SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Teachers in Charge:
Mr W Clitheroe (HOD) (Assistant HOD and Biology )
Mrs B Hannay (Assistant HOD and Chemistry)
Mr C Riley (Assistant HOD and Physics)
Subjects Offered:
Science Forms 3-5
Human Biology Forms 5 and 6
Biology Forms 6 and 7
Chemistry Forms 6 and 7
Physics Forms 6 and 7
General Statement:
Science education contributes to the growth and development of all
students, as individuals, as responsible and informed members of society, and as
productive contributors to New Zealand's economy and future. Learning in Science
contributes to the development of the essential skills described in The New Zealand
Curriculum Framework, which recognises Science as one of the seven essential learning
areas.
Science learning experiences are derived from the New Zealand
Curriculum, which specifies achievement aims in terms of four "contextual
strands":
Making Sense of the Living World
Making Sense of the Physical World
Making Sense of the Material World
Making Sense of Planet Earth and Beyond
linked by two "integrating strands"
Making Sense of the Nature of Science and its Relationship to
Technology
Developing Scientific Skills and Attitudes
Assessment:
Generally be Standards Based Assessment, on aspects of learning such
as: Recalling Information, Communicating, Self Management, Working as Part of a Team
Assessment in the senior school is to NZQA School Certificate, 6FC and
Bursary/Scholarship.
Forms 3 and 4
The learning experiences are grouped into units which are chosen to put
the learning into contexts which most students will be interested in, and feel familiar
with. These contexts are reviewed frequently, and examples are : Its a small world, My
bike, Green machine, Southern Oceans, Startrekking.
Form 5
Students are able to enter School Certificate Science at the end of
this course. Currently, this is assessed by 3hr. examination at the end of the year. Some
students are able to enter School Certificate Human Biology, which is assessed in the same
way. There may be assessment offered against Level 1 Science Unit Standards subject to
decisions made later in 1998.
HUMAN BIOLOGY
This is a Science subject where learning is achieved in the context of
the human body, and the way we interact with the world. It appeals to students who have a
genuine interest in the workings of the human body but who may not wish to carry on with
the other plant and animal aspects of biology.
Form 5 Human Biology
A course which caters for a range of students enabling them to have a
measure of success in a science subject. It studies the various organ systems of the human
body and how they work. It includes aspects of first aid during each topic. Assessed
through an external examination at the end of the year.
Form 6 Human Biology
A course which caters for a range of students. Its focus is on the
human body and its interactions with the environment.
Course Content:
Cell structure and function; genetic change and evolution; personal
health; human technology; Public health.
Assessment:
Fully internally assessed. Activities include practicals, research
assignments, class tests and field trips.
BIOLOGY
General Aim:
Biology is about life. Plants and animals (including humans) live in a
variety of environments and have special features to help them survive in these places.
The balance between the environment and living things is investigated through practical
work, research and discussion
Form 6 Biology
Pre-requisite:
50% or better in both S.C. Science and S.C. English, or by negotiation
with the HOD
Course Content:
Ecology - study of populations and communities.
Biodiversity - study of organ systems in plants and animals
Cell Biology - study of cells and organelles.
Evolution - study of genetic variation and natural selection
Applied Biology - study of human use of living resources.
Assessment:
Fully internally assessed. Activities include practicals, research,
assignments and a field trip.
Form 7 Biology
Pre-requisite:
A Grade 5 or better in SFC Biology or by negotiation with the HOD.
Course Content:
Research into current biological issues, individual plant/ animal
experimental work, human evolution, genetics, animal and plant behaviour, biotechnological
techniques.
Assessment:
Bursary exam 75%. Individual plant/animal experimental work 25%
CHEMISTRY
General aim:
Chemistry is the study of the composition and properties of matter, and
the changes it undergoes. It is a science that develops through people investigating
matter. We study atoms of different elements and the rules which they obey, as they do or
do not combine, to give us a wide range of materials - plastics, medicines, jewellery,
batteries, to name just a few. We also study pure science as well as applications.
Form 6 Chemistry
Pre-requisite:
50% or better in both S.C. Science and S.C. Mathematics, or by
negotiation with the HOD
Course Content:
Atomic structure and bonding, organic compounds, plastics,
identification and quantifying ions; reactions releasing heat or electricity, reversible
reactions, grouping elements by their reactions.
Assessment:
Fully internally assessed. Activities include practicals and theory
Form 7 Chemistry
Pre-requisite:
Minimum Grade 5 or better in SFC Chemistry, or equivalent Unit
Standards, or by negotiation with the HOD.
Course Content:
Atomic structure, bonding, aqueous chemistry, organic chemistry,
inorganic chemistry and energy in reactions.
Assessment
Bursary exam external assessment.
PHYSICS
General Aim:
Physics is the key part of science and technology in which people
explore the physical world around them, and seek to describe the phenomena which they
encounter. A study of physics spans the limits of our universe - from the sub-atomic to
the size of galaxies - and develops skills and knowledge that are useful in later life and
further education. Physics deals with how and why things behave as they do.
Form 6 Physics
Pre-requisite:
50% or better in both S.C. Science and S.C. Mathematics, or by
negotiation with the HOD
Course Content:
The main areas of Physics, mechanics, waves, electricity and nuclear
physics form the basis of the course.
Assessment:
Fully internally assessed. Activities include practicals, theory and an
examination
Form 7 Physics
Pre-requisite:
Minimum Grade 5 or better in SFC Physics, or equivalent Unit Standards,
or by negotiation with the HOD
Course Content:
Mechanics, wave motion, electromagnetism and nuclear physics.
Assessment:
Bursary exam 80% and internal assessment of special topic 10% and
practicals 10% |