Science in Focus - focus on what matters

The Science in Focus Biology, Chemistry and Physics Student Books meet the complete requirements of the 2017 NSW NESA Stage 6 Biology, Chemistry and Physics syllabi in intent, content and sequence.

The student books have been written with accessible language and clear explanations of concepts throughout.

Working scientifically skills are embedded in investigations and depth study suggestions are provided at the end of each module. Each book contains a dedicated chapter on how to carry out a scientific investigation.

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Exam Support
Syllabus Support

Scaffolded exam practice is included in every chapter, with questions ranging from Band 3-6, to ensure every student is prepared for their HSC exams.
Exam question analysis videos unpack HSC exam-style questions to empower students with a deeper understanding of how to approach and answer complex exam questions.

Working scientifically skills embedded in investigations and depth study suggestions are provided at the end of each module.
A wide range of activities and investigations throughout, as well as a dedicated chapters in each student book, will help students develop and practise the Working Scientifically Skills.
Contains a dedicated chapter on how to approach and carry out the Depth Study.

New in 2024 – Biology in Focus

Biology in Focus Year 11 & 12

A new digital and teaching learning solution designed to create confident and successful HSC Biology students.

This new edition prepares HSC Biology students for their final exams with scaffolded exam-style questions written by experienced examiners and teachers and extensive revision resources available for all chapters on Nelson MindTap.

Students
Teachers

Worksheets to help support learning, practice and consolidation.
Exam question analysis videos unpack complex HSC exam questions, featuring expert advice, worked solutions and feedback on student performance.

Weblinks to help students extend their learning.
Review quizzes at the end of each chapter to test students’ understanding.

Extensive bank of unique HSC exam-style questions specific to Year 11 Biology.
Complete HSC exam-style practice exam for even more exam practice.
Gradebook analytics provide immediate student results and class progress.
Tailor to your students’ needs by rearranging course content and activities.

Detailed solutions and guidance notes to all activities and assessments.
Differentiated formative assessments with rubrics and teacher notes.
Lab notes to help support the delivery of practical activities.

Biology in Focus Nelson MindTap

A new digital and teaching learning solution designed to create confident and successful HSC Biology students.

Written by NSW teachers for NSW teachers

Glenda Chidrawi

Margaret Robson

Sarah Bradstock

Elizabeth Thrum

Glenda Chidrawi

Glenda (B.Sc. Hons, H Dip Ed (PG)) has been involved in Biology education for 30 years. With an honours degree in Molecular Biology, she has taught and lectured biology in both South Africa and Australia (Brigidine College 2000-2014 and Knox Grammar School 2015-2016). Glenda has co-authored Senior Biology textbooks, including the Biology Options – Communication which is part of an award-winning series. Glenda has also co-authored the Biology in Focus Preliminary and Biology in Focus HSC text books and the Student Resource CDs and Teachers’ Resource CDs that support these publications. Glenda’s writing experience includes articles published in educational journals and she has written for the AIS and current NSW QTP Science Program “Teaching the Stage 6 Syllabus”. More recently, Glenda co-authored the Nelson iScience10 text book for the NSW Australian syllabus. Glenda is a familiar figure at Educational conferences in Australia and she has also been a member of the ISTAA Review and assessment panel for accreditation of teachers through the NSW Institute of Teachers.

Margaret Robson

Margaret has been a Science teacher with the NSW Department of Education for the last 37 years, teaching both Biology and Chemistry. She is currently Head Teacher of Science at Brisbane Water Secondary College. Margaret was one of the co-authors of the very successful Biology in Focus, HSC text. Her work for this text included writing for the Student Resource CD and the Teacher Resource CD. Margaret has been a HSC marker for Biology since 1996, including 9 years as a Senior Marker. She has also served as a member of the committee responsible for preparing the Catholic Trial paper in Biology for the last 7 years.

Sarah Bradstock

Sarah grew up in Sydney and graduated from the University of Sydney with. Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 1990, practicing as a small animal vet in Sydney for 8 years. Completed a Graduate Diploma of Education in 1997 and have worked as a science teacher in Sydney full time for 19 years. Currently Sarah’s undertaking a Master of Education in Digital Literacy and Knowledge Networks at Charles Sturt University as I have a special interest in the use of digital technology to enhance student engagement and learning in the biology classroom. My special interest is in animal and human physiology and disease processes. Currently Assistant HOD Science at Mount St Benedict College Pennant Hills.

Elizabeth Thrum

Elizabeth has been teaching biology for 26 years. Elizabeth has been a senior HSC marker and assistant supervisor of marking. Elizabeth convene the Catholic School Trial Exam. Elizabeth is currently the Head of Science at Knox Grammar School. Elizabeth has a passion for teaching biology and helping students reach their potential. Elizabeth also like to work with biology teachers to ensure that we can teach engaging lessons.