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.
At The Hills Sports High School, our Science curriculum offers students a dynamic and engaging way to explore the world around them. Through hands-on experiments, interactive learning, and real-world applications, students are empowered to connect scientific concepts to their everyday lives. Excursions to places like the zoo, Luna Park, and national parks further enrich their learning by allowing them to apply their scientific knowledge in diverse environments.
Our Science program from Years 7-10 encourages students to inquire about the natural world and discover solutions to real-world problems through evidence-based investigations. With a focus on working scientifically, students learn to think critically and creatively, equipping them with the skills to tackle scientific challenges. As students' progress to Years 11 and 12, they can specialise in disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science, and Physics. For those passionate about deepening their understanding, we offer Science Extension in Year 12 for students already studying another science subject.
Additionally, our strong partnerships with external providers offer students exceptional experiences in robotics, computing, and other STEM areas. These collaborations provide a first-class opportunity for students to enhance their STEM skills in an engaging, fun, and creative environment. At The Hills Sports High School, we are committed to providing a comprehensive, innovative, and inspiring Science education that prepares students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Stage 4 and Stage 5
In Years 7–10 Science, students develop an understanding of the natural and physical world through hands-on investigations, experiments, research tasks and problem-solving activities.
Students explore key areas of science, including:
| Area of learning | What students explore |
| Biological sciences | Living things, ecosystems, body systems, adaptation, genetics and the relationships between organisms and their environments. |
| Chemical sciences | Materials, substances, chemical reactions, elements, compounds and the way matter changes. |
| Physical sciences | Forces, motion, energy, electricity, light, sound and the laws that help explain how things work. |
| Earth and space sciences | Earth systems, rocks, resources, natural disasters, climate, space and the changing universe. |
| Working scientifically | Questioning, predicting, planning investigations, conducting experiments, collecting data, analysing results and communicating findings. |
Science in Years 7–10 supports students to become confident investigators and thoughtful problem-solvers. Students learn how to use scientific equipment safely, design fair tests, interpret data and explain their ideas using evidence.
At The Hills Sports High School, students are encouraged to connect Science to real-world contexts, including health, sport, technology, sustainability, the environment and future careers.
Stage 6
Biology is the study of living things and how they interact with each other and their environments. Students investigate cells, organisms, ecosystems, genetics, disease, evolution and the systems that support life.
Biology is a strong choice for students who are interested in health, medicine, sport science, environmental science, animal studies, psychology, research or teaching.
Students develop skills in investigation, analysis and scientific communication. They learn to collect and interpret biological data, evaluate evidence and understand how biological knowledge is used to solve real-world problems.
At The Hills Sports High School, Biology supports students to better understand the human body, health, performance, disease, biodiversity and the living world.
Students may explore:
| Area | What students learn about |
| Cells and body systems | Cell structure, organisation of living things and how systems support life. |
| Genetics and inheritance | DNA, genetic variation, inheritance patterns and biotechnology. |
| Disease and immunity | Pathogens, infectious disease, immune responses and strategies to prevent disease. |
| Ecosystems and biodiversity | Interactions between organisms, environments and the impact of human activity. |
| Evolution | Adaptation, natural selection and evidence for biological change over time. |
Chemistry is the study of substances, materials and the reactions that transform them. Students investigate atoms, elements, compounds, chemical reactions, bonding, acids and bases, energy changes and the role of chemistry in everyday life.
Chemistry is a valuable subject for students interested in medicine, pharmacy, engineering, environmental science, health, sport science, materials science, research, laboratory work or teaching.
Students develop strong practical, analytical and problem-solving skills. They learn to conduct experiments safely, analyse chemical data, write scientific explanations and apply chemical concepts to unfamiliar situations.
At The Hills Sports High School, Chemistry helps students understand the materials and reactions that shape the world, from the food we eat and medicines we use to fuels, plastics, metals, water quality and environmental sustainability.
Students may explore:
| Area | What students learn about |
| Atomic structure and bonding | Elements, compounds, chemical bonding and the structure of matter. |
| Chemical reactions | How substances react, form products and transfer energy. |
| Acids, bases and salts | Everyday and industrial chemical reactions, pH and neutralisation. |
| Organic chemistry | Carbon compounds, fuels, plastics, pharmaceuticals and materials. |
| Chemical analysis | Using data, tests and calculations to identify and measure substances. |
Physics is the study of matter, energy, motion and the forces that shape the universe. Students investigate movement, waves, electricity, magnetism, energy transfer, light, sound, space and modern physics.
Physics is a strong choice for students interested in engineering, aviation, sport science, architecture, technology, robotics, medical imaging, astronomy, data science, research or teaching.
Students develop high-level problem-solving, mathematical reasoning and analytical thinking skills. They learn to model physical systems, interpret data, conduct investigations and apply scientific principles to real-world situations.
At The Hills Sports High School, Physics connects strongly to sport, movement and performance, helping students understand concepts such as force, speed, acceleration, momentum, energy, power and biomechanics.
Students may explore:
| Area | What students learn about |
| Motion and forces | Speed, acceleration, momentum, force, energy and movement. |
| Waves and sound | Wave behaviour, sound, light and communication technologies. |
| Electricity and magnetism | Circuits, electrical energy, magnetic fields and modern technologies. |
| Space and astrophysics | Gravity, planets, stars, motion in space and the universe. |
| Modern physics | Atomic models, quantum ideas, relativity and the development of scientific understanding. |
