Our panel identified the following particular problems for science:
Concepts are too hard to grasp at a first hearing.
Tasks are analytical and require development of new skills.
Vocabulary is new and confusing.
No time to go over the same lesson again in school.
Students have difficulty identifying which concepts relate to a particular problem or field of study.
The aim of the science module is to:
provide a solid back-up to class-room learning throughout the year;
give Australian students in-depth knowledge of scientific and mathematical principles;
guide students through the syllabus so that they can prepare for exams with confidence;
identify knowledge gaps and work on improving those areas;
provide a revision system for major exams;
assist students to catch-up on work missed; and
allow brighter students to forge ahead.
Written to syllabus:
Students do not have a clear overall view of what they have to learn. Because students receive the
work day by day, and some text books may also cover material which is off syllabus, it is very hard
for the average student to know what he or she needs to know for the exam. Using the science module,
the student can work through each Unit of Study from beginning to end and be sure of covering all the
relevant material.
Year 11 Physics
Physics is one of the most challenging subjects taught in school because it combines science with mathematics.
However, it is one of the subjects which attracts extra TER marks, so it is popular with students attempting
entry into Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy or Engineering, all of which require top scores for tertiary
entrance.
Not much Physics is covered prior to year 11, so students can feel overwhelmed and bewildered. This course
lays particular emphasis on the Key Knowledge for each outcome and on using the Physical Laws and Formulae
to solve exam-style problems.
Science subjects present special difficulties to students because there are many complex concepts to
learn and understand in a very short period of time. Unfamiliarity with the vocabulary is also a major
problem in biology and can leave students totally confused about what they need to know. We designed
the programs to help students keep pace with the work throughout the year and to revise with confidence
before the exam.
