Stage 2 Chemistry
Stage 2 chemistry is a 20 credit subject completed over a full year of study at year 12 or stage 2. The course was updated in 2018 where changes were made to content and assessment to align with The Australian Curriculum.
Students who choose to study stage 2 chemistry should have a foundation of stage 1 chemistry as much of the content is expanded upon in the existing course.
The course is rigorous and the content is similar to first year chemistry at a tertiary level.
Learning requirements
The learning requirements are a summary of the key learning in the subject. There is an increased emphasis on the ability of students to apply their knowledge and solve problems in theory and also practical applications.
- Apply science inquiry skills to deconstruct a problem and design and conduct chemistry investigations using appropriate procedures and safe, ethical working practices.
- Obtain, record, represent, analyse, and interpret the results of chemistry investigations.
- Evaluate procedures and results, and analyse evidence to formulate and justify conclusions.
- Develop and apply knowledge and understanding of chemical concepts in new and familiar contexts.
- Explore and understand science as a human endeavour.
- Communicate knowledge and understanding of chemical concepts, using appropriate terms, conventions, and representations.
Content
There are three strands of science integrated throughout student learning:
- Science inquiry skills.
- Science as a human endeavour.
- Science understanding.
The topics for Stage 2 Chemistry are:
- Topic 1: Monitoring the environment
- Topic 2: Managing chemical processes
- Topic 3: Organic and biological chemistry
- Topic 4: Managing resources
Assessment
The two main sections of assessment are school based or external. The external component is a 2 hour examination set and marked by SACE. It should be noted that the school assessment is moderated – meaning that student work is sent off to SACE towards the end of the year for final confirmation of results.
Schools normally retain all summative work for this purpose.
School assessment (70%)
Assessment Type 1: Investigations Folio (30%)
Assessment Type 2: Skills and Applications Tasks (40%)
External assessment (30%)
Assessment Type 3: Examination (30%)
Students provide evidence of their learning through eight assessments, including the external assessment component. Students complete:
- at least two practical investigations
- one investigation with a focus on science as a human endeavour
- at least three skills and applications tasks
- one examination