Kia Ora, welcome to Kelston Girls’ College Science Curriculum Area.

Our Vision and Pedagogy

Science is embedded in our everyday experiences and is fundamental to understanding the world we live in. Throughout all of the pathways we offer in Science, students will learn to think critically, inquire about their surroundings and problem solve in a variety of contexts; skills that are transferable across many other subjects and future careers.

As a Pathway we offer a variety of learning experiences across Biology, Chemistry and Physics, as well as Earth and Space at the junior level. Learning is contextualised and courses are structured to cater to the needs and interests of the students, including a variety of education outside the classroom, opportunities. Differentiated courses are available at the Senior level. 

Junior Science

At the junior level, students explore new concepts and are encouraged to link new ideas to their existing experiences. Students will learn about their world through the four strands of science: The Living World, Material World, Earth Science and the Physical World. Learning experiences incorporate the Nature of Science, inquiry and Scientific Literacy.

Science

Level 1

Science covers principles in Chemistry, Physics and Biology and consists of both internally and externally assessed standards. This course equips students with skills and foundation knowledge for continuation into any of the senior Sciences.

Biology

Levels 1 – 3

Biology is the study of Living Systems in our world. Ideas such as genetics and cells are covered at the microscopic level, through to macroscopic learning of whole ecosystems. Learn about how plants and animals have developed to best suit their environment.

At level 1, Biology studied in conjunction with General Science, or as a lone Science.

Study in Biology can lead to careers in the Health Sector, Lab Technicians, Forensics, Veterinarian, Ecologist/Zoologist and many more!

Chemistry

Levels 2-3

Chemistry explains what happens in the world at an atomic level. Test your practical skills to identify chemical compounds, learn about reactions that happen in our bodies, in explosions and even in cooking and health products. An understanding of chemistry (especially Organic Chemistry) supports learning in biological contexts at the cellular level. Study in Chemistry can lead to careers in the Health Sector, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Lab Technician, Food Science (think Giapo!) Medicine, Beauty Therapy and so much more!

Physics

Levels 2-3

Physics is more than applied maths. It looks at the relationship between matter (and non-matter) in our universe. Use calculations to help explain Forces and learn how rides at Rainbow’s End work. Look at mechanics and motion which applies to all things – living and non-living. Explore energy; waves, sound, light, heat and sub-atomic ideas of nuclear energy that underpin concepts in both Chemistry and Biology. Study in Physics can lead to careers in the Health Sector, Engineering, Transport and Logistics, Climatology and many more!

​​​​​​​Our Pathway: Mataora Ako Huarahi

The science subject is part of the Mataora Ako Huarahi pathway which also includes English.