Science

Science helps us understand the world we live in—and how to improve it. At Rangitoto College, we aim to develop students’ scientific skills through hands-on experiments while fostering a strong foundation for academic excellence.

In Years 9 and 10, Science is taught to all students. The course covers core disciplines—Biology, Chemistry, and Physics—alongside Geology and Astronomy. Our aim is to make Science exciting and engaging, while building strong communication skills and subject knowledge to help students excel.

In Year 11, students continue with a general Science course that includes Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. Students who demonstrate high achievement in Year 10 may be offered an extension class to deepen their understanding and challenge their thinking.

At the end of Year 11, students can choose to continue their studies through either the NCEA or International Baccalaureate pathways. From Level 2, students may specialise in individual sciences such as Physics, Chemistry, or Biology.

We offer the following Science courses:

Level 1 Science – Chemistry, Physics, and Biology
Level 2 – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and General Science
Level 3 – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and General Science

Biology is interesting because it shows me the miraculous way every tiny cell functions and works together to form a living organism. Throughout human evolution, we have developed wisdom and now we have changed the world with technological advances. Along with learning about the way the human body functions, we learn about the organisms that live around us and how they maintain a delicate balance in nature. This makes Biology comprehensive and enjoyable. I would like to continue studying Biology in the future and pursue it as a career, furthering my understanding of the study of life.

- Sun Lam, Year 12 student

Peter Stewart

Bachelor of Science Auckland University

I entered teaching in my 30s and have stayed due to the challenge and satisfaction in helping students succeed. In this time I have received the Prime Minister’s Science teacher prize, been nominated for New Zealander of the year, and received a Woolf Fisher scholarship. We are all curious about the world we live in and I enjoy teaching students about it.

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Science helps us understand the world we live in—and how to improve it. At Rangitoto College, we aim to develop students’ scientific skills through hands-on experiments while fostering a strong foundation for academic excellence.

- Sun Lam, Year 12 student

Peter Stewart