Kia Ora, welcome to Kelston Girls’ College Science Curriculum Area.
Our Vision and Pedagogy
Science is woven into our everyday experiences, helping us understand and navigate the world around us. At Kelston Girls’ College, we embrace an integrated, modular learning approach across three trimesters, allowing for deeper and broader exploration of scientific concepts. Our integrated classes bring together students from Years 9 to 12, placing learning in meaningful contexts that connect science with real life.
For example, in Kitchen Chemistry, students might make ice cream while exploring the chemical reactions behind it, then develop their English skills by writing a creative story about who they would share it with. These interdisciplinary modules ensure students see how science applies to everyday life while developing critical thinking, inquiry, and problem-solving skills.
We offer engaging and diverse learning experiences in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth & Space Science at the junior level. Each module is designed to spark curiosity, cater to students’ interests, and incorporate real-world applications, including education outside the classroom opportunities.
Junior Science
At the junior level, students explore scientific concepts and connect new ideas to their existing knowledge. Through our modular approach, they gain insight into the four strands of science:
The Living World (Biology)
Material World (Chemistry)
Earth & Space Science
The Physical World (Physics)
For example, in the Lotions and Potions module, students investigate acids and bases found in everyday life, using indicators to identify them. They also develop their literacy skills by researching and writing about their scientific discoveries, experiments, and hands-on activities. Our learning experiences incorporate the Nature of Science, scientific inquiry, and scientific literacy to build a strong foundation for future learning.
Science at NCEA Level 1
Discover how science works in real-world contexts through our integrated Level 1 Science modules. Explore the Physics behind the Black Panther Marvel Universe, understand Biology’s role in growing your own food, and conduct investigations that reveal the laws of science while linking them to topics such as climate change, medicine, and Maramataka.
Assessments include both internal (completed at school) and external (end-of-year exams). This course builds essential knowledge and skills for Level 2 Science pathways, which are vital for careers in medicine, engineering, agriculture, and the electrical and mechanical trades.
Biology (Levels 2–3)
Biology at Kelston Girls’ College is a dynamic, hands-on journey of discovery, deeply rooted in Aotearoa’s natural environment. Students don’t just learn about ecosystems—they actively participate in restoration projects in local wetlands, working alongside iwi to understand traditional ecological knowledge.
Biology seamlessly integrates with other disciplines, including:
Mātauranga Māori – Exploring the interconnectedness of all living things, the importance of kaitiakitanga, and the use of rongoā.
English – Writing persuasive essays advocating for marine conservation, blending scientific knowledge with creative expression.
Geography – Studying geological forces and the impact of climate change on fragile ecosystems.
Technology – Designing apps to identify native flora and fauna using coding and engineering skills.
The Arts – Documenting native ferns through botanical illustrations or composing waiata about the life cycle of the tuna.
This approach fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, empowering students to become informed kaitiaki of their environment.
Chemistry (Levels 2–3)
Our 2RMAT1MS (Reacting Maths) Chemistry/Mathematics module integrates mathematics into chemistry, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.
For example, students contribute to collaborative summaries on Types of Bonding, which they later refine into NCEA Level 2 Chemistry-style discussion questions. In the lab, they investigate the properties of chemical substances related to bonding.
We introduce Chemistry concepts through relevant, real-world contexts—from chemicals in food and clothing to materials in construction, electrical wiring, and even road safety (as explored in the RYDA trip for Year 12 students). These connections align with NCEA Level 2 external assessment specifications while ensuring students see the practical applications of their learning.
Physics (Levels 2–3)
Physics is movement. Physics is sound. Physics is electricity. Physics is light. It is everything we see, hear, and touch!
Our senior Physics modules integrate Mathematics to support student learning, focusing on:
Physics opens pathways to exciting careers in medicine, engineering, telecommunications, climatology, and more!
Our Pathway: Mataora Ako Huarahi
Science at Kelston Girls’ College is part of the Mataora Ako Huarahi pathway, which also includes English. Through this approach, we provide students with a rich, interconnected learning experience, preparing them for both academic and real-world success.
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