Physical Sciences

Overview

The subject Physical Sciences focuses on the investigation of physical and chemical phenomenon through scientific inquiry. Scientific models, laws and theories are used to explain and predict what is observed in our physical environment.

Purpose

The study of Physical Sciences at Grey High School aims to develop the natural interest that learners have in investigating the world around them. The Learning Outcomes guide the teaching of this subject and places emphasis on what the learners should be able to do. The Learning Outcomes are briefly outlined below:
Learning Outcome 1: Practical Scientific Inquiry and Problem-Solving Skills: The student is able to use process skills, critical thinking, scientific reasoning and strategies to investigate and solve problems in a variety of scientific, technological, environmental and everyday contexts. Process skills are emphasized.Learning Outcome 2: Constructing and Applying Scientific Knowledge: The student is able to state, explain, interpret and evaluate scientific and technical knowledge and can apply it in everyday contexts. Acquisition and development of knowledge is emphasized. Learning Outcome 3: The Nature of Science and its Relationship to Technology, Society and the Environment: The student is able to identify and critically evaluate scientific knowledge claims and the impact of this knowledge on the quality of socio-economic, environmental and human development. The development of responsible attitudes and values is emphasized.

Brief Policy

With the study of Physical Sciences in Grades 10–12, we aim to achieve the following:
To inculcate a love for the Physical Sciences in our students and to show its relevance in their life and world; To provide opportunities for students: To develop scientific and creative thinking, To analyze and evaluate data, formulate hypotheses, suggest testing procedures, To develop communication skills whereby they can express themselves accurately and confidently in a scientific context, to develop a respect for the environment and the need to preserve it; To instil in students a strong sense of responsibility and sound work ethic, respect for self and others so that a stable and effective learning environment may be created in our classrooms or laboratories; To produce students who, should they choose to do so, would be capable, well-prepared and confident in pursuing studies of the Physical Sciences at tertiary level. Academically: To expand on the foundations developed in the General Education and Training band in the Natural Sciences; To develop an understanding of Physical Sciences based on the principles of conceptual progression (whereby concepts are introduced in one grade, and then expanded on and developed further in successive grades) and conceptual coherence (whereby links between various topics and also subjects are explored);To develop a programme of year-long assessment which is in line with the assessment standards criteria as per outlined in the National Curriculum Statement, and which will enable the Physical Sciences Department to assess and report on students in a way which is fair and will serve to reflect their efforts and abilities in an authentic and meaningful manner.

Homework

The department philosophy is that a smaller volume of well-selected homework, properly done and thoroughly marked is more beneficial than a greater volume which is rushed, poorly done or not completed. However, students need to be aware that this subject demands regular and consistent effort: should there be no formal homework set for a particular day, it is absolutely essential that the student consolidates any content covered on that day, or previous days, as a method of on-going revision.

Grade 9 Information (Natural Sciences)

Grade 10 Information

Grade 11 Information

Grade 12 Information