Overview

Year 10 Core Science gives background in three Sciences Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In the Biology unit students investigate genetic inheritance. In the Chemistry unit, different types of reactions are investigated followed by a study of factors affecting rates of chemical reactions. For the Physics unit, students learn about Newton’s Laws of Motion including speed and acceleration.

Assessment

Assessment tasks are drawn from tasks such as topic tests, practical reports, visual representations and research tasks. There will be an exam at the end of semester 1 based on the content from all three units.

Pathways

Year 10 Core Science in Semester One provides the basis of all VCE Science subjects. Students are eligible to choose any of the Science subjects in VCE. These are Agriculture and Horticulture, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology. Students are also required to choose a second Science Elective subject in Semester Two which will further prepare them for studies in VCE Sciences.

Overview

In this unit, you will gain insight into the significance of Australia’s food and fibre industries. You will learn about both plant and animal structure and function, and consider how growth and development can be impacted by environmental elements such as climate, water availability and soil composition.

You will examine the principles of animal welfare and occupational health and safety, investigating best practices in these areas. As an integral part of the course, you will apply the theoretical concepts learned in class through hands-on practical activities. These activities will provide you with the opportunity to explore a range of plant propagation and soil testing techniques, and refine your animal husbandry skills while caring for the animals at the AgHort Centre.

Assessment

Assessment tasks are drawn from tasks such as topic tests, practical reports, visual representations and research tasks.

Pathways

Year 10 AgHort is a direct pathway for VCE Agricultural and Horticultural Studies.

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Chemistry

This unit is recommended if you are thinking of studying VCE Chemistry. Essential background theory is investigated in two main contexts: Analysis of Unknown Compounds and Organic Chemistry. You will extend your use of chemical formulae and the Periodic Table to describe ionic compounds and balance chemical equations. You will apply your chemical knowledge and practical skills to analyse unknown substances and, during the process, investigate a range of reaction types. The factors which influence the rate of chemical reactions are accurately explored using data-logging equipment and a variety of practical techniques. 

Biology

The way you look is part of your genetic make-up. Genetics is the branch of Biology concerned with heredity and the study of laws governing similarities and differences between parents and offspring. This unit considers DNA and RNA, their structure and role in the genetic code and making proteins. This unit also looks at Darwin’s theory of evolution and how we explain biodiversity. Natural selection, variations in populations and the use of fossil evidence is explored.

Assessment

Assessment tasks are drawn from tasks such as topic tests, practical reports, visual representations, research tasks and an experimental investigation.

Pathways

Year 10 Chemistry and Biology provides a Pathway for VCE Chemistry and Biology but can also be followed by VCE Unit 1 & 2 AgHort, Physics or Psychology.

Physics

This unit is recommended if you are thinking of studying VCE Physics. In this unit, you will carry out guided experimental investigations relating to such things as forces involved in driving cars, and avoiding or surviving collisions. You will learn how to design experiments to test your predictions and how to apply mathematical models to account for your experimental data. You will study Newton’s Laws of motion and investigate the forces that produce movement. 

Chemistry

This unit is recommended if you are thinking of studying VCE Chemistry. Essential background theory is investigated in two main contexts: Analysis of Unknown Compounds and Organic Chemistry. You will extend your use of chemical formulae and the Periodic Table to describe ionic compounds and balance chemical equations. You will apply your chemical knowledge and practical skills to analyse unknown substances and, during the process, investigate a range of reaction types. The factors which influence the rate of chemical reactions are accurately explored using data-logging equipment and a variety of practical techniques.

Assessment

Assessment tasks are drawn from tasks such as topic tests, practical reports, visual representations, research tasks and an experimental investigation.

Pathways

Year 10 Physics and Chemistry is a pathway for VCE Physics and Chemistry but can also be followed by VCE Unit 1 & 2 AgHort, Biology or Psychology.

Biology

The way you look is part of your genetic make-up. Genetics is the branch of Biology concerned with heredity and the study of laws governing similarities and differences between parents and offspring. This unit considers DNA and RNA, their structure and role in the genetic code and making proteins. This unit also looks at Darwin’s theory of evolution and how we explain biodiversity. Natural selection, variations in populations and the use of fossil evidence is explored.

Psychology

Studying Psychology at Year 10 level provides an opportunity to explore psychological concepts and skills. Students will investigate Forensic Psychology and use their understanding to apply to experiments carried out by psychologists in the past and in the classroom with their own Psychology experiments.

Assessment

Assessment tasks are drawn from tasks such as topic tests, practical reports, visual representations, research tasks and an experimental investigation.

Pathways

Year 10 Biology and Psychology is a pathway for VCE Biology and Psychology but can also be followed by VCE Unit 1 & 2 AgHort Chemistry or Physics.