Science in Australian Schools

 

Science in Australian schools is a fundamental way for students to develop an ability to think critically and solve problems.

Science in Australian schools provide skills that are becoming crucial for Australia’s changing future. Research shows that STEM jobs are growing nearly twice as fast as other jobs in Australia.

John Monash Science School (JMSS), is Victoria’s first specialist secondary school focused on Science, Mathematics and Associated Technologies.

Students can study emerging science electives in fields such as nanotechnology, astrophysics, pharmaceutical science and bioinformatics.

Throughout the year, we coordinate several immersion days at Monash University so students can get firsthand, hands-on experience of what different faculties in the university do.

Students attend several interstate and international science fairs throughout the year where they meet with students from around the world and share their research.

John Monash Science School

Science in Australian Schools

Science education is a core part of the Australian curriculum.

In New South Wales, students study:

• Kindergarten to Year 6 Mandatory: Science and Technology

• Secondary (Year 7- 10) Mandatory: Science

• Senior (Year 11-12) Optional Subjects: Biology, Chemical World Science Life Skills, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental, Earth and Space Science Life Skills, Physics, Science Extension

In Victoria students study a similar curriculum layout with mandatory science from Preparatory School to Year 10.

Benefits of Science in Australian Schools

Students gain many skills from learning science at school.

Problem-solving skills

Science in Australian schools allows students to use science to solve challenges and problems.

Science students grasp problem solving through their ability to apply scientific concepts.

Learning science also uplifts problem solving skills in other subjects. Research shows, using a scientific approach can improve the mathematical problem solving skills of students.

Science in schools is important as it surrounds the students with opportunities to become problem solvers. It is where the students can find out about passions and interests that they may not have known.

Teaching science is and always will be forever evolving and at St Aloysius we are working on providing an experience within the classroom that allows the students to envision themselves in roles aligned with science but also experience it through excursions and investigations throughout their schooling years.

St Aloysius College, North Melbourne

Critical thinking skills

Critical thinking skills are core in science education.

Students develop critical thinking skills in science class by:

• Observation;

• Thinking and challenging assumptions;

• Research;

• Questioning; and

• Drawing conclusions based on evidence.

Many scientific projects and assessments begin with questioning and inquiry and finish with critical analysis.

Link to technology

Science as part of ‘STEM’ (Science, technology, engineering and maths) has an inherent link to technology.

Science in Australian schools allows students to experiment with different technology including microscopes, telescopes, digital tools and other laboratory instruments.

The link between science and technology allows students to be more comfortable with technology in everyday life.

Students also learn how to gain confidence with technology from a young age, grasping skills that are increasingly required in the workforce.

Basic scientific concepts from everyday life

Many science students appreciate the relevancy of their work to their life and the world around them.

Science is involved in everyday life including cooking, eating, breathing and playing. Exploring science at school helps students logically link their schoolwork to everyday life.

Introducing children to scientific concepts from an early age (even early education) can stimulate a strong scientific foundation for learning. Children can begin to make sense of the world around them and how things function.

Staying up to date with science research at school

Science is always developing and advancing with research.

It is important for schools to stay up to date with the latest scientific research and technology.

Some independent schools have a strong link to alumni for networking and learning and teaching students about science after high school.

At Xavier College, a community has developed where alumni such as Matt Coleman (OX 2011) (pictured, currently completing a PhD in neurogenetics) have generously come in to speak with current students. Students have learnt about current and cutting-edge research, opportunities for study and various ways to follow science as a career and passion beyond school.

Alumni also help to address concerns students may have, such as life-study-work balance and the journey to finding a rewarding and fulfilling pathway during and after university.

Jana Vicentic, Head of Learning Area – Science, Xavier College

Choosing a school for your child can be difficult, if you wish to receive further information please see Choosing a School NSW 38 or Choosing a School VIC 34.