Science at The Academy
"To measure is to know." - Lord Kelvin
At The Academy, we seek to mold not just scholars but visionaries, not just scientists but stewards of a future yet to unfold.
Science at The Academy is grounded in deep fundamental knowledge and the discipline to hone important skills in measurement and analysis. We value strong content knowledge which can be recalled and articulated, aided through regular practice and exciting experiments. Our curriculum also incorporates an appreciation of the history behind important discoveries, connecting our students to the grand narrative of human inquiry and progress.
Students will observe the night sky through telescopes, investigate the geology and biology of the local environment and beyond, appreciate the physics of music and embark on journeys into the microscopic and cosmic realms, exploring the intricate physical and chemical properties of the elements that compose our universe.
"The beauty of science lies in its ability to unravel the complexity of nature and reveal its underlying order." - Rosalind Franklin
The Science curriculum has been crafted by Benjamin Himme and Tristan O'Hanlon who bring their passion and wealth of experience from the secondary and tertiary education sectors to create a world class curriculum, one that doesn't just impart knowledge but ignites a flame of intellectual curiosity. Along their science journey, our learners will engage with professional scientists, medical professionals and engineers to gain an appreciation of industry pathways and expectations.
Our middle school Science courses from Years 7 to 10 are informed by current educational research such as the Best Evidence Science Teaching project developed by the University of York Science Education Group, the Salters' Institute and the Institute of Physics The middle school programme is aligned with the Cambridge Advanced programme to ensure that our students are ready to succeed with exceptional results in this rigorous and globally recognised external assessment.
"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Isaac Newton.
Selected topics will be covered in the disciplines of:
- Physics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Astronomy
- Geology
Our students are trained to think critically about methods and data, to iterate their approach if a method fails, and to critically debate and defend their results.
Using the skills gained in our programming and electronics curriculum, students will build much of their measuring and monitoring equipment to use in their investigations and use programming methods to analyse and display their data. This integrated approach ensures that students are using the skills employed in modern Science.
From Year 11, Science branches out to focus on the sub-disciplines of Physics, Biology and Chemistry. The Year 11 subjects will involve intensive study to prepare students for the A-Level qualifications in the Cambridge Advanced programme in Years 12 and 13. Students will sit the NZQA scholarship examinations in at least one of the sciences in Year 13 and will compete in one of the national science Olympiad competitions.
"The pursuit of science is a never-ending journey into the unknown, fuelled by curiosity and guided by reason." - Neil Armstrong
Guiding Principles for Science at The Academy:
- Deep knowledge is the beginning of the journey towards meaningful action.
- Good measurement and strong analysis require, patience, discipline, and integrity.
- We apply our skills and knowledge to understand and improve our local environment.
- We can clearly articulate knowledge gained.
- We appreciate the history behind the discovery of laws and concepts taught.
- We can engage with Science as it is presented and communicated in various media. This includes being able to critically analyse sources.
"In science, there are no shortcuts to truth." - Karl Popper