Faculty of Science

Learning Science is essential to understanding the world around us. Scientific knowledge is the key to creating a better world.

The Faculty of Science aims to prepare students to play their part in today’s world by developing their scientific knowledge and skills. Our focus in Science is to develop independent thinkers, who question and participate actively in the world around them.

Department Staff

HOD Science:	Angela Whitlam	awhitlam@stmaryak.school.nz
Head of Biology:	Shawn Cooper	scooper@stmaryak.school.nz
Head of Chemistry:	Angela Whitlam	awhitlam@stmaryak.school.nz
Head of Physics:	Paula Calver	pcalver@stmaryak.school.nz
Science Teachers:	Maria Corkin
	Jane Cunningham
	Keith Paterson
	Jane Trouson

General Science

General Science is compulsory for students from Years 7 to 11.

The topics covered include a selection taken from Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Physics. Students build on their scientific knowledge each year so that they develop a deep and thorough knowledge of scientific concepts.

By the time students complete Year 11, they will have a sound understanding of how science affects their lives. They will have begun to use this knowledge to make informed judgements about issues concerning themselves, and the world they inhabit. At the end of Year 11, students are fully prepared for specialisation in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Each year level has a field trip, designed to enhance their learning.

Year 12 Applied Science

Year 12 Applied Science is designed for those students who would like to study a Science, without specialising in Chemistry, Physics or Biology.  The course follows Achievement Standars from the indivudual Sciences at Level 1, (a total of 16 credits), Unit Standards at Level 2 and one Level 2 investigation (a total of 15 credits).  Students are expected to attend a day long field trup to complete AS 90164.

Biology

Year 12 Biology

Year 12 Biology aims to develop knowledge of cellular structure and function, the ecology of plants and animals, plant and animal diversity with respect to internal structure and function, genetics (including DNA replication, protein synthesis, mutations and inheritance) and natural selection.

Practical work is an important component of the course and students will develop a range of skills relating to microscopy, identification, experimentation and the safe handling of organisms and equipment.

Year 13 Biology

Year 13 Biology builds on the work covered in Year 12 Biology.  It aims are to:

Chemistry 

Year 12 Chemistry

The Year 12 Chemistry Course builds on skills and knowledge gained in the Chemistry section of Year 11 Science. 

A significant emphasis is placed on practical/investigative skills and students will gain recognition for both practical and theory work throughout the year. While this course is designed as a preparation for Year 13 Chemistry, it is a complete course in itself.

Year 13 Chemistry

Year 13 Chemistry students will have the opportunity to build on knowledge and practical skills gained in Year 12 Chemistry.  Students will further their awareness of scientific method and increase their familiarity with the use of chemical laboratory equipment.

Year 13 Chemistry is a very interesting course with relevance to modern life. It can be mathematically demanding and students should be prepared for a very rewarding intellectual challenge.

Chemistry is an integral part of many tertiary courses such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, pharmacy, environmental science, food technology and chemical engineering. Students contemplating these careers should take Year 13 Chemistry.

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 Physics

Year 12 Physics

The primary aim of Year 12 Physics is for students to develop an intuitive feel for Physics. Concentration is on understanding of basic facts, principles and theories of Physics. In addition, students are acquainted with experimental procedures and technical skills essential to proceed in the physical sciences.

A field trip to Rainbow’s End Amusement Park will provide an experimental context for much of the course content.

Year 13 Physics

The content of the Year 13 Physics course is designed to:

	incorporate practical skills gained at Level 2, and investigative skills gained at Level 1, into Physics investigative work at Level 3,
	promote a view of the world as a human activity relating experiences in the real world,
	emphasise technological developments in electronics and show the relevance of Physics to the lives of people and
	extend the student’s knowledge and understanding of the basic facts, principles, generalisations and theories of physics.

A field trip to Rainbow’s End Amusement Park will provide an experimental context for much of the course content.

There are four main units; MECHANICS, WAVES, ELECTRICITY & MAGNETISM, and NUCLEAR PHYSICS, which are assessed as four External Achievement Standards and one Internal Assessment, which is a Practical Investigation.

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