The study of science at Sir Winston Churchill provides students with an opportunity to engage in a rich practical experience, where theory and experimentation share the focus of our work. In each course, designed to provide a student with an opportunity to meet provincial learner outcomes, our teachers challenge students to experience for themselves scientific thinking and practice.
The practical component of the science courses at Sir Winston Churchill High School require students to become familiar with WHMIS, a Canadian workplace safety program. We ask all grade 10 students to complete WHMIS training and expect them to follow our additional instructions regarding safe lab procedures. Failure to follow these guidelines or to come fully prepared for lab work, results in denial of lab privileges. As labs are time consuming to set up and require constant teacher supervision, we expect students to be prepared for lab work when it is assigned.
The study of science relies heavily on the skills and experiences gained in other fields. Language skills, including grammar, spelling, reading level and comprehension should be well developed to study science to the grade 12 level. Research skills, including internet and print resources, are essential in most science courses. The library and computer rooms are often booked by science teachers for their classes to use. Practical experience with current technology in the home and workplace is assumed and this experience often makes scientific theory easier to understand. Often, students who study science will need to rely on considerable math skills as well. Students with weak language skills, math skills or experience with current technology will find that the study of science becomes more difficult.
Continuous high, successful enrollment in science classes at Sir Winston Churchill and student involvement i science opportunities outside of the classroom speak volumes about the high profile sconce occupies in our community. Our sconce department plans carefully to provide a wide range of science experiences for our students.
Fully one fifth of the teaching staff at Sir Winston Churchill High School teaches science, offering students a rich and varied classroom experience. While teachers in a course set common evaluation outlines, it is likely that each teacher will present a course in a unique way. We believe that this variation is healthy and support the professional choices made by each teacher as a course delivery is planned. We hope each student is exited, challenged and supported as they pursue the study of science while at our school.
Which Science Courses Should You Choose?
Many students and parents hold certain misconceptions about the number of science courses that are needed to graduate. The minimum number of courses needed are 10 credits! You do not even need a 30-level science to graduate.
For Grade 9 students coming into high school, students will take either Science 10 if they wish and have a final mark of 60%. Students who have less than 60% are obligated to take Science 14, with the option of moving to Science 10 if they achieve 75% and get a teacher's recommendation.
Science 14/24 is all that is required to complete a high school diploma. However, most post secondary programs require a 30 level science. Science 30 is an academic science, but it is meant for students who know they are not pursuing a career in the sciences. The course is more general and covers a wide array of current and relevant science topics. If you are an academic student who needs just one 30 level science, consider going into science 20-30. This course is accepted at a great many universities and colleges. Check with your counsellor specifically for a list. Students need a recommended 60% to advance to science 20 and then to science 30.
For those who love science and are planning post secondary education or a career in the sciences, the best route is to take one or more of the specific science routes of biology, chemistry and physics after science 10. It should be noted that you do not need all 3, but many students who go into science programs at university choose to take all the sciences to broaden their choices within the program. In order to advance to Biology 30, Chemistry 30 or Physics 30, a recommended mark of 60% in the respective previous science course is required (see the above diagram). It should be pointed out that if a student finds Biology 20, Physics 20 or Chemistry 20 difficult, they should consider moving into Science 30 the next course. In order to do this, the student needs to pass those courses with a 50% or higher.
Courses
In high school science courses, you focus on interconnected ideas and principles, such as change, diversity and energy. You develop scientific knowledge through collecting, analyzing and interpreting experimental evidence. In science courses, you make connections among science, technology and society. You continue to develop your sense of wonder about the natural world.
