Year 12 - 13 Science
Year 12 - 13 Science
Full year course
This is a fully internally assessed science course for those students who are interested in science but would struggle with external assessments. Students will be developing and carrying out their own experiments in which they gather and process data to develop their understanding of the world around them. Contexts studied in this course include; Wellington’s marine environment, sustainably managing native birds at Zealandia, and surviving in space.
To be successful in this course students need to actively engage in class and field trips, complete assessments of time, have good self management skills and a willingness to learn.
Contact Teacher: Dave Calder
Total credits: 20
Possible next steps: Level 3 Science
Find more details in our Course outline 2025
Full year course
This course offers a multidisciplinary approach to science, combining biology, chemistry, and Earth & space science. Students will explore real-world scientific issues and develop skills in research, analysis, critical thinking, and practical investigation. This course is ideal for students interested in environmental studies, or applied sciences, and supports University Entrance.
Recommended for students who have completed Level 2 Science or Biology.
Contact Teacher: Liana Wheeler
Outcomes
Endorsement available: Yes
Internal credits: 18
Find more details in our Course outline 2025.
Full year course
NCEA Level 2 Biology | 19–22 Credits | Internal and External Assessment
Level 2 Biology builds essential knowledge of genetics, cells, ecology, and adaptations, providing a strong foundation for further study in life sciences, health, or environmental fields.
Course Content:
Students will study five core Achievement Standards, with the option of a sixth:
AS91155 (3 credits, Internal): Adaptations – how plants or animals are suited to their way of life
AS91158 (4 credits, Internal): Investigate a pattern in an ecological community
AS91154 (3 credits, Internal – optional): Analyse the biological validity of public information
AS91156 (4 credits, External): Cell processes – photosynthesis, respiration, cell division
AS91157 (4 credits, External): Genetic variation and change
AS91159 (4 credits, External): Gene expression
Assessment:
Two or three internal assessments (7–10 credits total), including fieldwork and research
Three external assessments (12 credits total), examined in November
Derived Grade Exams (DGE) used for externals if needed
No reassessment opportunities for internals
Endorsement Opportunity:
Endorsement requires 14+ credits at Merit or Excellence, with at least 3 internal and 3 external credits.
Recommended For:
Students interested in life sciences, healthcare, agriculture, psychology, or environmental studies, and those intending to study Level 3 Biology.
Find more details in our Course outline 2025.
Full year course
NCEA Level 3 | 19 Credits | Internal and External Assessment
This course develops a deeper understanding of biological processes and prepares students for further study in the life sciences, health sciences, or environmental fields.
Course Content:
Students will study five Achievement Standards:
AS91604 (3 credits, Internal): Homeostasis – how animals maintain a stable internal environment
AS91602 (3 credits, Internal): Socio-scientific issue – integrating biological knowledge to develop an informed response
AS91603 (5 credits, External): Responses of plants and animals to their external environment
AS91605 (4 credits, External): Evolutionary processes leading to speciation
AS91606 (4 credits, External): Trends in human evolution (biological and cultural)
Assessment:
Two internal assessments (6 credits total), submitted as written reports
Three external assessments (13 credits total), examined in November
No reassessment opportunities for internals
Derived Grade Exams (DGE) used for externals if required
Endorsement Opportunity:
Course endorsement requires 14+ credits at Merit or Excellence, with at least 3 credits from both internal and external assessments.
Recommended For:
Students with strong literacy and analytical skills, or those considering tertiary study in biology, medicine, health, psychology, or environmental science.
Find more details in our Course outline 2025.
Full year course
Level 2 Chemistry builds on previously taught concepts and provides a deeper understanding of chemical properties, processes, and patterns. It prepares students for Level 3 Chemistry and related sciences. The course includes a mix of theoretical and practical work and supports students in developing analytical, investigative, and critical thinking skills.
Recommended Prior Learning: Year 11 Science
Contact Teacher: Phil Kendon
Outcomes
Endorsement available: Yes
Internal credits: 7
External credits: 13
Total credits: 20
UE Reading credits: 0
UE Writing credits: 0
Possible next steps: Level 3 Chemistry
Find more details in our Course outline 2025.
Full year course
Level 3 Chemistry is a senior specialist Science course. Students follow up on their learning in Year 12 Chemistry, covering concepts of Redox, Physical Chemistry, Equilibrium principles in Aqueous Systems, and a choice of Organic Chemistry or Spectroscopy. All students carry out an extended practical investigation during Term 2.
Recommended Prior Learning: 14 Credits at NCEA Level 2 Chemistry.
Contact Teacher: Phil Kendon
Outcomes
Endorsement available: Yes
Internal credits: 7 (+ 3 optional)
External credits: 10 (+ 5 optional)
Total credits: 20 - 25
UE Reading credits: 0
UE Writing credits: 0
Possible next steps: BSc in a Science discipline, Medical sector (Health Science), Engineering, Food Technology
Find more details in our Course Outline.
Full year course
Level 2 Physics is a rigorous course which covers mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, atomic and nuclear physics as well as practical investigation skills.
Recommended Prior Learning: Year 11 Science
Note: Year 11 Physics is helpful but not compulsory
Contact Teacher: Elizabeth Strugnell
Outcomes
Endorsement available: Yes
Internal credits: 7
External credits: 16
Total credits: 23
UE Reading credits: 0
UE Writing credits: 0
Possible next steps: Level 3 Physics
Recommended for: engineering, finance, technology, research, law, and any career that needs problem solving skills
Find more details in our Course outline 2025
Full year course
Level 3 Physics is a rigorous course which builds on the knowledge and skills gained in Level 2 Physics. It covers mechanical systems, electrical systems, wave systems, atomic and nuclear physics as well as practical investigation skills.
Required Prior Learning: Year 12 Physics
Contact Teacher: Elizabeth Strugnell
Outcomes
Endorsement available: Yes
Internal credits: 7
External credits: 16
Total credits: 23
UE Reading credits: 0
UE Writing credits: 0
Possible next steps: engineering, finance, technology, research, law, and any career that needs problem solving skills
Find more details in our Course outline 2025.
Full Year Course
This course gives students an applied understanding of how the human body works, with a focus on real-life biological and health-related contexts. Students study systems such as digestion and circulation, complete practical laboratory investigations, and gain a recognised first aid qualification. The course includes a combination of achievement and unit standards, offering a balance of theory and hands-on learning. It is ideal for students interested in health sciences, sport, or human biology pathways.
Recommended Prior Learning: Year 11 Science or Biology
Contact Teacher: Mr Steven Rhodes
Possible Next Steps: Year 13 Biology, Health Science programmes, or Vocational Health Pathways
Find more details in our Course outline 2025