Science
Science is fundamental to the world in which we live and consequently assumes an important place in the curriculum at Gregory Terrace. The programs offered to students in Junior Science (Years 8 – 10) provide opportunities to ‘work scientifically’ and develop an appreciation and understanding of the world. These programs have been designed within a framework that emphasizes scientific literacy and numeracy as well as building life-skills.
Through the variety of activities in the classroom, the laboratory and in the field, we foster a thirst for new knowledge, encourage critical reflection and hope to develop creative thinking skills. The encouragement that our younger students receive in these pursuits is evidenced by the large percentage of the cohort who elect to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as elective subjects, in Years 11 and 12. In addition to being actively involved in their normal classroom lessons, our Year 11 and 12 students evaluate issues such as man’s current impact on natural ecosystems and discuss possible solutions for the future.
Scientists always have held the deep conviction that the universe is understandable and that natural phenomena can be viewed as mental constructions based on personal experiences that result from a range of activities such as observation, experimentation, imagination and discussion.
Accepted scientific concepts, theories and models may be viewed as shared understandings that the scientific community perceive as viable in light of current available evidence. Scientific knowledge is therefore subject to questioning by the scientific community and may be reconfirmed, challenged, modified or replaced. New understandings are continually arising and this is an essential characteristic of science.
We strive to invoke this “spirit” of challenge and question in science, in our students. We attempt to educate our students in such a way that we help them envisage alternative futures and prepare them so that they are able to make informed decisions about science and its applications. Students should be capable of making decisions that will influence the wellbeing of themselves, other living things and their environment. An education in the sciences at Terrace builds on our students’ understandings of science and challenges these understandings when appropriate.
Mr Geoff Ludlow
Head of Faculty - Science
Junior Science in Years 8, 9 and 10 is a compulsory and important part of the curriculum that provides important foundation for scientific thinking and knowledge to our middle school students. The Junior Science courses teach positive learning habits and impart knowledge that will serve our students well in their various disciplines, their future endeavours and for further studies in the sciences.
Coordinator: Mrs Judy Ariotti
Biology is the ‘study of life’ in its many manifestations. It encompasses studies of the origin, development, diversity, functioning and evolution of living systems. It is a multifaceted science for adventurous and enquiring minds. The scope of Biology is immense and today’s students have the opportunity to study Biology during its most exciting era. New research methods and fresh approaches are allowing biologists to unravel the mysteries of life opening up exciting frontiers in many different areas such as genetics, evolution, ecology cell energetics and diseases.
Coordinator: Mrs Karyn Negus
Coordinator: Mr Geoff Ludlow
Physics is a product of personal curiosity as we seek to discover and understand the cause-effect relationship – the natural laws – which govern our universe. It is the fluid body of knowledge and procedures which are the aims in the study of this subject.
Coordinator: Mr Peter Finch
