Science
Science at Te Kauwhata College
Te Kauwhata College offers students the opportunity to explore their world through Science. Courses run from Year 7 through to Year 13, with NCEA assessment offered to support career pathways both to industry and further tertiary study.
Learning is a mix of hands on activities, theory and application. Assessment through EOTC, industry and real-world context is offered across our senior courses. We thank NZ Steel, Auckland Zoo and Rainbow’s End for hosting our trips.
As part of the junior learning experience, students in Years 9 and 10 take part in one horticulture lesson per cycle, connecting science ideas to their application in the garden.
At Year 11, students can structure their course to suit their needs and interests. We have a term-based rotation of learning contexts such as Music, Rockets and Hangi. See our Year 11 course choice chart below for more information.
General Science, Chemistry, Physics and Biology are separated into focus courses at Level 2 and 3.
Learning is a mix of hands on activities, theory and application. Assessment through EOTC, industry and real-world context is offered across our senior courses. We thank NZ Steel, Auckland Zoo and Rainbow’s End for hosting our trips.
As part of the junior learning experience, students in Years 9 and 10 take part in one horticulture lesson per cycle, connecting science ideas to their application in the garden.
At Year 11, students can structure their course to suit their needs and interests. We have a term-based rotation of learning contexts such as Music, Rockets and Hangi. See our Year 11 course choice chart below for more information.
General Science, Chemistry, Physics and Biology are separated into focus courses at Level 2 and 3.
Our Focus and Values (GROW)
In the Science Learning Area, our goal is to lift engagement and retention of our aakonga in Science subjects.
Science Learning Area and Digital Technologies
The Science Learning Area has access to iPads and Chromebooks, which are frequently used to support the learning of students across all year levels. Education Perfect is a tool that has been taken up by the Science Learning Area to supplement learning of students in key areas of the curriculum.
Junior Programme - Year 7/8, 9 and 10 Science
The Junior Science Programme at Te Kauwhata College comprises the 4 areas of the New Zealand Science Curriculum:
The programme also develops students understanding of the Nature of Science through:
• Investigating in Science
• Understanding in Science
• Communicating in Science
• Participating and Contributing in Science
The programme also develops students understanding of the Nature of Science through:
• Investigating in Science
• Understanding in Science
• Communicating in Science
• Participating and Contributing in Science
Year 7/8
| Living World | Students learn about plant anatomy and physiology and the classification of living things. Alternate years: Ecology, animals and evolution |
| Material World | Students learn about solution chemistry, crystallisation and particles. Alternate years: States of matter, chemicals and collision theory |
| Physical World | The world of light and electricity is investigated in a programme spanning shadows, lenses, mirrors and lightning among other phenomena. Alternate years: Sound, waves, forces and magnetism |
| Planet Earth and Beyond | The focus for planet Earth is weather and the water cycle, and we delve deep into the planet to study the rock cycle and volcanoes. Alternate years: The solar system, climate change and the carbon cycle |
Year 9
| Living World | Students learn about living vs non-living things via MRS C GREN with a focus on movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion and nutrition. |
| Material World | The topic ‘We’re in our element’ covers an introduction to core chemistry knowledge. Students gain an understanding of atoms, elements and structure of matter. This will help the students gain valuable knowledge for Year 10. |
| Physical World | The physical world is explored through the topic of ‘Toy cars’. Students are introduced to motion, forces and energy which will be crucial for them to build on in Year 10. The assessment requires students to build a toy car using a physics lens. |
| Planet Earth and Beyond | Students cover Earth science by learning about the structure of the earth, rock cycle and ecology of lowland lakes of Waikato. The last few weeks are finished off with harakeke. |
Year 10
| Living World | Students gain an understanding of DNA, genes and key genetics concepts and the major structures of the human body. |
| Material World | Acids and bases are investigated through ‘Coca Cola Chemistry’, emphasising student understanding about the elements of the periodic table, compounds and mixtures. Understanding of chemical reactions is developed through enquiry and communicated through assessment. |
| Physical World | The physical world is explored through the topic of forces and motion, which lays the groundwork for NCEA Level 1 study and beyond in the area of Physics. Students also study the theoretical and practical elements of electricity. |
| Planet Earth and Beyond | The theme of space colonisation is explored by the weaving together of the Science Curriculum strands. This topic has been developed to bring together learning from the year and apply it to the burgeoning industry of space exploration. |
NCEA Level 1 Science
NCEA Level 1 Students take a selection of 3-4 options from the following available courses, one course per term. This selection is made at the end of Year 10. Classes are organised to fulfil the first choices of the most students along with staffing requirements.
Acids and Bases
By completing this course you are eligible to select Chemistry (2CHEM) in Level 2.
Internally and Externally Assessed
Physics of Rockets
By completing this course you are eligible to select Physics (2PHYS) in Level 2.
Internally and Externally Assessed
Genetics
By completing this course you are eligible to select Biology (2BIOL).
Internally and Externally Assessed
Sport Science
By completing this course you are eligible to select General Science (2SCIE) at Level 2.
Internally Assessed
Heat and Hangi
By completing this course you are eligible to select General Science (2SCIE) at Level 2.
Internally Assessed
Possums
By completing this course you are eligible to select General Science (2SCIE) at Level 2.
Internally Assessed
Geology
By completing this course you are eligible to select General Science (2SCIE) at Level 2.
Internally Assessed
Metalica
By completing this course you are eligible to select General Science (2SCIE) at Level 2.
Internally Assessed
1 Horticulture
This is an optional addition to the compulsory Science course.
Leads onto Level 2 Horticulture.
Internally Assessed
NCEA Level 2 Science
2 Physics
Requirements: Gained 8 credits or better, in Level 1 Science, with 4 of those credits coming from an external achievement standard, and 8 credits from Level 1 Maths.
Leads onto Level 3 Physics
2 Chemistry
Requirements: Gained 8 credits or better, in Level 1 Science, with 4 of those credits coming from an external achievement standard,
Or in Consultation with the Classroom Teacher
Leads onto Level 3 Chemistry
2 Biology
Requirements: Gained 8 credits or better, in Level 1 Science or Biology, with 4 of those credits coming from an external achievement standard,
Or in Consultation with the Classroom Teacher
Leads onto Level 3 Biology
2 Horticulture
Open entry, with Consultation with the Classroom Teacher.
NCEA Level 3 Science
3 Physics
Requirements: Gained an Achieved grade or better in two level 2 Physics Achievement Standards.
Or in Consultation with the Classroom Teacher
3 Chemistry
Requirements: Gained an Achieved grade or better in two level 2 Chemistry Achievement Standards.
Or in Consultation with the Classroom Teacher
3 Biology
Requirements: Gained an Achieved grade or better in two level 2 Biology Achievement Standards.
Or in Consultation with the Classroom Teacher
Contact Us
Location: 50-64 Waerenga Road, Te Kauwhata, New Zealand
Email: admin@tkcoll.school.nz
Phone: (07) 826 3715
2021 Term Dates
Term 1: Thursday 4th February - Friday 16th April
Term 2: Monday 3rd May - Friday 9th July
Term 3: Monday 26th July - Friday 1st October
Term 4: Monday 18th October - Friday 10th December
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