Science
Science gives students the skills and knowledge needed to investigate, understand and explain our natural, physical world and the wider universe.
In junior science and NCEA Level 1, general science is taught which covers all aspects of the curriculum. Level 1 Ecological science focuses on skills and knowledge based on biological concepts.
In the senior school science is broken into the separate disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Students can choose to study one or all of these at Level 2 and Level 3.
Staff:
Science Curriculum Coordinator: Mr R Armond (Biology)
Miss E MacDonald, Mr B McGeoch (Physics), Ms R James (Agriculture), Mr M Thornton-Pett (Chemistry), Ms D Beaton (Ecoscience)
Science Technician: Mrs E Smith
Biology
Senior Biology is offered at both Level 2 and Level 3 at Stratford High School.The courses are made up of both internally and externally assessed achievement standards.
- Level 2 Biology includes studies in the following topics: Ecology, Cell Biology, Genetics and Gene Expression. A field trip to a Rocky Shore ecosystem to collect field data is compulsory. Students must gain at least 12 Credits from L1 Science including – Demonstrate understanding of biological ideas relating to genetic variation – to enrol in Level 2 Biology.
- Level 3 Biology includes studies in the following topics: Human Evolution, Plant and Animal Responses to the Environment, Speciation and Biotechnology. Students must gain at least 12 Credits from L2 Biology including – Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change – to enrol in Level 3 Biology.
Chemistry
Chemistry is available as a subject in Years 12 and 13.
- Level 2 should be taken by students who definitely know they need to have chemistry for their intended career path, or want to see if they want to take chemistry further.
- Level 3 should only be taken by students who are committed to chemistry given the more academic and demanding nature of the course.
Physics
Physics education at Stratford High School begins at year 9 in the junior science curriculum and becomes a specialised subject in year 12 and year 13. Learning about the physical universe satisfies the deepest curiosities that young students develop. It’s also fun.
