Subjects
Science
In Year 9 and 10, Science is taught to all students. This course involves the study of biology, chemistry and physics, at each level with geology and astronomy as well. Sound experimental design and development of practical skills are a theme throughout both levels. Science continues as an option from Year 11 to Year 13.
At Year 11, students can chose to specialise in one or more of the specialist science domains of chemistry, physics and biology.
Chemistry
Chemistry provides students with an understanding of the material universe and our understanding of how substances interact with each other and how people can make use of them.
Chemistry is a central science with links to biology, physics and maths. Many students choose to study chemistry in conjunction with other science subjects if they intend to go on to tertiary level science or professions where it is applied.
Chemistry leads on to many diverse occupations, from hairdressing, chef, photographer and nurse through to a forensic scientist, winemaker, volcanologist, psychiatrist, scientist, doctor, engineer and pharmacist.
The study of Chemistry caters for a wide range of abilities and interests. You can study aspects of chemistry in Junior Science or as a specialised subject in years 11 – 13. For year 13 students who wish to accept a special challenge in Chemistry they can enter for Scholarship Chemistry.
Students in years 11- 13 who have an added interest in Chemistry can enter for the Australian Chemistry Quiz.
Exceptional students in year 12 are chosen to win selection for the NZ representative Chemistry Olympiad Team. In 2007 we had one student who was selected in the extended training squad with the possibility of making this team for 2008.
Biology
Year 11 Biology allows the students to explore some aspects of the living world including Human organ systems, plants and microbes. This lays the foundations for studying biology at higher levels.
Year 12 Biology aims to give students a sense of the diversity of the living world and the environment in which they live with emphasis on New Zealand examples. A field trip to the rocky shore at Wenderholm enables students to get hands on experience of patterns in the community whilst laboratory based practicals form an important part of the cell biology component of the course.
Year 13 Biology extends the students’ understanding of genetics and evolution, investigates the various ways living organisms respond to their environment, begins to get an understanding of the biological and cultural evolution that the human species has undergone and explores new developments in biotechnology arena.
Scholarship Biology further extends the students in encouraging them to read widely around the subject and integrate the wealth of knowledge that they have acquired. Groups of graduate students from both Auckland and Massey Universities have shared their research projects with our students which helps put the relevance of Biology in perspective for them.
Biology is a dynamic subject which encompasses not only the living world around everyone of us but has links to almost every other discipline. With the many advancements in biotechnology, and medicine as well as environmental and conservation concerns, biology as a subject, can serve as a focus in highlighting the important role humans play in our changing world.
Biology opens the door to a diverse array of careers and occupations including archaeology, bacteriology, dermatology, entomology, gynaecology, herpetology, ichthyology, microbiology, oenology, pharmacology, radiology, taxi-dermology, x-ray crystallography, and of course zoology. But seriously from agricultural work, fitness trainer, food technologist to dentistry, biology can be an important subject to study.
Physics
At all year levels, Physics is the study of energy in its many different forms. It provides students with knowledge of the fundamental concepts of light, waves, motion, electricity, magnetism and nuclear physics, as well as an understanding of how these physical concepts apply to our everyday lives.
The varied interests and abilities of Physics students are catered for in the range of contexts used and activities offered. The courses at all levels emphasise practical work and hands-on demonstrations. Students are encouraged to enter the AAPT Physics Photography competition, Year 13 Physics students have the opportunity to catch a ride on a NZ Navy Seasprite helicopter, and high-calibre academic students are encouraged to work towards Scholarship.
Physics uses mathematics as an important tool, and it is also linked directly to many aspects of chemistry, biology, earth sciences and astronomy. Physics is often chosen as a subject to support various study pathways at tertiary level, but it is also chosen by many students simply because it is interesting!
Where can Physics take you? You choose! The skills used in Physics to solve problems and communicate ideas effectively are sought after by any employer. Physics is directly applicable to a wide range in careers: from the lofty heights of atmospherics and astrophysics to the more down-to-earth engineering and geology fields; from analytical uses in aviation, electronics and medicine to creative applications such as photography, sound engineering, lighting and architecture.
HOD Profile
Margaret Nightingale
Qualifications
Bachelor of Science
Diploma of Teaching
Awards /Scholarships
Woolf-Fisher Teacher Fellowship 2006
Experience
HOD Science Rangitoto College: 1999-present day
Dean Rangitoto College: 1994-1998
Teacher Rangitoto College: 1986-present day
Personal Statement
My personal beliefs are best conveyed with the immortal words of Whitney Houston:
“I believe the children are our future
Teach them well
And let them lead the way.
Show them all the beauty
They possess inside
Give them a sense of pride
To make it easier
Let the children’s laughter
Remind us how Science is meant to be”.
Student Quotes
“I’ve really enjoyed doing Science this year. The topics and teachers are really cool and the experiments were fun. I learnt heaps of new stuff about science and I know Specialist Science will be just as great.”
Jasmin Cheng, Year 10.
“This year’s Year 10 Science course has been a very colourful and wonderful experience for me. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and have learned from atomic structure to how the human body works. It has provided me with a greater outlook on life.“
Michael Chieng, Year 10
“The Known is finite, the unknown is infinite; intellectually we stand on an islet in the midst of an illimitable ocean of inexplicability. Our business in every generation is to reclaim a little more land…" -Thomas Henry Huxley" Although I wish I had come up with this little gem of insight myself, I can only vouch for its validity. Studying biology and chemistry at Rangitoto College has exposed me to the world of science and has inspired me to pursue a career in these fields where I too can help to reclaim a little more of this land of knowledge."
Becky Johansen, Year 13
"I really enjoyed the Year 13 Biology course because it’s not just about memorising facts, but also encourages logical thinking. All parts of the course intertwine and relate to each other but my favourite topic was the introduction of Human Evolution. This looks at both physiological and cultural/social evolution and it reinforced my decision to study in the Health Sciences at University".
Emma Penty, Year 13
"Rangitoto College has an amazing Science facility with fantastic teaching staff. Their thorough knowledge and flair for their subjects are just a few reasons why I carried on with Science subjects through till Year 13".
Matt Sung, Year 13
“I think Science is the best subject because I learned so much new stuff and interesting facts. We got to do a lot of really cool experiments, plus there was never a class without fun!”
Emma He, Year 9