one semester.