Social Sciences Staff

History 

Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua

My past is my present is my future. I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past.

History provides a framework that gives an insight into the social, economic and political issues shaping the world today. Through studying History, students think critically about the construction of historical knowledge and the significance of past events for them in the present day.

Enhancing skills through study

This subject enhances critical thinking, writing and research skills, as well as preparing students for informed and active citizenship in a changing world.

Topics studied:

Geography

“Geography is a great adventure with a purpose.” – Michael Palin.

Geography involves learning about the complex relationships between people and places and how they impact communities and environments.

Geography is a science. Students will learn that natural processes create unique environments and natural features such as the Amazon Basin and New Zealand’s beaches. Through studying extreme natural events such as the Indian Ocean Tsunami, they will see how nature can also be destructive and deadly.

Geography is also a social science, one in which students analyse interactions between humans and nature. Aspects of this include analysing perspectives around geographic issues, understanding patterns of global health, and development issues such as malaria, fair pay for coffee farmers, and resource distribution. Students study places such as Norway, and Samoa to understand how the environment you live in can make you rich or poor, healthy or sick.

Field work makes geography unique. Students have the opportunity to conduct research on trips to Waiheke, around Auckland, and to Omaha and Rotorua.

“There has never been a better or more important time to study geography. Interest in issues like climate change, migration, environmental degradation and social cohesion means geography is one of the most relevant courses you could choose to study.” – Adapted from the National Geographic Society, 2012

Topics Studied:

Senior Social Studies 

Senior Social Studies is taught at Level 3 only and is a University Entrance subject. Students study social issues from around the world, including poverty and discrimination in New Zealand and the issue of gun control in the United States of America. Students also conduct their own research and social action on a social issue that is important to them. Senior Social Studies gives students a wider appreciation of the world and key social issues. The aim is that students will continue to take social action in their future.

Science at St Mary's College is taught in a modern purpose-built facility consisting of eight spacious well stocked laboratories, two large break-out space atriums (one with kitchen) and a full preparation and technical support suite of rooms.

Science Staff 2025

Science

Science is taught as a combined subject at Level 1 and comprises studying aspects of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Science to lay a broad foundation before specialising at Level 2. We offer an external based program catering to students wishing to study ther specialist Sciences at Level 2 and a more internal-based program catering to students for whom this mode of learning is better suited to them.

Biology

Students choosing to enrol in the Biology course will be given an introduction into the fundamentals of Genetics, Evolution, and Cell Biology. They will also investigate animal and plant adaptations, and responses to stimulus from the environment. In addition, each student will also be given the opportunity to develop their research skills and will be challenged to critically evaluate Biological information presented in the media. Achievement in Level 2 Biology is a necessary prerequisite for Level 3 Biology.

Chemistry

Senior Chemistry students will learn about the nature and behaviour of matter. They will learn important skills relating to quantitative analysis and will be taught the key concepts relating to atomic structure and bonding. The fundamentals of thermochemistry and equilibrium are covered in the senior course alongside a programme to develop students understanding of reduction and oxidation as well as organic chemistry. Achievement in Level 2 Chemistry is a necessary prerequisite for Level 3 Chemistry.

Physics

Studying Physics in the senior school will allow students to explore and develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts of mechanics, waves, electricity and magnetism that give insight to how the physical world around us works. Students are also given opportunities to carry out their own investigations and taught how to analyse the mathematical relationships shown in their results. Achievement in Level 2 Physics is a necessary prerequisite for Level 3 Physics. 

Scholarship

A Scholarship preparation program is available for students interested in sitting Scholarship Biology, Chemistry and Physics and is co-ordinated by the Faculty Leader and respective subject heads. Students may join the program at Level 2 in consultation with the Faculty Leader.

Competitions / External Programs

Junior students partake in the The Royal Society Te Aparāngi CREST program along with entering the NIWA Auckland Science Fair if they choose. We offer a tutorial program for students wishing to be selected for the International Biology, Chemistry and Physics Olympiads as well as the NZ Young Physicist’s Tournament. In addition, there are many opportunities for students to enter a multitude of Science competitions and they are advertised to all students digitally and on noticeboards in labs.

We welcome your daughter to discover the world and universe around her in a 21^st century mercy setting.

Religious Education Staff 

Fanning the flames of faith

The Faculty of Religious Education is a vibrant and engaging community of learners. Our mission is to ignite and fan the flames of faith and to educate students in a wide range of dimensions of the Catholic Church. All students at St Mary’s College take part in Religious Education classes, all of which are taught by specialist Theology teachers.

Modern resources, in-depth study

As a student at St Mary’s College following the Understanding Faith curriculum and new RE Curriculum: Tō Tātou Whakapono Our Faith, you will be educated in Church teachings, aspects of worship, liturgy and experience, Church history, and Christian ethics. Teaching is based on the Authority of the Church through Scripture, Tradition and Magisterial documents. Resources are up-to-date and all programmes, except Year 7, are digitally integrated. 

Credits for NCEA, University Entrance approved

At Year12 and Year13 students complete 3 x NZQA 6 Credit Internal Achievement Standards. Students can achieve Religious Education with Endorsement. Some Level 3 RE Assessments are worth 6 Reading Literacy credits. Religious Education is an approved subject and can be used for University Entrance. Each senior level begins with a Mercy Value focus.  In 2025 St Mary’s College will continue to implement the new Level 1 Religious Studies Achievement Standards. This will comprise two 5 credit Internal Assessments and a 5 credit External Assessment.