The Year 9 Sciences programme is divided into four units of study: Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Earth and Space Science. Students study each unit in a rotation sequence. In the Physics unit students will focus on the broad concept of energy transformations, which encompasses work on light, heat, waves, sound and electricity. The Chemistry unit focuses on chemical reactions and includes work on atomic structure, compound formation, chemical and nuclear reactions. The Biology unit focuses on the integration and control of human body systems through the nervous and endocrine systems. Students will also cover material on ecosystems and the flow of energy through an environment. Finally, the Earth and Space unit focuses on the theory of plate tectonics and an explanation of global patterns of geological activity and continental movement.

These key ATL skills will be explicitly taught and will be assessed on a four-point rating scale:

1. Communication: Make effective summary notes for studying – using Cornell Notes.
2. Thinking: Draw reasonable conclusions and generalisations, and test generalisations and conclusions.