QUANTITATIVE SCIENCES

Science

We believe transforming the way we teach and learn science and technology skills, to personalised and self-directed learning, is essential for students to thrive and shape their own future in a world increasingly moulded and directed by science.

Our aim is to empower students to develop investigation, enquiry and questioning skills about the physical, biological, chemical and technological world. Science is a collaborative and creative human endeavour resulting from our desire to understand the world around us through exploring the unknown, investigating universal mysteries, making predictions, and solving problems. It is an aggregate of research-based evidence, revised and refined as new evidence comes to light.

The science learning journey at Piara Waters Senior High School provides the broad skill sets that students need to be adequately prepared to participate in and contribute to today’s society. These skills are to be lifelong learners, creative, connected, and collaborative problem solvers who participate and innovate in our changing world. Teachers design challenging learning experiences that build on student strengths and needs, provide opportunities for students to cooperatively solve real-world problems, use digital technologies to accelerate learning and guide students in identifying their strengths, passions, and goals.

We are committed to pathway planning to support young people to transition through their education and into further study, training or work. Programs engage and challenge students through the application of inquiry-based learning and higher order cognitive skills.

Curriculum

Students will develop their understanding, knowledge and skills using the three interrelated strands:

  • • Science Understanding

  • • Science as a Human Endeavour

  • • Science Inquiry Skills

The Science strands provide opportunities for students to develop a scientific view of the world. Science Understanding consists of four sub-strands:

  • • Biological Sciences: The biological sciences sub-strand is concerned with understanding living things.

  • • Chemical Sciences: The chemical sciences sub-strand is concerned with understanding the composition and behaviour of substances.

  • • Earth and Space Sciences: The Earth and space sciences sub-strand is concerned with Earth's dynamic structure and its place in the cosmos.

  • • Physical Sciences: The physical sciences sub-strand is concerned with understanding the nature of forces and motion, and matter and energy.

Mathematics

Mathematics is a fascinating and powerful subject that plays a crucial role in our daily lives. It enables us to understand the world around us, from the natural laws that govern the universe to the financial systems that drive our economies. Mathematics provides a framework for logical thinking and problem-solving that is essential in many fields, including science, engineering, and technology.

At Piara Waters Senior High School, we believe in the importance of 21st-century learning, which involves equipping students with the skills they need to succeed and thrive in the modern world. We focus on embedding skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking to build a strong foundation to create global citizens.

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

  • • Measurement and Geometry, and

  • • Statistics and Probability.

In addition, we encourage students to make connections between mathematical concepts and other subject areas such as English, Geography and Science. By making these connections, our students develop a deeper understanding of mathematics and its applications in the wider world.

Inclusivity is a fundamental value of our school, and we are committed to providing an inclusive learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of all students. Our teachers are experienced and dedicated professionals who use a range of teaching strategies and resources to support the learning needs of every student. For academically able students we offer opportunities to extend their knowledge by stretching and challenging their understanding, reasoning, and problem-solving techniques through higher order cognitive thinking.