Sciences
Many of the major challenges and opportunities that confront our world need to be approached from a scientific perspective, taking into account social and ethical considerations. By studying science, students develop an understanding of the world and how it functions.
Building on current scientific theories and processes, students learn to develop knowledge with an understanding that scientific information is constantly evolving, and are able to use the appropriate knowledge and skills for problem solving and to make informed decisions about the communication, application, and implications of science relating to their own lives, the natural world, and the sustainability of the environment.
Learning in science is fundamental to understanding the world in which we live and work. Science raises questions, clarifies ideas and enables students to use their findings to establish the worth of an idea.
Qualifications in science are not only the basis for a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and related fields, but also provide a foundation of skills for careers not directly a science field.
All students are expected to study science in Years 9 and 11. This then leads to specialisation into one or more of Biology, Chemistry and Physics in Years 12 and 13, with a non-specialist course of Science in Years 12 and 13.
BIOLOGY
Learning biology will give students the opportunity to gain more meaning from the world around them. Biological knowledge is vast, constantly being added to using increasingly sophisticated technologies, and frequently being reinterpreted to improve our understanding of the living world. This makes for a fascinating subject that will open student minds to new ideas in genetics, plant and animal biology, ecology, and human evolution.
Where can Biology lead?
Studying Biology in the senior school, will give students a broad knowledge base that can lead them into Health Sciences, biotechnology, agricultural science, conservation, food technology, education and more.
CHEMISTRY
Chemistry is the study of matter: what it is made up of, what it is like and the way it can change in chemical reactions and processes. Calculations and symbols allow for relationships to be measured and related.
Even a basic understanding of the world around us from a chemical point of view can help us understand more about the substances we come into contact with every day.
Where can Chemistry lead?
The study of chemistry can lead to employment opportunities in a wide range of interesting careers including the fields of medicine, veterinary science, food technology, sports, forensics, agriculture, engineering and many others.
PHYSICS
Physics is the science that attempts to describe our world so that the student of Physics should find everyday activities interesting by looking for relationships between various events. Since developments in Physics and consequently the Sciences and Technology areas are changing our world, the way we live in it and the way we look at it, it is essential that an understanding of the basic concepts of Physics are achieved by those who wish to succeed in this the 21st century.
Where can Physics lead?
For students interested in following a career in any of the sciences, including Health Science, Physics forms an essential background to understanding the use of technology. In a previous survey, it was shown that virtually 87% of all professions and trades require the concepts and skills inherent in the study of Physics.
New Zealand manufacturers are increasingly recognising the need to be more innovative, and inventive ideas spring naturally from those with a fundamentally broad background in the sciences. Our Physics courses aim to provide the necessary information and practical exercises that will lead naturally to the development of these skills.
GENERAL SCIENCE
Science education is essential to the growth and development of all students because it encourages observation, investigation, inquiry, and data collection with analysis. Having science knowledge supports key skills in other areas, even if a career is not in science.
All students study a general science course in Year 9, 10 and 11. Additional to that, they may choose a further four hours of science in Year 11 Science double - 11SCD.
On completion of Year 11 Science, students will then be able to choose Year 12 Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science and Sports Science (or two or all of them).
Students in innovation stream Year 9, 10 and 11, will have a blended science course covering all skills as much as regular 9SCI, 10SCI and 11SCI.
Students in Sport in Education (SIE) stream have a science course more aligned with 9SCI, 10SCI and 11SCI, however with a more sports focus and context.