Clarkson CHS

Science

The study of the sciences enables students to develop an understanding of the natural world and scientific principles, by enhancing their ability to:

• investigate answers to questions about the natural and technological world using critical thinking skills and evidence to construct conclusions
• to communicate scientifically, where appropriate, and to select and apply scientific knowledge, skills and understandings in various contexts in daily life
• to understand the nature of science and its impact in our daily lives, and
• to make decisions which include ethical considerations of the impact of the processes and products of science on people and the environment.

In Years 8 and 9, students examine scientific concepts derived from the Curriculum Framework, within themes developed by each Community. The Year 10 science programme is structured into eight-week units, each focusing on a specific science strand (Earth and Beyond, Life and Living, Energy and Change, Natural and Processed Materials), combined with the Investigating Scientifically strand.

Year 11/12 science subjects offered at Clarkson Community High School include:

Completion of these subjects offers students potential university, TAFE and vocational opportunities in many fields, including mining, ecology, engineering, health and hospitality.

Proposed changes to the Y11/12 science curriculum (Courses of Study) will provide students with further opportunities to succeed in the investigation and examination of the sciences, in more relevant and familiar contexts.

Mathematics

In the Mathematics learning area, students learn about mathematics, what it is and how it is used in making decisions and solving problems. The Mathematics Learning Area takes a major, although not sole, responsibility for the development of students' numeracy. Being numerate is about having the competence to use mathematics to solve practical problems outside mathematics and as a tool for learning beyond the mathematics classroom. The study of mathematics enhances the students' ability to:

In years 8 – 10, students study mathematics in six clusters derived from the Curriculum Framework:

Working Mathematically -students use mathematical thinking processes and skills in interpreting and dealing with mathematical and non-mathematical situations.

Number - students use numbers and operations and the relationships between them efficiently and flexibly.

Measurement - students use direct and indirect measurement and estimation skills to describe, compare, evaluate, plan and construct.

Chance & Data - students use their knowledge of chance and data handling processes in dealing with data and with situations in which uncertainty is involved.

Space - students describe and analyse mathematically the spatial features of objects, environments and movements.

Algebra - students use algebraic symbols, diagrams and graphs to understand, to describe and to reason.


Year 11 subjects offered at Clarkson Community High School include:

Mathematics in Practice (CAF subject) – provides opportunities for students to work individually and in groups towards solving real mathematical problems.

Foundations of Mathematics (TEE subject) – aims to equip students with useful applied mathematical tools and to foster an ability to solve problems and carry out mathematical investigations.

Introductory Calculus (TEE subject) – provides an introduction to calculus and its applications



Year 12 subjects offered at Clarkson Community High School include:

Modeling with Mathematics (CAF subject) – is the subject which follows on from Mathematics in Practice. Mathematical modeling involves students using mathematics to represent real situations or problems.

Discrete Mathematics (TEE subject) – is the subject which follows on from Foundations of Mathematics. It provides students with studies in a range of topics in mathematics and their applications. This subject is for students who may be preparing for entry to tertiary subjects which do not have a strong mathematical requirement.

Applicable Mathematics (TEE subject) – is the subject which follows on from Introductory Calculus. It develops some of the more useful mathematical techniques to complement the calculus learned in year 11. It is a valuable subject for students who may be preparing for entry to tertiary subjects which have a strong mathematical requirement.


Clarkson Community High School participates in various state, national and international competitions and camps in mathematics allowing students to extend their mathematical abilities beyond the classroom.