Albion Park High School
Senior Subject Selections 2020
Science
Biology
The Stage 6 Biology course has never been more relevant in shaping student’s understanding of the living world. Exploring the diversity of living forms from a molecular to a biological systems level, students will develop an understanding of the interactions between all living things, the environments they occupy, the pressures and challenges they face and the responses and adaptations they employ to succeed. Students will engage in a variety of first and second-hand investigations both individually and in groups to develop a greater understanding of the application of Biology in finding solutions to health and sustainability issues in a changing world. The course is brought to life with a mix of fieldwork activities and excursions which reinforce and highlight the subject’s relevance on a local, national and international level.
Chemistry
Chemistry is an ATAR subject that examines the properties and composition of matter and the interactions between substances. Chemistry plays a role in everyone’s life and is involved in almost every aspect of our daily existence. The course requires a high level of discipline and commitment to study, but can lead to amazing opportunities and roles such as environmental studies, pharmaceuticals, energy sources and developing new products. Chemistry is a highly practical subject with a strong emphasis on experimentation, including a 15-hour depth study for students to extend their knowledge in a field of their choice. The analytical skills developed through studying Chemistry provides a framework for logical processing and problem solving that are highly sought after in all professions.
Earth & Environmental Science
Earth and Environmental Science is the study of the Earth and its processes. It encompasses elements of biology, chemistry, geology and physics. It is one of the most “real” sciences as it seeks to describe the contemporary world in which we live. Earth and Environmental Science is becoming more and more relevant as climate change begins to bring about noticeable effects on ecosystems and humans engage in competition for fewer and fewer natural resources.
It includes varied topics such as the Earth’s resources, plate tectonics, energy transformations and human impacts in Year 11 and Earth’s processes, hazards, climate science and resources management in Year 12.
Included in the subject is 15 hours of depth study work in both Year 11 and Year 12. This allows students to engage in meaningful guided study in an area of interest to them.
New Course
Investigating Science
Investigating Science provides a very hands-on approach to learning for students who are interested in Science. Seen as an extension of the Stage 5 Science course, Investigating Science is designed to provide students with an ability to understand themselves and the world in which they live.
The course encompasses aspects of all the other branches of Science with a strong focus on primary investigations. Practical skills are developed within the course, and students are also given the opportunity to undertake research and investigate areas of Science that are of particular interest to them.
Students who are interested in STEM-related career paths such as science communication, science journalism or education, or jobs entangled with technology and research should consider undertaking this course.
Physics
Physics is basically the study of how things work. The Physics course involves the study of matter and its motion through space and time, along with related concepts that include energy and force.
Physics deals with the study of phenomena on scales of space and time – from nuclear particles and their interactions up to the size and age of the universe. This allows students to better understand the physical world and how it works, appreciate the uniqueness of the universe, and participate in navigating and influencing the future.
The problem-solving nature of Physics develops student’s skills by focusing on the exploration of models and the analysis of theories and laws, which promotes an understanding of the connectedness of seemingly dissimilar phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on mathematics in Physics so students need to be strong in this area.