The senior Science subjects at Kenmore State High are:
Biology
FAQs
What is the assessment for Biology?
Unit 1 & 2
- Data text 10%
- Student experiment 20%
- Research investigation 20%
- Internal exam 50%
| Unit 3 & 4
- Data text 10%
- Student experiment 20%
- Research investigation 20%
- External exam 50%
|
Is there a textbook?
Yes, Biozone Unit 1 & 2 and Biozone Unit 3 & 4. These are available for purchase from the book room.
Is there an excursion?
Yes, in Unit 3, term 1 of Year 12, students spend one day at Griffith University Environmental Centre and carry out fieldwork to collect raw data for their student experiment.
What Year 10 achievement is required to select Biology as a subject?
A C in Biology.
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Chemistry
FAQs
What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is the study of all the natural materials that surround us as well as others that we have synthesised from them. The subject considers how elements combine in different ways to make compounds and mixtures that range from metal alloys or gemstones, to medicines, plastics or food products.
Why should I study this subject?
This subject will be of interest to those who are curious about technology and the natural world. Chemistry is also an important prerequisite for University courses such as Pharmacy, Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, Veterinary Studies, as well as Environmental, Health, and Food Science. Check
QTAC for specific university course requirements.
What assumed knowledge or subject results are required for success in this subject?
As the course has very demanding literacy and numeracy requirements, it is expected that students have achieved at least a C standard for Extension Maths and a B standard for English. It is alsorecommended that students have attained a minimum B standard for Year 10 Chemistry.
What will help me to be successful in this course?
The most important attribute is to have a good work ethic.
Are there any compatible subjects that would be beneficial to also study with this subject?
The subject matter of Chemistry will be complemented by study in Physics or Biology. Mathematical Methods is also a useful companion subject.
How will I be assessed?
Students will complete the following summative assessments for the ATAR result:
- Data Analysis Exam (10%) - Term 4 Year 11
- Student Experiment Report (20%) - Term 1 Year 12
- Research Investigation Report (20%) - Term 2 Year 12
- External Examination (50%) - Term 4 Year 12
The same set of assessment techniques is also used in Year 11 to develop student familiarity with the task.
Are there any excursions or any costs for this subject?
There are no excursions in the study of Chemistry. The course requires students to have access to the following textbooks, either through the KSHS Book room or by direct purchase:
- Pearson 11 ChemistryAuthor: Holmes et al
- Pearson 12 ChemistryAuthor: Holmes et al
For more information about Chemistry, please refer to the Year 10 Subject Guide (PDF, 4MB) or Year 11 & 12 Subject Guide (PDF, 3.3MB) or contact the Head of Department.
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Engineering
FAQs
What is the assessment for Engineering?
Four assessment worth 25% each, including 2 exams and 2 projects for both Year 11 and 12.
Is there a textbook?
There is no course textbook. A student workbook is provided for each Unit.
What Year 10 achievement is required to select Engineering as a subject?
There is no set achievement, however, it is recommended that you have achieved;
- B or higher in General Maths OR C or higher in Extension Maths; AND
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have achieved a B or higher in Engineering, Physics or Chemistry.
Physics
FAQs
What is this subject about?
Physics is a study of the fundamental forces and phenomena that drive the universe, and our everyday lives.
Who is this subject best suited to?
Students with an inclination toward critical thinking, systematic analysis of processes, mathematical modelling and most of all, curiosity about how and why things are.
What are some common career pathways that are associated with this subject?
Engineer, aerospace/pilot, researcher/academic, geologist, technology designer, medical technology professional (imaging, prosthetics, diagnostic devices etc.), teacher!
What assumed knowledge or subject results is recommended from Year 10 to be successful in this subject?
Assumed passed Year 10 Extension maths, recommended B or higher in Year 10 Physics, Chemistry or Engineering.
What should I be good at to excel at this subject?
Asking questions, using evidence to find your answers, connecting ideas, defining relationships between phenomena. Seeing processes in a systematic, step-by-step way, and predicting how changing one factor might influence other factors in a system.
What will help me to be successful in this course?
Organisation, independent drive to learn, willingness to chase the answers to your own questions, interest in how physics has shaped the way we live and see the universe.
Are there any compatible subjects that would be beneficial to also study with this subject?
Engineering, graphics or design technology subjects, chemistry, software development and ITD.
How will I be assessed?
Four assessment modes – Data test, research investigation, student experiment and external exam.
Are there any excursions or any costs for this subject?
Year 12 excursion to QUT Young Accelerators workshop (subject to continuation of workshop being offered). Approx. $30 cost.
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Psychology
FAQs
What assumed knowledge or subject results is recommended from Year 10 to be successful in Psychology?
Students are recommended to have completed at least 1 science subject in year 10, with an advantage if this subject is year 10 psychology. This ensures they have had an opportunity to already engage with the modified versions of the assessment styles and content load of a senior science course. It is recommended that students achieve at least a “B” in a year 10 science course in order to complete senior psychology successfully.
What should I be good at to excel at Psychology?/ What will help me to be successful in this course?
To excel in this subject, students are recommended to possess proficient writing skills for the assignments, proficient note taking and study/revision skills for the content exams and general mathematical skills for the data tests and experiments. Good organisation, study skills and time management are significantly valuable skills for success in this course, as the final exam in year 12 encapsulates content from across an entire year of schooling.
Are there any compatible subjects that would be beneficial to also study alongside Psychology?
Psychology can be taken as a standalone course, with no other science subjects taken. Some students have found small amounts of crossover with Philosophy and Reason, though the approach taken in Psychology is based more around scientific evidence and reasoning. There is also some crossover with Biology, as Psychology includes references to biological systems, such as the nervous system. No subject matter from other senior subjects is assumed for this course.
How will I be assessed?
Unit 1 and 2 closely mirrors Unit 3 and 4 assessment in order to give students a chance to experience the criteria and assessment styles before it is included in their ATAR weighting. Please note the highest weighting is given to the content exams in both formative and summative units.
- Unit 1 & 2 Formative (order may change)
- Data text 10%
- Student experiment 20%
- Research investigation 20%
- Internal exam 50%
- Unit 3 & 4 – Summative (order cannot change)
- Data text 10%
- Student experiment 20%
- Research investigation 20%
- External exam 50%
How does collecting data and student experiments work in Senior Psychology?
To participate in the course, students and students' caregivers are asked to sign a permission form which outlines the details of experiments that students may be asked to participate in for the Mandatory practical's and student experiments. This is in line with standard ethical practices for psychology research.
These experiments are chosen by the QCAA and present no physical or psychological harm to the students, students may withdraw at any time and data will be anonymised. An example of an experiment that may be performed is a divided attention experiment – students are asked to try and memorise numbers flashing on a screen while distracting music is playing. Some other examples, taken directly from the syllabus are included below. Please contact the school psychology coordinator if you have any concerns or questions.
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Mandatory practical: Use an experimental research design to investigate the effect of watching emotive (e.g. a scary movie) versus informative (e.g. an advertisement for toothpaste) stimuli on emotional responses (measured as changes in heart rate).
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Mandatory practical: Use an experimental research design to investigate the effect of learning environment on memory, replicating aspects of the 1998 investigation by Harry Grant et al.
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Mandatory practical: Use a correlational research design to investigate the relationship between stereotypes and behaviour by replicating the 1996 investigation by John Bargh, Mark Chen and Lara Burrows (Experiment 2).
Are there any excursions or extra costs for Psychology?
At this point in time, no. There may be short (maximum 1 day) excursions in the future, which may incur a cost for travel (bus hire).
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Science in Practice (Applied)
FAQs
What is this subject about?
Science in Practice allows students to explore topics across all strands of Science including flight; space exploration; sustainable energy and houses; land and water ecosystems; drugs, health and disease. It develops students’ skills in systematic thinking, critical and creative reasoning, research, analysis and evaluation.
Who is this subject best suited to?
The subject is suited to anyone with an interest in Science who may or may not have a preference for a particular area of Science. It will suit students who do not wish to follow an ATAR pathway but can also suit those who wish to seek an ATAR and are already selecting four general subjects.
What are some common career pathways that are associated with this subject?
Studying Science in Practice can lead to employment in animal welfare, food technology, forensics, health and medicine, recreation and tourism, research, the pharmaceutical industry, and the resources sector.
What assumed knowledge or subject results is recommended from Year 10 to be successful in this subject?
No assumed knowledge is necessary but a satisfactory level of success in Junior Science is an advantage.
What specific skills would benefit me in this subject?
Good communications, analysis and evaluative skills are an advantage to students who study Science in Practice.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment will be in the form of exams, written investigation reports, an extended response task and projects that involve written components as well as performing practical skills. For further information please refer to the
QCAA syllabus.
Are there any excursions or any costs for this subject?
Across the two years, student will complete field work in two 5-hour blocks. Field work is usually undertaken as whole day excursions with an approximate cost of $40-50 each.
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