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.
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.
The science staff at Riverstone High School is comprised of a dynamic group of teachers who are passionate about Science and keen for students to reach their full potential.
Head Teacher:
- Mrs Diane Fairweather
Teachers:
- Mr Simpson
- Ms Seng.
Science safety
All students are required to wear black leather enclosed shoes in order to participate in practical activities and experiments. This allows student to complete syllabus outcomes and allow for a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. This is mandated by the Department of School Education Policy: Chemicals in Schools 3.2.2. Please be aware the tongue in shoes must say leather upper not synthetic or be made of fabric or labelled 'fabrique'.
Students not wearing enclosed leather shoes will be excluded from participating in practical lessons and are in jeopardy of not meeting educational outcomes.
Science Week
Collegiate Science Challenge
During Science Week in August, Riverstone High School hosts the Collegiate Science Championship. Students in Stage 4 from Seven Hills and Quakers Hill undertake many practical challenges to determine the winning school.
Paper Plane Challenge
During Science Week, Riverstone High School runs trials for students to complete in the NSW all schools paper plane challenge. Students enter their paper planes in the following two categories: longest distance and longest time aloft.
Science Trivia Champions
Every year, all students participate in the annual Science Trivia Championship. The Science Trivia Champion of each year group is presented with a medal.
Electricity Day
During Term 4, our local partner primary schools select gifted and talented students to participate in the Annual Electricity Day at Riverstone High School.
Students partake in a variety of experiments on electricity as directed by Year 8 student leaders.
The last activity involves a practical challenge where the young students must construct a model using limited materials and their scientific knowledge. It is a fun day where manipulative and discussion skills are valued.
Stage 3 Science Expo
Year 8 Riverstone High School students take on leadership roles when demonstrating experiments to Year 5 primary school students.
The leaders teach scientific concepts and presentation skills to Year 5 so they can run their own successful Science Expo.
Year 5 students demonstrate their experimental and verbal skills to Stage 2 primary school students. Some of these experiments include how to make a balloon rocket, chemistry experiments and experiments on density.
Environmental care
At Riverstone High School, we pride ourselves on the work we do in the environment.
We have participated with Western Sydney University on ecology enrichment programs and the Bring Back The Bush programs, planting over 200 trees in western Sydney parklands.