Rational
We live in a world strongly influenced by the developments of science and scientific thinking. We gain much of our understanding of ourselves and our world through science. To cope with much of this all students need a basic knowledge and understanding of science.
Objectives
1 To provide suitable experiences which enable students to make observations, discover patterns and relationships, draw conclusions and make predictions.
2 To develop awareness and some understanding of the biological and physical aspects of the world in which we live and the inter play of these factors.
3 To provide courses which meet the needs of the students.
4 To enable students to apply scientific principles to common and novel situations within the bounds of the various prescriptions.
5 To equip students with the experiences and the knowledge to complete the requirements of the national curricula in Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics to senior level.
Guidelines
1 A variety of practical activities of a physical, biological and chemical nature need to be explored to provide suitable scientific experiences.
2 Classes should be held in suitably equipped rooms – where ever possible.
3 Out of class activities (homework, field trips etc) need to be undertaken for a fuller application of study.
4 The form Year 9 and 10 courses will be developed in line with “Science in the new Zealand Curriculum”
5 All Year 11 students will take a science course. Most year 11 science classes will be prepared for the NCEA level 1 General Science course. The more able students will study the NCEA Physical Science course, which is a mix of the level 1 Chemistry and Physics achievement standards. This will better prepare them for the senior science courses. Level 1 Horticulture will also be offered as an option. As of 2004 a course “Biological Science” will be offered to our lowest ability students, the reason being two fold – to give them a realistic option of achieving in Science at level 1 and to improve the chances of our middle ability students by having a better more focused classroom environment.
6 Year 12 and Year 13 students will be able to study the nationally approved course in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. That is level 2 & 3 NCEA. Year 12 Horticulture will be available. This course will offer achievement standards. (The Hort class is offering some Unit Standards –John Bird of Land Based training)
7 All students will be encouraged to enter the annual local Science fair and various science competitions and quizzes as part of the departments extension programme. The Y10 extension class are compelled to do a Science fair project.
8 Suitably qualified teachers to be employed and time will be set aside for on going training.
9 In Science, teachers will endeavor to promote a respect for life in its varying forms.
10 These objectives and guidelines are to be reviewed annually by the science staff.
Conclusion
A basic understanding of science is of benefit to all students. Many students need to be prepared for deeper and ongoing study in science which is necessary for tertiary study.
Although there is no compulsory national requirement for students to study Science at level 1 it is currently the school policy and belief of the HOD science and Science department that all students should take a science at level 1. This does cause some problems will ‘reluctant’ students and as such a new course; Level 1 Biological Science will be introduced from 2004 to cater for boys less able or less willing to do level 1 Science. It is my belief that this course will not only benefit these students but will also benefit the wider community of students in level 1 Science.