Science
Sections on this page: Science | Biology | Chemistry | Horticulture | Physics
Science
The St. Johns College Science Department aims to encourage students to excel in science.
The courses provide a solid background for students intending to further their education in the sciences so they can enter vocations where the application of scientific principles and knowledge is necessary. The staff not only works to achieve academic excellence but to inspire our students to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the world they live in.
A general Science course is offered to students at Year 9 and 10. Students can then specialise in Biology and/or Chemistry and/or Physics at Year 11, 12 and 13. An alternative Science pathway for students not wishing to specialise is provided by our Year 12 General Science course and Year 13 Applied Science course. The Year 13 Course is geared to vocational wok in the electrical and electronic industries. The NCEA qualification at Year 12 and 13 is the re-eminent means of achieving University and polytechnic entrance. A scholarship group by invitation also meets to provide more of an academic challenge to our more able students. A Unit Standards Course is from Year 11 is also available to students.
Staff:
Mr. S. Wood HOD (Chemistry)
Mrs. S. Fraser-Ball Asst HOD (Biology)
Mr. J. Bull (Physics)
Mrs. S. Fairweather (Alternative Science)
Mr. J. Gee (Horticulture)
Mr. M. Erece
Mr. D. Whyte
Biology
Biology is the study of living things.Biology is one of the most important subjects a person can study at Secondary school as it explains how our bodies work internally, our genetic make up and how this genetic code operates in our bodies to make us human. At a cellular level, we learn about the processes that keep us alive.
We are also able to look at how we evolved, and how all species react to their environment. We learn to appreciate our environment and what we need to do to protect it so we can pass on healthy ecosystems to our offspring.
Field trips are an important aspect of biology to support what we learn in the classroom. At year 12 we visit a Rocky Shore where we study the flora and fauna against a backdrop of salty air, waves and rockpools.
In Year 13 we visit the Waikato University for a day of lectures related to the course, and a laboratory session where we extract plant DNA and separate it in fragments by Gel Electrophoresis.
A visit to the Auckland Zoo and Museum is a yearly highlight. We study the primates, have a natural history tour and lectures on human evolution
Pass rates for Biology at St John's are always pleasing. Biology as a subject that leads into careers such as Medicine, Dentistry Veterinary Science, Microbiology, Viticulture and Marine Biology.
Chemistry
Balloon Slide
The Chemistry Department is part of the Faculty of Science and provides courses in Chemistry for senior students at years 12 and 13 (forms 5, 6 and 7).
Chemistry is the science of materials that aims to describe, make, quantify and put to use the many millions of compounds that make up our world. For many students it is not only a route to successful careers but may also provide the spark for life long learning in other disciplines.
The St. Johns College Chemistry courses aim to follow on from years 9 and 10 Science and are central to future study in Science, Engineering and Medicine at tertiary level. Our Chemistry courses also aim to teach scientific method and develop analytical and lateral thinking skills in students which are invaluable in any future career.
The NCEA qualification at Year 12 and 13 is the re-eminent means of achieving University and polytechnic entrance. A scholarship group by invitation also meets to provide more of an academic challenge to our more able students.
Staff:
Mr S Wood - Head of Department
Horticulture
Horticulture at St Johns is run from yr10 through to yr12. The major topics covered are
Plant structure - Why a plant looks the way it does
Plant function - the role each part of a plant has
Soils - What makes soil and management practices to improve it.
Landscaping - Understanding and redesigning Landscape plans and sites.
Practical Horticultural skills - maintaining a garden to a high standard of production all year is a basic requirement. Furthermore management practices such as cultivation, fertilising, liming, propagation (sexual & Asexual), seed sowing, native restoration planting and grounds maintenance are practiced throughout the year.
Physics
St John's College Physics department teaches this subject to year 12 (level 2) and year 13 (level 3). Students are prepared for the Achievement Standards at these levels. Usually there are two year 12 classes and one year 13 class but this will change as our roll increases. We are fortunate to have a dedicated Physics Laboratory with the equipment to demonstrate and experiment with the practical aspects of this subject.
For information about course content and possible career paths please refer to the student option booklets issued to year 11 and year 12 students.
