Chemistry The year began with a review of
studying Physics. Examination results from 2019 were solid, continuing the excellent results of previous years. The Covid-19 lockdown saw us complete internal assessments and, with a re-jig of course order, both students and staff returned to school without having lost too much ground. This was evidenced by the excellent NCEA examination results our students achieved at the end of the year. Another accomplishment was the success of the two students who gained Scholarship Physics: John- Paul Lay and Matthew Gibb. Four students attempted the examination out of eight students who undertook the voluntary programme of study run by teacher Victor Sue-Tang. The Learning Support department continues to be invaluable, as without it those students would not be able to do as well. The classroom environment has already been adapted to facilitate supported learning, with the installation of group-oriented task desks. Current pedagogy where the teacher is more of “a guide on the side” than “a sage on the stage” is proving effective, and students are encouraged to work collaboratively. This technique encourages development of the skills that are essential to students after they leave school. The department continues to provide a varied contextual content selection with as many practical activities and experiments to augment the learning as possible. As society gets more and more technology based the study of physics becomes even more relevant for an increasing number of lucrative and interesting careers. General Science and Earth & Space Science 2020 has been a big year for sciences outside of the traditional subjects. Earth & Space Science at Levels 2 and 3 continues under the expert teaching of Dr Anna Johnston, providing an engaging and practical approach to the study of science at College. The Level 1 General Science course, under the instruction of teachers Emily Priest and Callum Bell, has seen another year of
growth, and is set for record numbers of students in 2021. Psychology has been yet another subject in the sciences offered in 2020, taught at Level 2 by Callum Bell, and has been a success in its inaugural year. Enrolments for 2021 at Levels 2 and 3 have been strong, indicating that the subject will only continue to grow as it migrates into the social sciences next year.
2019 NZQA Scholarship results, with successful outcomes for students Finn Brokenshire, Nicholas Lidstone, and Max Surveyor. All three worked hard during the previous year to achieve this outcome and will take their place on the honours board outside C1 and C2. Due to Covid-19, Term 1 ended abruptly with the issuing of textbooks, setting up of online resources, and words of wisdom, before the students departed for lockdown. During lockdown, we utilised online resources such as YouTube, Bestchoice, and recorded presentations, to communicate and educate the students from a distance. Progression was not impeded significantly and, once face- to-face classes resumed, learning continued with lots of experiments in the laboratory and great progress amongst the students. A number of boys had begun the Olympiad training programme over the 2019–20 summer and prior to lockdown had sat the camp selection examination. Year 13 students Matthew Gibb and John-Paul Lay were picked for this camp opportunity, which was an outstanding achievement as only 25– 30 students nationwide get selected each year. Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, the camp was cancelled. While the top Year 13 students continued extending themselves with weekly Scholarship training sessions, the later part of the year saw the 2021 Olympiad selection examination give recognition to the Year 12 cohort, with a gold award presented to Scott Cranstone, silver awards to Jack Belcher, Jonathan Huo, Hanjun Kim and Janindu Pahalawatta, and a bronze award to Kosei Oikawa. The Australian National Chemistry Quiz and the Year 7 Science Competition were both cancelled this year. There were no significant changes to Chemistry staffing, but we appreciated the support of teacher Callum Bell, who taught a Year 10 class for the first time. Physics The year started with stable staffing and improved numbers of students
Graeme Swanson HoD Biology Scott Franklin HoD Chemistry Dr David Newton
HoD Physics Callum Bell TiC General Science and Earth & Space Science TECHNOLOGY Without doubt, 2020 was a difficult year for all. However, learning continued for Technology staff and students both throughout and after lockdown. It was great to hear stories of boys and staff taking advantage of the remote learning environment to focus on developing design and development stages of individual projects, and to hone their skills from afar. We must congratulate ourselves for persevering and coming together to complete a successful year of teaching and learning despite the circumstances. Materials Technology and Mechanical Engineering This year, students were able to experience a range of hands-on technological practice in Materials Technology and Mechanical Engineering courses. Our class and student numbers continue to grow, reflecting a renewed passion and interest in technology education. All Year 9 students had time in the workshops developing skills using a range of materials, tools and machinery, as well as general workshop safety and design. Year 10 students experienced a more practical programme focused on the design and development of both set and custom
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Christ’s College Canterbury
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