Science skills are needed in every industry, often in unexpected ways, whether it be discovering a new food flavour, a better way to curl hair, a smoother beauty cream, a crisper video display or evaluating the economics of rocket ships.
Learning in science prepares you for jobs that don't yet exist. So, students entering the course with confidence in mathematical skills and logical thinking will be in space where these skills develop and are used.
Programme Description :
Why take science at NCEA level 1?
Ko te ako i te putaiao he putake mo te maarama ki te ao me te awhina i a maatau ki te whakawhanake i nga pukenga putaiao, nga waiaro me nga uara e taea ai e taatau te hono 'i waenga i te matauranga putaiao me nga whakatau me nga mahi o ia ra.
Studying science provides a foundation for understanding the world and helps us develop scientific skills, attitudes and values that enable us to make links between scientific knowledge and everyday decisions and actions.
This course leads on to future learning in Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics.
Learning Outcomes/Contexts:
This Level 1 Science course develops your basic understanding of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This course is required for future learning in any of these senior science areas.
Skills and Capabilities:
Science skills are needed in every industry, often in unexpected ways, whether it be discovering a new food flavour, a better way to curl hair, a smoother beauty cream, a crisper video display or evaluating the economics of rocket ships.
Learning in science prepares you for jobs that don't yet exist. So, students entering the course with confidence in mathematical skills and logical thinking will be in space where these skills develop and are used.
Cross Curriculum Links:
Mathematics, English, Creativity/Arts
Successful Science students:
Science opens doors into fields such as forensics, laser technologies, bioengineering, astronomical exploration, food science, environmental management, medicine, pharmacology, engineering, and architecture – and into other fields such as business where the analytical and problem-solving skills learned in science are critical.
Assessment Opportunities:
This course will be designed to offer 3 to 4 achievement standards in the new NCEA structure offering from 16 to 21 credits (Level 1 - Literacy 5 credits, Numeracy 5 credits).
We will offer access to endorsement awards and build foundations for future learning in preparation for level 2 science courses (Biology, Chemistry and Physics). There will be an expectation students will sit an external examination assessment in this course.
Contacts:
Programme Description :
Why take science at NCEA level 1?
Ko te ako i te putaiao he putake mo te maarama ki te ao me te awhina i a maatau ki te whakawhanake i nga pukenga putaiao, nga waiaro me nga uara e taea ai e taatau te hono 'i waenga i te matauranga putaiao me nga whakatau me nga mahi o ia ra.
Studying science provides a foundation for understanding the world and helps us develop scientific skills, attitudes and values that enable us to make links between scientific knowledge and everyday decisions and actions.
Science is a way of investigating, understanding, and explaining our natural, physical world and the wider universe. This level 1 course is open to all levels of ability and goes at a pace that suits the group for the best outcome.
This course is for students who may not be thinking of studying senior sciences but do enjoy experiences and learning in science. It can lead to careers with the armed forces, police and fire departments, beauty culture and apprenticeships. Students are able to pursue Level 2 Senior Sciences if they wish to and are successful in achieving 14 or more credits in this course.
Learning Outcomes/Contexts:
This Level 1 Applied Science course explores how microorganisms affect humans, chemical and physics practicals, history and cultural significance of marine reserves. There are no external examinations for this course.
Skills and Capabilities:
Employers value the kinds of skills that studying science develops: practical skills, literacy skills, numeracy skills, and research skills.
Cross Curriculum Links:
Mathematics, Food and Nutrition, Hospitality, English
Successful Science students:
Science involves generating and testing ideas, gathering evidence, making observations, carrying out investigations and modelling, communicating and debating with others. This develops scientific thinking, knowledge, understanding, and explanations. Scientific progress comes from logical, systematic work and sometimes with creative insight. Different cultures and periods of history have contributed to the development of science.
Assessment Opportunities:
The normal course consists of a range of internals, all of which learning can be presented in formats students prefer. Level 1 - 15 credits (Literacy 5).
Contact:
Programme Description:
Why take chemistry at NCEA level 2?
Ma te matū e taea ai e tatou te maarama ki nga taonga o nga taonga rerekee ka whakarereke i nga taonga hei matū hou whai hua hoki. Na roto i te matū, ka taea e taatau te maarama ki nga whakarereketanga e kitea ana e taatau i te ao taiao me te ao kikokiko.
Chemistry enables us to understand the properties of different materials and to transform materials into new and useful substances. Through chemistry, we can understand changes that we observe in the natural and physical world.
You will learn the fundamentals of chemistry and will develop analytic skills to be able to test substances chemically. This will involve finding out which chemicals there are and how much of each chemical there is in a sample.
Learning Outcomes/Contexts:
This Level 2 chemistry course develops your ability to use the language of chemists. You will develop practical skills used to analyse different chemicals and substances.
Skills and Capabilities:
Employers value the kinds of skills that studying Chemistry develops:
Cross Curriculum Links:
Biology
Successful Chemistry students:
Some chemists work in laboratories designing new materials that are used in products such as medicines, food and beverage flavourings, superconductors, and vaccines. Studying chemistry also provides excellent training for a wide range of careers including marketing and project management, environmental science and forensic science.
Employers value the skills of numeracy, problem solving, and communication that are integral to all study in chemistry. First year University courses like Veterinary or Health Science (which lead on to studying medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, pharmacy) require an understanding of chemistry.
Assessment Opportunities:
There are 3 practically based internally assessed standards where you use a variety of analytical and experimental techniques to determine chemical properties. There are also 2 externally assessed standards. Level 2 - 15 credits.
Contact:
Programme Description:
Why take chemistry at NCEA level 3?
This develops your understanding of Chemistry to a level that is required for you to progress to university and study chemistry at a tertiary level. First year University courses like Veterinary or Health Science (which lead on to studying medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, pharmacy) require an understanding of chemistry. This course covers; oxidation process, equilibrium principles, thermo chemicals and spectroscopy.
Learning Outcomes/Contexts:
This Level 3 chemistry course explores the concepts of electrical batteries, organic chemistry and the laboratory techniques used to find out what atoms these are made from.
Skills and Capabilities:
Employers value the kinds of skills that studying chemistry develops:
Cross Curriculum Links:
Biology
Successful Chemistry students:
Some chemists work in laboratories designing new materials that are used in products such as medicines, food and beverage flavourings, superconductors, and vaccines. Studying chemistry also provides excellent training for a wide range of careers including marketing and project management, environmental science and forensic science.
Employers value the skills of numeracy, problem solving, and communication that are integral to all study in chemistry. First year university courses like Veterinary or Health Science (which lead on to studying medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, pharmacy) require an understanding of chemistry.
Assessment Opportunities:
There are two internally assessed standards with an optional third which is your own chemical analysis. There are also two externally assessed standards. Level 3 - 16 credits (3 UE literacy)
Contact:
Programme Description :
Why take Biology at NCEA level 2?
Ko te rangahau o te koiora e hono ana ki a tatou ki te ao e noho nei taatau, he whakamahara mai hoki i to taatau honohono me etahi atu momo ora. Ka whanakehia te maarama ki te hiranga o nga momo kararehe motuhake o Aotearoa me nga tipu me nga rauropi motuhake.
The study of biology connects us to the world we are living in and reminds us of our interconnectedness with all other life forms. It develops awareness of the significance of New Zealand's unique fauna and flora and distinctive ecosystems.
This level 2 course builds on the skills and foundations of Level 1 genetics learning and applies them to more complex applications.
Learning Outcomes/Contexts:
This Level 2 Biology course explores analysing the science behind information presented to the public, a field trip around the implications of ecological patterns, an investigation around osmotic pressure and its implication to life at a cellular level. Towards the end of the course we do the external work around genetics and its implications towards speciation and life processes at a cellular level and how cells enable the whole organism to function.
Skills and Capabilities:
This course develops student’s ability to use their good mathematical, reading, writing and logistical thinking skills. Students that are already able to grasp things quickly read and write clearly about the real world excel in biology. Additional skills that are developed are problem solving, analytical, mathematical, and IT skills.
Cross Curriculum Links:
Mathematics, Chemistry, Physical Education and Outdoor Education.
Successful Biology students:
Biologists are also at the cutting edge of ecological conservation research. By studying biology, students become much more aware of ecological issues, debate situations where exploitation of the environment (eg. farming, mining, or energy production purposes) clashes with conservation objectives, or where we need to develop more sustainable ways of using our natural resources (eg. soil, land, or water).
Biology helps students to recognise the importance of agriculture and horticulture for New Zealand, and, potentially, to contribute to its future. Also, help New Zealand maintain its position as a leading breeder of new varieties and more efficient/productive plants and animals. Biologists contribute to medical and biotechnological advances.
Successful biology students can realistically pursue careers in any medical career, veterinary, animal behaviour, animal welfare, biochemist, biotechnologist, conservation biologist, DOC worker/manager, genetics technician, marine biologist, research manager or zoologist.
Assessment Opportunities:
The normal course consists of a range of internals, all of which learning can be presented in formats students prefer. Usually this consists of 3 internal assessments and two external assessments. Level 2 - 19 credits (8 UE writing in the externals)
Contacts:
Programme Description :
Why take Biology at NCEA level 3?
Ko te rangahau o te koiora e hono ana ki a tatou ki te ao e noho nei taatau, he whakamahara mai hoki i to taatau honohono me etahi atu momo ora. Ka whanakehia te maarama ki te hiranga o nga momo kararehe motuhake o Aotearoa me nga tipu me nga rauropi motuhake.
The study of biology connects us to the world we are living in and reminds us of our interconnectedness with all other life forms. It develops awareness of the significance of New Zealand's unique fauna and flora and distinctive ecosystems.
Biologists and students studying Biology seek evidence to explain the nature of living things, and to understand where and how life is evolving, how evolution links life processes and ecology, and the impact that humans have on all forms of life. As a result, they are able to make more informed decisions about significant biological issues.
This level 3 course builds on the skills and foundations of level 2 learning and applies them to complex applications. Level 3 Biology leads to the following careers – any medical career, animal behaviour scientist, animal welfare officer, biochemist, biotechnologist, cheese production supervisor, conservation biologist, environmental analyst, environmental ecologist, DoC or MAF officer, forestry technician, genetics technician, marine biologist, , nursery grower, plant pathologist, plant physiologist, quarantine officer, research manager, secondary school science teacher, veterinarian, zoologist.
Learning Outcomes/Contexts:
This Level 3 Biology course explores a combined biology and health socio-scientific issue involving biology systems and health concepts, homeostatic systems and their relationships to exercise, and carry out a biology investigation around sea level rise and the salinization of cropland. Towards the end of the course we do the external work around human evolution and the evolution/speciation of predominantly New Zealand species.
Skills and Capabilities:
Employers value the kinds of skills that studying biology develops: the ability to grasp things quickly, reading and writing, focused solution finding in the real world, plus problem solving, analytical, mathematical, and IT skills.
So students entering the course with confidence in mathematical, logical thinking and good reading and writing skills will be in a space where these skills are developed and are used.
Cross Curriculum Links:
Statistics, Chemistry, Physical Education and Outdoor Education.
Successful Biology students:
Biologists are able to use their understanding of how scientific argument is conducted, enabling them to participate in informed debate on socio-scientific issues relevant to them and their community. Students learn to make more informed decisions about their own health and about significant biological issues such as genetically modified crops, the use of antibiotics, and the eradication of invasive species. Biology helps students to recognise the importance of agriculture and horticulture for New Zealand, and, potentially, to contribute to its future.
Biologists help New Zealand maintain its position as a leading breeder of new varieties and more efficient/productive plants and animals. Biologists contribute to medical and biotechnological advances.
Without successful biological understanding there would be no advances in health care, environmental conservation, agriculture and horticulture.
Assessment Opportunities:
The normal course consists of a range of internals, all of which learning can be presented in formats students prefer. Usually this consists of 3 internal assessments and two external assessments. Level 3 - 18 biology credits (16 UE literacy credits)
Contacts:
Programme Description:
Why take physics at NCEA level 2?
Ko te ahupūngao kei te pūtake o ngā pūtaiao māori. Tata ki te raru o te putaiao ka taea te toro atu ma te whakamahi i nga whakaaro me nga tikanga ahupūngao.
Physics lies at the heart of the natural sciences. Almost any scientific problem can be approached using the ideas and methods of physics.
Physics seeks to discover the inner workings of the physical world around us and to understand science at its most fundamental level. Physicists, and students studying physics attempt to discover and apply the general laws that govern force and motion, electricity, energy, and waves.
By studying physics, students gain an understanding of interactions between parts of the physical world and of the ways in which they can be represented. Physics provides explanations for a wide range of phenomena, including light, sound, heat, electricity, magnetism, waves, forces, and motion. Knowing about physics enables people to understand a wide range of issues and challenges and potential technological solutions.
Learning Outcomes/Contexts:
Physics is based on the four main areas for us at MBAS. Mechanics taught in level 1 was a basic introductory level to physics. At level 2 mechanics we start to look at more complex situations and build on the skills and knowledge students have learnt; the study of collisions and the need for airbags, satellite motion and projectile motion.
Mid year, students explore the world of waves and how we use them in technology and communication. In the later part of the year students choose whether to explore the atomic world of radiation and nuclear physics, or to discover the world of electricity and how we can manipulate voltages, currents and magnetism for our technology needs.
Skills and Capabilities:
Employers value the kinds of skills that studying physics develops: the ability to grasp things quickly, focused solution finding, plus problem solving, analytical, mathematical, and IT skills. So students entering the course with confidence in mathematical skills and logical thinking will be in space where these skills developed further and are used.
Cross Curriculum Links:
Electronics, Performing Arts Technology, Engineering and Plane build.
Successful Physics students:
Successful physics students will be confident in applying physical laws, logic and mathematical skills to everyday situations and to explain why or how they happened.
Successful students can actively and realistically seek careers in civil engineering, software engineering, electrical engineering, research and development in innovative technology. Other careers which value physics learning are; architecture, medical science, electrical industry and electronics, environmental sciences and geophysics.
Without successful physics understanding there would be no grocery laser scanners, space rockets, satellite TV, broadband, cameras, cellphones, computers or TVs.
Assessment Opportunities:
The normal course consists of a range of internals, all of which learning can be presented in formats students prefer. However a significant amount of learning is assessed from external examinations. Level 2 - 16 credits
Programme Description:
Why take physics at NCEA level 3?
Ko te ahupūngao kei te pūtake o ngā pūtaiao māori. Tata ki te raru o te putaiao ka taea te toro atu ma te whakamahi i nga whakaaro me nga tikanga ahupūngao.
Physics lies at the heart of the natural sciences. Almost any scientific problem can be approached using the ideas and methods of physics.
Physics seeks to discover the inner workings of the physical world around us and to understand science at its most fundamental level. Physicists, and students studying physics attempt to discover and apply the general laws that govern force and motion, electricity, energy, and waves.
Physics is both applied and theoretical. Level 3 Physics is a critical step for those seeking careers in any type of engineering and medical pathways. This course builds on the skills and foundations of level 2 and applies them to complex applications. There are four major areas; Waves Systems, Mechanical Systems, Electrical Systems and Atomic Nuclear Physics.
Learning Outcomes/Contexts:
This Level 3 Physics course explores physical systems and how we use them in society. We look into how speed cameras , suspension systems and earthquake proofing buildings work. Towards the end of the course AC electricity is introduced alongside how radios work. Atomic physics and nuclear energy is analysed and whether New Zealand should remain nuclear power free is explored.
Skills and Capabilities:
Employers value the kinds of skills that studying physics develops: the ability to grasp things quickly, focused solution finding, plus problem solving, analytical, mathematical, and IT skills. So students entering the course with confidence in mathematical skills and logical thinking will be in space where these skills developed further and are used.
Cross Curriculum Links:
Electronics, Engineering and Plane build.
Successful Physics students:
Physicists are able to use their understanding to predict how an object will behave under particular conditions, improve the functioning of everyday objects, and envisage totally new developments. Careers in engineering that require physics; civil engineering, software engineering, electrical engineering, research and development in innovative technology.
Other careers which value physics learning are: architecture, medical science, electrical industry and electronics, environmental sciences and geophysics. Without successful physics understanding there would be no grocery laser scanners, space rockets, satellite TV, broadband, cameras, cellphones, computers or TVs.
Assessment Opportunities:
The normal course consists of a range of internals, all of which learning can be presented in formats students prefer. However a significant amount of learning is assessed from external examinations. Level 3 - 16 credits.
Programme Description :
Why study Horticulture?
E hiahia ana a Aotearoa ki nga taiohi e maarama ana ki te hanga o nga hua tuatahi, e aro nui ana ki te koha a te ahuwhenua me te ahuone ki to taatau hapori, ohaoha me o taatau ahurea. E hiahia ana i nga taangata e kaha ana ki te whakamahi i nga maatauranga ahuwhenua me te ahuone ahuwhenua me nga pukenga ki nga ahuatanga hou me te whakatau i nga raru ahuwhenua, ahuwhenua ranei.
New Zealand needs young people who understand the production of primary products and who value the contribution that agriculture and horticulture make to our society, economy, and culture. It needs people who are able to apply agricultural and horticultural science knowledge and skills to new situations and to the solving of agricultural or horticultural problems.
Horticulture is the agriculture of plants, mainly for food, materials, comfort and for decoration. Horticulture at Level 1 is focussed on building core knowledge and practical skills that are pulled from various parts of the industry. Students need to be motivated to get their hands dirty and work hard physically.
This is an applied science course that covers:
Learning Outcomes/Contexts:
This Level 1 Horticulture course explores:
Skills and Capabilities:
Horticulture extends from arborist to landscaping, from floriculture to growing crops (including fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, malt and hops). Horticulturists have a love for nature and working outdoors.
Cross Curriculum Links:
Science and Environmental studies. Assessment Opportunities: Level 1 - 16 credits
Programme Description :
Why study Horticulture?
E hiahia ana a Aotearoa ki nga taiohi e maarama ana ki te hanga o nga hua tuatahi, e aro nui ana ki te koha a te ahuwhenua me te ahuone ki to taatau hapori, ohaoha me o taatau ahurea. E hiahia ana i nga taangata e kaha ana ki te whakamahi i nga maatauranga ahuwhenua me te ahuone ahuwhenua me nga pukenga ki nga ahuatanga hou me te whakatau i nga raru ahuwhenua, ahuwhenua ranei.
New Zealand needs young people who understand the production of primary products and who value the contribution that agriculture and horticulture make to our society, economy, and culture. It needs people who are able to apply agricultural and horticultural science knowledge and skills to new situations and to the solving of agricultural or horticultural problems.
Horticulture is the agriculture of plants, mainly for food, materials, comfort and for decoration. Horticulture at Level 2 is focussed on building core knowledge and practical skills that are pulled from various parts of the industry. Students need to be motivated to get their hands dirty and work hard physically.
This is an applied science course that covers:
Learning Outcomes/Contexts:
This Level 2 Horticulture course explores:
Skills and Capabilities:
Horticulture extends from arborist to landscaping, from floriculture to growing crops (including fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, malt and hops). Horticulturists have a love for nature and working outdoors.
Cross Curriculum Links:
Biology and Environmental studies.
Successful Horticulture students :
New Zealand's horticulture industry is booming and worth billions of dollars. Job opportunities are plentiful in New Zealand and overseas. As a Horticulturist your range of careers could send you packing off to help fight soil erosion, raising an indoor greenhouse garden, or caring and pruning for the tops of ancient trees as a tree surgeon. Successful horticulture students have a love for the outdoors, nature and a desire to grow and help the environment.
Assessment opportunities:
This course will consist of a range of internals, the learning for all of which can be presented in formats students prefer. Assessment will be tailored to meet the needs of the students selecting the course and could range from a number of both academic and practical based achievement and unit standards. Level 2 - 16 credits.
Programme Description :
Why study Horticulture?
E hiahia ana a Aotearoa ki nga taiohi e maarama ana ki te hanga o nga hua tuatahi, e aro nui ana ki te koha a te ahuwhenua me te ahuone ki to taatau hapori, ohaoha me o taatau ahurea. E hiahia ana i nga taangata e kaha ana ki te whakamahi i nga maatauranga ahuwhenua me te ahuone ahuwhenua me nga pukenga ki nga ahuatanga hou me te whakatau i nga raru ahuwhenua, ahuwhenua ranei.
New Zealand needs young people who understand the production of primary products and who value the contribution that agriculture and horticulture make to our society, economy, and culture. It needs people who are able to apply agricultural and horticultural science knowledge and skills to new situations and to the solving of agricultural or horticultural problems.
Learning Outcomes/Contexts:
This Level 3 Horticulture course is flexible and would be established in consultation with students but could explore:
Skills and Capabilities:
Horticulture extends from arborist to landscaping, from floriculture to growing crops (including fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, malt and hops). Horticulturists have a love for nature and working outdoors.
Cross Curriculum Links:
Biology and Environmental studies.
Successful Horticulture students :
New Zealand's horticulture industry is booming and worth billions of dollars. Job opportunities are plentiful in New Zealand and overseas. As a horticulturist your range of careers could send you packing off to help fight soil erosion, raising an indoor greenhouse garden, or caring and pruning for the tops of ancient trees as a tree surgeon. Successful horticulture students have a love for the outdoors, nature and a desire to grow and help the environment.
Assessment opportunities:
This course will consist of a range of internals, the learning for all of which can be presented in formats students prefer. Assessment will be tailored to meet the needs of the students selecting the course and could range from a number of both academic and practical based achievement and unit standards. Level 3 - 16 credits.