Programme Description :

Why take Applied Science at NCEA level 1?

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 are not 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, and beauty culture and apprentices.

Learning Outcomes/Contexts:

This Level 1 Applied Science course explores how microorganisms affect humans, astronomical cycles and how they affect the planet, linear relationships and graphing, chemical and physics practicals as well as the potential to do others if the students are interested. 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 Applied 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 a 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.

Contact:

Heather Duerre, Teacher in Charge of Biology

duerreh@mbas.ac.nz

Programme Description:

Why take chemistry at NCEA level 2?

You will learn the fundamentals of chemistry and will develop analytic skills to be able to test substances chemically. This will involve finding out what chemicals there are in a sample and also how much chemical there is.

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: the ability to grasp things quickly, focused solution finding, plus problem solving, analytical, a resilience to develop logical thought sequencing to attain the solution of a problem, working collaboratively, being prepared to justify/reasoning for your results.

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.

Contact: Craig Lidgard. Email lidgardc@mbas.ac.nz

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 physics develops: the ability to grasp things quickly, focused solution finding, plus problem solving, analytical, a resilience to develop logical thought sequencing to attain the solution of a problem, working collaboratively, being prepared to justify/reasoning for your results.

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.

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.

Contact:

Craig Lidgard Teacher in Charge of Chemistry

Email lidgardc@mbas.ac.nz

Programme Description :

Why take Biology at NCEA level 2?

The study of biology is the study of living things and their interconnectedness. We study 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 apply 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 they allow the whole organism to function.

Skills and Capabilities:

This course develops student’s ability to use their mathematical skills, logical thinking and good reading and writing 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, ebate 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, 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.

Contact:

Heather Duerre, Teacher in Charge of Biology

duerreh@mbas.ac.nz

Programme Description :

Why take Biology at NCEA level 3?

Biologists adn 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 Physics is a critical step for those seeking careers in any type of engineering and medical pathways. There are four major areas; Waves, Mechanical Systems, Electrical Systems and Atomic Nuclear Physics.

Learning Outcomes/Contexts:

This Level 3 Physics course explores the physical systems and how we use them in society. We look into how speed cameras work, suspension systems and earthquake proofing buildings. Towards the end of the course AC electricity is introduced alongside how radios work. Atomic and nuclear energy is thought about and whether New Zealand should remain nuclear power free.

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 develop and are used.

Cross Curriculum Links: Electronics, Performing Arts Technology, 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, no satellite TV, no broadband, cameras or cellphones, no 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.

Contact:

Hugh Fairweather, Teacher in Charge of Physics

fairweatherh@mbas.ac.nz

Programme Description :

Why take physics at NCEA level 2?

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. The 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, no satellite TV, no broadband, cameras or cellphones, no 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.

Contact:

Hugh Fairweather, Teacher in Charge of Physics

fairweatherh@mbas.ac.nz

Programme Description :

Why take physics at NCEA level 3?

Physics seeks to discover the inner workings 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 wave. 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 the physical systems and how we use them in society. We look into how speed cameras work, suspension systems and earthquake proofing buildings. 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.

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 develop 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, no satellite TV, no broadband, cameras or cellphones, no 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.

Contact:

Hugh Fairweather, Teacher in Charge of Physics

fairweatherh@mbas.ac.nz

Programme Description :

Why take Physics for Trades?

Some students want to be able to study Physics at level 1 and 2 but also wish to explore some trade or construction based career. This course has been developed to learn about physics principles and apply them to engineering or construction industry examples. Key mathematical skills required for trades based courses is also covered in this programme.

Learning Outcomes/Contexts:

Each year the course looks a little different, depending on the students enrolled, so it is a flexible programme, however we aim to cover mathematics used in construction, electricity, heat and possibly mechanics.

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 develop and are used.

Cross Curriculum Links: Electronics, Performing Arts Technology, Engineering and Plane build.

Successful Physics for Trades students :

Students may continue onto senior physics level 2 course however the majority of students continue with BCATS and other technology or construction based courses.

Assessment Opportunities: The normal course consists of a range of internals at both level 1 and 2, all of which learning can be presented in formats students prefer. However a some students choose to attempt an external examinations

Contact:

Hugh Fairweather, Teacher in Charge of Physics

fairweatherh@mbas.ac.nz

Programme Description :

Horticulture is the agriculture of plants, mainly for food, materials, comfort and beauty 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:

• Practical skills and knowledge in horticulture production

• Plant propagation and care,

• Landscape design

• Maintenance of hand tools

Learning Outcomes/Contexts:

This Level 1 Horticulture course explores:

• the planting, growing and harvesting plants and crops,

• designing, building and maintaining outdoor areas,

• using a range of tools and equipment,

• consideration of business.

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 the working outdoors.

Cross Curriculum Links: Science 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. Horticulture will offer you a wide range of exciting and rewarding career opportunities across business and science roles. 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, all of which learning 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.

Contact:

Jamie Hutt, Teacher in Charge of Horticulture

huttj@mbas.ac.nz

Programme Description :

Horticulture is the agriculture of plants, mainly for food, materials, comfort and beauty for decoration. Horticulture at Level 2 is strongly focussed on the essential practical skills used throughout the industry. Students will set themselves up for a career in one of NZ largest industries where there is no shortage of work. Students need to be motivated to get their hands dirty and work hard physically.

This is an applied science course that covers:

• Practical skills and knowledge in horticulture production

• Plant propagation and care

• Landscape design

• Maintenance of hand tools

• Maintenance and servicing of two and four stroke engines used in horticulture

Learning Outcomes/Contexts:

This Level 2 Horticulture course explores:

• the planting, growing and harvesting plants and crops,

• designing, building and maintaining outdoor areas,

• using a range of tools, machinery and equipment including mower and line trimmers,

• business management.

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 the working outdoors.

Cross Curriculum Links: Biology and Environmental Science.

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, all of which learning 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.

Contact:

Jamie Hutt, Teacher in Charge of Horticulture

huttj@mbas.ac.nz

Programme Description :

Why take Environmental Science at NCEA Level 2?

Turn your interest in the environment into an academic pathway. Environmental science focuses on the connections between humans and their natural environments. It studies the management and mitigation of human impacts on the environment which is crucial for New Zealand, and the world both now and in the years to come. This course would offer students an alternative to Chemistry, Biology and Physics in Year 12, and offer a course with a more generalised approach to level 2 Science in the setting of the environmental space.

Learning Outcomes/Contexts:

This Level 2 Environmental Science course will cover the processes involved in land formation and extreme events while analysing the human impacts on them. Students will be given choice, with direction and advice at the start of the year, for what standards they may like to cover from the Level 2 Science and Education for Sustainability Standards. Students will be given the option of internal and external assessments with the integration of Statistics units being incorporated for internals. The use of Geography expertise and learning will also be explored along with investigations into Maori land management and conservation.

Skills and Capabilities:

Students that study this course will develop skills in interpreting patterns in the natural environment and justifying the processes that link to them. They will become experienced at critically analysing information communicated about Earth Science issues. They will develop their skills at working collaboratively and objectively while building on their numeracy and literacy skills which will be valued for future careers in the environmental sector.

Changes to land use in Mercury Bay over the last 100 years.

Cross Curriculum Links: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Statistics

Possibly leads to : Pathways to technical careers in land management and conservation along with university courses in the Environmental Sciences. This course will give students an understanding of the different aspects to Environmental Science and provide them with grounding in both the scientific principles and social connections to it.

Assessment Opportunities: This course will consist of a range of internals, all of which learning can be presented in formats students prefer. There will be the option to complete external assessments, as agreed, with teacher advice at the start of the year.

Contact:

Dana Clow, Teacher in Charge of Environmental Sciences

clowd@mbas.ac.nz

Programme Description:

This course is designed for students who love our coastal environment and have the ambition to undertake practical science investigations that lead to statistical analysis and the writing of referenced reports. The course involves the self-directed reading of scientific publications and the planning and working through practical investigations using hands-on environmental sampling as well as electronic data loggers and digital technology for data analysis.

The course has an A and a B year. These years can be taken in any order or just for one year. Two-year participants have the opportunity to gain UE in two university-approved subjects: Statistics and in Earth and Space Science. The combination of science and statistics is especially useful for students aiming for tertiary pathways in environmental, health, or biological sciences where statistics and science work hand in hand. Students will be exploring social science aspects of environmental concerns such as climate change and conservation, or chemical processes in the environment that can lead to chemistry investigations.

Learning Outcomes/Contexts:

Year A will focus on planning and conducting hands-on sampling investigations in our estuarine environment for the purpose of making statistical enquiries based on evidence Year A will also include lab-experiments and their statistical evaluation to explore the cause and effect relationships. Research into the socio-scientific aspects of human impacts on our environment will be part of the learning and lead on to a report. Most assessments will be internal, however, external assessment in Probability Methods in statistics will be offered at the end of the year.

Year B will focus on the chemistry of our oceans and estuarine waters. It will involve planning and conducting investigations into the dynamic behaviour of our estuarine waters. Students will explore relationships between the chemical properties of the water and their implications for life in our estuary. These investigations will lead to bi-variate and time-series statistical analysis as well as research into the possibility of extraterrestrial life as part of a Space-Science essay. Most assessments will be internal, however, an external assessment in Ocean Processes in Earth and Space Science will be offered at the end of the year.

Skills and Capabilities:

The key qualities students that students can develop in this course are:

Self-directed learning, developing an understanding of the complex connections within our natural environment and with our human impacts, data-gathering, data handling in spreadsheets and statistical analysis using statistics software. Students will develop flexibility of thinking, resilience, working collaboratively and being prepared to justify/reasoning for your solution.

Cross Curriculum Links: Work in this course centres on the subjects of Earth and Space Science and Statistics. Further cross-curricular links can be made to English for Scientists, Chemistry, Biology, and Social Science. You are encouraged and will be supported in exploring these links with your other subject teachers.

Possibly leads to the opportunity to: gain University Entry for two UE approved subjects: Earth and Space Science and Statistics as well as several UE literacy reading and writing credits. Develop key skills to work scientifically in preparation of tertiary education. Could lead to future study in the environmental sciences, environmental management, aquaculture, marine sciences.

Some of the former students in this course received significant scholarships and are now enrolled in Universities studying for environmental and marine science degrees. Their work in this course prepared them well for working at the tertiary level.

Assessment Opportunities: Each year will offer four internal and one external assessment opportunity with a balance of evidence assessed for Statistics and for Earth and Space Science standards for up to 20 credits per year. All assessments are at Level 3 of the curriculum and successful students starting in year 12 with this course can already gain a significant proportion of their L3 credits in year 12.

Contact: Thomas Everth - evertht@mbas.ac.nz

Contact me and I will send you a detailed course description with examples of the kind of work undertaken in this course.