Sandringham Campus is one of the few schools which is able to provide the full range of VCE Science studies.

 

The Science program at Sandringham caters for all students who are interested in studying Physical, Biological, Behavioural and Health Sciences or Mathematics at tertiary level. Students can also choose science-based VET in the VCE programs - Certificate III in Laboratory Skills - (General, Environment Management or Food streams), Certificate II in Horticulture, Certificate II in Equine Industry and Certificate I in Engineering.

Students with other career goals are able to satisfy specific tertiary entrance requirements by completing a Science program, while many students take one or two Science studies in order to balance their programs. Our courses feature scope for fieldwork and include links with local industry. The Science faculty strives to foster excellence in both Science and Mathematics, and graduates of the program have consistently obtained excellent VCE results, with a high proportion gaining tertiary entrance into a mix of courses ranging from the traditional to the new technologies.

Science students have been sponsored by Rotary to attend National Summer Schools in Adelaide or Canberra. Selected students participate in the CSIRO Student Research Scheme which involves conducting scientific research under the supervision of practising scientists. Interested students are given opportunities to gain work experience in relevant areas, and participation in Science expeditions and competitions is encouraged.

 

Students are able to participate in bushland management and native plant propagation under the guidance of Bayside City Council Environmental Officers and a School Work Horticulture Program in Turf Management at local golf courses and Retail and Landscaping with local nurseries is also offered.

 

Biology students attend workshops at the CSIRO in Genetic Engineering, while lectures are presented by scientists involved in research into immunology.

 

Physics students also have been involved with the model Solar Car competition, which provides excellent hands-on problem solving with an engineering slant.

 

Special encouragement is given to girls to select and excel in Science studies, while all students are made aware of career pathways in Science through a program of guest speakers and careers counselling.

The importance of the Science Program to Sandringham College is reflected in the quality of its facilities. The modern well-equipped laboratories provide comfortably for both theory and practical work and faculty members receive the support of a qualified laboratory technician. All science laboratories are provided with access to the Internet. A separate Science computer laboratory is available for both individual student and class use.

External facilities include a greenhouse, potting shed, plant room and outdoor planting area for Agriculture and Horticulture, and Environmental Science.

 

Whilst it is not compulsory to complete Units 1 and 2 before attempting Units 3 and 4 in any of the sciences, students who do not may find themselves disadvantaged in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.