Penrith Selective High School

Altiora Peto - Striving for the highest

Telephone02 4721 0529

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

Science

Faculty Overview

In Science, students explore the natural and made worlds. They learn how to apply scientific skills, knowledge and understanding across a broad range of contexts. Science 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. The inquiry and skill-based nature of science opens doors to ideas and discoveries.

Courses Offered

· Stage 4 Science - Mandatory

· Stage 5 Science - Mandatory

· Stage 6 Biology 2 Unit

· Stage 6 Chemistry 2 Unit

· Stage 6 Physics 2 Unit

· Stage 6 Extension Science 1 unit

Please note that Science is mandatory in Years 7 through to Year 10 (Stage 4 & 5). For Years 11 and 12 (Stage 6), students can choose to study any combination of the core science discipline (Chem/Bio/Phys) or all THREE Science disciplines.

Extension Science is only available to Year 12 students. Interested candidates must apply in Year 11 and will need to meet the entry requirements in order to be offered the opportunity to study the course. Students will not be permitted to complete 7 units of science for the HSC due to concerns of meeting demands across all areas. Further information will be provided to students by the Head Teacher.

Key Incursions, Excursions and Learning Opportunities

· Year 8 Forensic Science Incursion

· Year 11 Biology – Exploring Ecosystems Excursion

· Year 12 Chemistry – Chemistry Kickstart Program at USYD*

· Year 12 Physics – Physics program at USYD or UNSW*

*Depending on availability. If this is not possible the Science faculty holds a full Incursion Depth Study Day.

Competitions and External Examinations

· ICAS Reach (Mandatory for Years 7 – 10)

· VALID test (Mandatory for Year 8)

· ICAS Science competition (select students based on ICAS Reach results)

· Australian National Chemistry Quiz (Years 7-10 optional. Mandatory for Years 11 and 12)

· NSW Titration competition (Years 11 and 12)

· Australian Science Olympiad Examinations:

o Biology (Y10-11)

o Chemistry (Y10-11)

o Physics (Y10-11)

o Junior (Y7-10)

Further details about additional opportunities for students

The staff of each faculty are highly involved in running and supporting student leaders to lead a wide variety of co-curricular, enrichment, clubs & societies as part of the school's strong commitment to talent development opportunities. These programs also play a key part of ensuring that students work alongside not only their classmates, but with other like-minded students from across the 6 cohorts within the school.

For more details about Co-Curricular and Enrichment, please click here 

For more details about Clubs and Societies, please click here