Students will also cover topics in atomic chemistry, Earth systems, Ecosystems, wave physics and cosmology. Year 9 will also undertake a Guided Practical Project.
Year 10 had an electrifying start to the year with the Zapped topic, learning how electricity works and constructing circuits. They have also covered a variety of chemical reactions in Term 1 in the topic “When the Chemistry is Right”. For the remainder of the year, they will study body systems – extending their knowledge from previous years, evolution, sustainability and conservation, as well as undertaking an in-depth Student Research Project on a topic of their choosing.
Year 10 are reaching an important time in the year where they must start to consider their options for senior study. As senior science subjects require significant dedication students are encouraged to consider their interests and areas of strength in past science topics and discuss these with their teacher.
Senior Sciences
Year 12 classes in Chemistry, Biology, Earth & Environmental Science, Investigating Science and Physics have recommenced for most with drive and enthusiasm, the HSC now on the horizon. Meanwhile, most of Year 11 have settled into their senior studies and are growing their skills and understanding.
Students enrolled in the senior science subjects (with the exception of Year 11 Earth & Environmental Studies), have access to an online resource, Edrolo. This can be accessed through links on Canvas and contains video lectures, practice and past HSC questions and other useful resources. All students are encouraged to regularly access this valuable resource, especially those who may find senior science subjects more challenging or those have missed lessons.
Senior students will also attend excursions throughout Term 2, with visits to the Orica Laboratories (Y12 Chemistry), Awabakal Nature Reserve (Y11 Biology and Earth & Environmental Sciences), and ExperimentFest (Y12 Chemistry and Physics).
As a fun end to Term 1, Year 12 Chemistry students put their practical and communication skills to the test, competing in a titration challenge with a twist. Without touching the equipment themselves, the Chemistry students had to instruct a non-chemistry student how to perform the experiment. Competition was fierce!
Junior Elective Subjects
Year 9 iSTEM commenced the year with STEM Fundamentals, in which they learn the underlying principles of iSTEM, then apply them to designing and testing bridge designs. They use a simulator to create an initial design aiming to maximise strength and minimise weight. The first construct a spaghetti model of this bridge to assess the merits of their design. They then refine their design based on their testing data and construct their final design in balsa wood. So far, several students have created spaghetti bridges that hold over one hundred times their own weight.
Upon the completion of this unit Year 9 will commence the Aeronautical Engineering unit, a major focus of which is the piloting of drones. For approximately six weeks, students will develop their manual piloting skills, culminating in an obstacle course finale, where students are timed as they pilot their drone under, over, around and through a series of barriers and hoops.
Year 10 iSTEM started the year with the Design for Space unit. They explored the impacts of space exploration on society, learned about the principles of rocket design, then used a software platform to design their own rocket. They then employed the CAD skills they learned in Year 9 to create a 3D version of this which they 3D printed ready to launch.
Forensics
Year 8 Forensic students have been learning about crime scene investigation techniques, and how to collect and analyse evidence. They are currently creating their Crime Scene Dioramas to showcase their learning.
Extracurricular Activities -
HunterWISE
Congratulations to the innovative and imaginative students who participated in the UoN HunterWISE Outreach program and competition throughout Term 3. Five teams of Year 8 girls met weekly, to identify a real-world problem and create an original solution to that issue. The girls had to build a prototype for their invention and present their idea to STEM industry representatives and visitors at an exhibition held at the Great Hall of Newcastle University. The girls were expertly guided by their mentor, each of them studying STEM courses at UoN. A highlight of the program was a site tour of NCIG and getting to meet and chat with young engineers. On the awards night 39 teams from 12 schools across the Hunter competed in a variety of categories. Two of our teams won in the categories for Best Poster Display - Flippable Bench Seat and Table, and People's Choice - Recycling Textile Waste. Congratulations to all prize winners and participants. Your ingenuity has clearly demonstrated that the future for women's representation in the field of STEM is in good hands.
Science and Engineering Challenge 2025
In Term 1, a group of Year 10 students participated in the Science and Engineering Challenge held at the University of Newcastle. Students competed against other schools in fun and engaging hands-on activities such as designing an earthquake proof tower, building a glider or bridge, designing efficient fish traps, or providing electricity to a city.
Newcastle High School students showed great teamwork, persistence and a positive attitude to come up with innovative solutions to tricky engineering problems.
Cows Create Careers
In Term 2, Newcastle High will host two dairy calves for three weeks under the care of 8S. Students will learn how to care for the calves including preparing formula and feeding them on a daily roster, cleaning their enclosure space and checking their weight and health. Other students will also have the opportunity to visit and learn about the cows while they are here.
