NBSC Manly Campus

The selective campus of Northern Beaches Secondary College

Telephone02 9905 3982

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

Stages 4 and 5

Year 7 develop knowledge, skills and understanding of the nature of science through theory and participation in practical work. 

Students learn about laboratory skills, separation techniques, cells and classification of living things, rocks and minerals, and forces. Students also learn how to safely conduct experiments and develop research skills in practical projects.

Year 7 study the following topics:

  • working scientifically
  • properties of substances
  • mixtures
  • earth resources
  • classification and cells
  • habitats and interactions
  • forces
  • earth in space. 

Year 8 continue to develop their scientific knowledge, understanding and skills through further experimentation and theory. Students further expand their knowledge in the field of biology, chemistry, physics and earth & environmental science through the core topics listed below.

Year 8 topics include:

  • science skills and data
  • growth and reproduction
  • cells and vertebrate body systems
  • energy and electrostatics
  • physical and chemical changes
  • elements, compounds and mixtures
  • simple machines
  • rocks, minerals and mining.

Students in Year 8 also complete a detailed student research project that demonstrate their ability to conduct first-hand and second-hand investigations.

The Year 9 science syllabus in NSW covers a broad range of topics in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth and environmental science. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to develop their scientific skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis, through practical investigations and experiments.

Year 9 topics include:

  • periodic table
  • disease
  • heat, light and sound
  • electrodynamics
  • body coordination
  • global systems
  • forensic science. 

Accelerated science in Year 9 is designed to cover the entire Stage 5 science syllabus in NSW, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth and environmental science. This rigorous program allows students to complete the requirements for Year 9 and Year 10 science in one year, providing an opportunity for early entry into HSC Biology. The curriculum covers a range of topics including cell structure and function, genetics and evolution, chemical reactions, motion and energy, and environmental sustainability. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to develop their scientific skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis, through practical investigations and experiments. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in scientific principles and will be well-prepared for further study in biology or other science-related fields.

In Year 10 science, students rotate between specialised teachers in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, and earth and environmental science. This approach allows students to gain a deeper understanding of each discipline by learning from teachers who have specific expertise in their area. During the course, students will cover a range of topics, including energy, motion, chemical reactions, genetics, ecology, and geology. In each unit, students will engage in practical investigations and experiments to develop their scientific skills and deepen their understanding of key concepts. The rotation system encourages students to develop an appreciation for the interdisciplinary nature of science and the connections between different fields. By the end of Year 10, students will have a broad understanding of scientific principles and be well-prepared for further study in any of the scientific disciplines.

In Year 10 topics are taught by teachers with special expertise of the subject on a rotation basis.

The topics are:

  • chemical reactions
  • the Universe - from big bang to black holes
  • genetics and evolution
  • physics of motion and collisions
  • dynamic earth and plate tectonics
  • report on an individually designed and executed experiment to answer a specific question.

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