Science and technology is mandatory for all students from Kindergarten to Year 6. Science is mandatory for students up to Year 10.
In science and technology, students explore the natural and made worlds. They learn how to apply scientific and technological skills, knowledge and understanding across a broad range of contexts.
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.
In our increasingly technologically complex world, an understanding and appreciation of the role of science in our lives is a vital component of an education for the future. To this end, the science faculty at The Rock Central School consistently delivers quality outcomes in science for students of all abilities.
Science programs focus clearly on current syllabus outcomes. Classroom teaching is linked closely to the needs and learning styles of students at all levels. A particular emphasis of science at TRCS is on guided and open-ended investigations supported by traditional approaches to practical work.
Syllabus content is covered in Stage-based 2 year cycles, so that students are thoroughly prepared for external assessment. Year 8 sit the ESSA test at the end of Stage 4, and Year 10 sit the School Certificate at the end of Stage 5.
Throughout their learning, students are exposed to a variety of teaching/learning methods, with a focus on the integration of computer technology as a learning tool.
Computers
People can expect to work and live in environments requiring highly developed levels of computing and technological literacy. Current technologies are becoming obsolete at a rapid rate and new generations will need to be flexible to accommodate changes as they emerge. It is important that students learn about, choose and use appropriate information and software technology and develop an informed awareness of its capacities, scope, limitations and implications. Technological competence in the rapidly evolving area of information and software technology will require lifelong learning.
Students study a range of topics in Computer Skills such as:
- Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
- Spreadsheets and Databases
- The world wide web
- Application software
- Networks
- Hardware and peripherals
Design and technology
Design and Technology is designed to develop students' confidence, competence and responsibility in designing, producing and evaluating to meet needs and opportunities, and to understand the factors that contribute to successful design and production.
Stage 4 students focus on three main areas of design technology, producing projects for each area.
Products
Block Toy, Flying Model Rocket, Gumball machine, Pencil box
Built environment
Model houses, house accessories
Information communication Technology
Websites, Computer accessories, animations, technical drawing
programs
Multimedia
The Multimedia/Photography elective provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to multimedia, photographic and associated industries.
Core modules develop knowledge and skills in the use of materials, tools and techniques related to multimedia or photography which are enhanced and further developed through the study of specialist modules in photographic or multimedia-based technologies.
Practical projects provide opportunities for students to develop specific knowledge, understanding and skills related to multimedia and/or photography-related technologies. These may include:
- Photography
- Animation
- WebPages
- Creating video games
Year 10 students are required to design and construct a Major Design Project which will contribute to their school certicicate results.
