Quantitative Science

Science

At Piara Waters Senior High School, we prepare students, through science education to adapt, innovate and succeed in a future full of possibilities. We focus on personalised, self-directed and inquiry-based learning to help students build adaptability, creativity and critical thinking skills. Our goal is to empower students to become innovative problem-solvers and lifelong learners who can ask questions, investigate ideas and apply knowledge across physical, biological, chemical and technological fields. Science is a collaborative and creative process, driven by curiosity and the desire to understand the world through exploration, prediction and problem-solving.

The science learning journey at Piara Waters Senior High School develops future-ready skills such as collaboration, creativity, digital literacy and resilience. Teachers design engaging learning experiences that connect to real-world challenges, encourage teamwork and use technology to accelerate learning. Students are supported to discover their strengths, passions and goals.

We also offer specialist electives such as Psychology and Forensic Science, giving students the chance to explore human behaviour, critical thinking and analytical skills valuable for careers in health, law and emerging fields. These electives help students develop transferable skills for future study and work. As our school grows, so will the range of electives on offer.

Beyond the classroom, we encourage students to participate in competitions, incursions and excursions to deepen their knowledge, apply learning in authentic contexts and connect with industry experts. These experiences build confidence, broaden perspectives and inspire innovation.

Curriculum

Science Learning Pathway: Years 7-10

The Science curriculum for Years 7-10 is designed to develop students’ scientific understanding and inquiry skills, fostering a comprehensive view of the natural world. It is structured around two interrelated strands:

  • Science Understanding
    • Chemical Sciences;
    • Physical Sciences;
    • Biological Sciences; and
    • Earth and Space Sciences.
  • Science Inquiry
    • Questioning and Predicting;
    • Planning and Conducting;
    • Processing, modelling and Analysing;
    • Evaluating;
    • Communicating; and
    • Collaborating and Applying.
 
  • Year 7 Focus Areas
    • Inquiry skills;
    • Classification and ecosystems;
    • States of matter and separating mixtures;
    • Forces and simple machines; and
    • Earth in space.
 
  • Year 8 Focus Areas
    • Elements, compounds and mixtures and physical and chemical changes;
    • Energy, heat and electric circuits;
    • Cells and systems; and
    • Plate tectonics and rocks.
 
  • Year 9 Focus Areas
    • Sound waves and light;
    • Earth’s interrelated systems;
    • Adaptations, organisms’ responses to changes and populations; and
    • Atoms, elements of the periodic table; compounds and chemical reactions.
 
  • Year 10 Focus Areas
    • Motion and energy;
    • Universe and space exploration;
    • Genetics and evolution; and
    • Chemical bonds and chemical reactions.

Learning Area Offerings

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

  • Science General

  • Science Academic Excellence Program

  • Science General

  • Science Academic Excellence Program

  • Science General

  • Science Extension

  • Science Academic Excellence Program

Elective

  • Forensic Science

  • Science General

  • Science Extension

  • Science Academic Excellence Program

Elective

  • Forensic Science

  • Psychology

Mathematics

Mathematics is a dynamic and influential discipline that shapes our understanding of the world, from the natural laws of the universe to economic systems. It develops analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and effective problem-solving, essential skills which are essential in science, engineering, technology and everyday life.

At Piara Waters Senior High School, we believe in the importance of 21st-century learning, which involves preparing students with the knowledge and capabilities they need to succeed in an ever-changing global landscape. Our approach emphasises:

  • Innovation and creativity;
  • Collaboration and adaptability; and
  • Reflective and critical thinking.
 

These skills ensure students to become confident and capable contributors to society.

Our Aim

Our goal is to make mathematics interesting and enjoyable while building students’ confidence to tackle challenges. We aim to:

  • Deliver a curriculum that challenges and supports every learner;
  • Encourage students take ownership of their learning and celebrate their progress;
  • Highlight connections between mathematics and other subjects like English, Geography, and Science; and
  • Develop the ability to use and communicate mathematics effectively in real-life situations.

Inclusivity and extension

Inclusivity is central to our philosophy. We provide a learning environment that caters to diverse needs through a variety of strategies and resources. For students seeking greater challenge, we offer opportunities to:

  • Extend their thinking through advanced reasoning;
  • Engage in complex problem-solving; and
  • Foster higher-order cognitive skills.

Curriculum

Mathematics Learning Pathway: Years 7-10

We promote a hands-on approach to learning that emphasises real-world applications of mathematics, through the three strands of the Western Australian Curriculum:

  • Number and algebra
    • Understanding number;
    • Calculating the number;
    • Algebraic techniques;
    • Linear and non-linear equations and inequalities;
    • Linear and non-linear patterns and relationships;
    • Financial mathematics; and
    • Modelling with number and algebra.
 
  • Measurement and geometry, and
    • Two-dimensional space and structures;
    • Three-dimensional space and structures;
    • Non-spatial measurement; and
    • Modelling with measurement and geometry.
 
  • Probability and statistics
    • Probability and statistics; and
    • Modelling with probability and statistics.
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Learning Area Offerings

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

  • Mathematics General
  • Mathematics Academic Excellence Program
  • Mathematics General
  • Mathematics Academic Excellence Program
  • Mathematics General
  • Mathematics Extension
  • Mathematics Academic Excellence Program
  • Mathematics General
  • Mathematics Extension
  • Mathematics Academic Excellence Program