The new Science syllabuses are requiring students to learn skills and knowledge which have not been included in previous NSW Science syllabuses. Teachers sought professional development and support during 2000 in the areas of programming, teaching and learning strategies and assessment, IT skills and research methodology.

To further support Science teachers design and assess students in a standards referenced framework a twilight course Understanding Standards Referencing in School Certificate Science will be held in Semester 2. This course will familiarise teachers with Standards Package released by the Board of Studies NSW School Certificate Science Course and using these materials teachers will have the opportunity to develop greater understanding of stage 5 standards and greater consistency in judging the standard of students' achievements.

The key competencies of collecting, analysing and organising information, communicating ideas and information and using technology are embedded in the stage 4and 5 and stage 6 Science syllabuses. To increase teachers' confidence and skills in these areas of the science courses a 2 day course will be held in semester 2. Researching Secondary Science: The Digital Way. This hands-on course will give teachers the opportunity to explore relevant internet and multimedia technology, locate resources using on line-data bases, investigate the use of Web Quests and increase their knowledge of research skills models and criteria to assess the value of web sites.

Professional development in stages 4, 5 and 6 Science can be tailored to meet the needs of teachers and school. Teachers may be interested in planning outcomes-based programs, writing outcomes-based, standards-referenced assessment task and reporting.

Please contact: Estelle Lewis

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