James Busby High School

Excellence, Equality, Respect, Safety

Telephone02 9607 7766

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

Science

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

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.

Vision statement

To deliver fun and exciting educational experiences that answers the fundamental question that many students in today’s world grapple with … why? We aim to encourage students to observe the world around them and embrace the quest for scientific knowledge, understanding, the scientific method, practice, values and attitudes through well-designed programs that foster inquiry, investigation and collaboration. 

About the Science faculty

The Science faculty consist of a dynamic and proactive staff who strive to engage and excite students through the implementation of well-designed programs. We encourage students to observe and question the world around them and apply scientific knowledge and problem-solving strategies to make it a better place for all. Staff work with enthusiasm and commitment to help students achieve the required learning outcomes and become life-long learners.

Staff apply modern teaching practices into the classroom and create blended learning into all lessons. Practical and hands-on lessons are a major part of the learning program and offer our students learning that is exciting and engaging.

Staff

  • Mrs S Kumar - Head Teacher  
  • Ms M Mamissa - Teacher
  • Ms B Walsh - Teacher
  • Mr B Zhang - Teacher
  • Ms A Maror - Teacher / Year 9 Adviser
  • Ms J Shamo - Teacher
  • Mr A Stewart  - Lab. Technician

Courses offered

Stage 4 and Stage 5

  • Science (mandatory for all students).

Stage 6

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth and Environmental Science
  • Physics.

Activities

Development

Students participate in the Validation of Assessment for Learning and Individual Development (VALID) program, which provides online end-of-stage assessments for the science key learning area. The assessments assist schools to monitor student achievement and inform planning, programming and assessment practice.

Events

Students also participate in weekly Science club activities, National Science week activities and presentations, excursions, industry seminars and university open days as required.

Google Classroom

An online educational project that facilitates the use of resources, science documents, class discussions, homework and assignments in a collaborative framework. Student have access to a range of learning tools and resources both in class and in a remote learning capacity.

Safety

Student health and wellbeing is a mandatory requirement in all schools, this also extends to the use of science facilities such as laboratories. Students must follow all required safety guidelines and procedures in these instances.

  • Safety goggles
  • No food or beverages permitted
  • Enclosed black leather shoes must always be worn
  • Teachers instructions must always be followed always.

Student guidelines for laboratory use are clearly outlined in documentation that is provided to all students. It is expected that all students are familiar with its contents and adhere to these guidelines. 

Assessment

Over the year, various forms of assessment tasks are used in Science to evaluate student learning and understanding in each year group, and for all subjects offered.

All students are provided with an assessment notification at least 2 weeks prior to each scheduled task being held. It is important that students read and understanding this information and seek clarification, where necessary, well in advance of that task occurring.

Information about assessment tasks in Science are communicated to students and parents through the SkoolBag App, and also located on the assessment and reporting section of this site.