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De La Salle College
Science Faculty Report 2014
“INSPIRING THE IMAGINATION AND SEEKING NEW HEIGHTS”
Teacher Class Allocation 2014
Head of Faculty: Mr. Kane Raukura Assistant Head of Faculty: Mr. Ajinesh Kumar Staffing: Total number of staff in faculty 12 (4 full time, 8 part time Science) Year level Classes for 2011 Staff
7 7W 7G 7R 7B
Vicky Kasipale Brendan Doogan Brendan Doogan Elena Olive
8 8W 8G 8R 8B
Jeane Miranda Daya Naidoo Jeane Miranda Lynette Hayes
9 9B 9M 9Y 9G 9W 9R
Jeane Miranda Amzad Hussain Amzad Hussain Ajinesh Kumar Ajinesh Kumar Jeane Miranda
10 10W & 10R 10G & 10Y 10B 10M
Jeane Miranda Amzad Hussain Urmila Verma Peter Ravela
11 11 SCI102 11SCI102 11 SCI102 11 SCI101 11 SCI101
Jeane Miranda Peter Ravela Amzad Hussain Kane Raukura Urmila Verma
12 12 Physical Science 12 Biology 12 Chemistry 12 Physics
Ajinesh Kumar Kane Raukura Kane Raukura Ajinesh Kumar
13 13 Biology 13 Chemistry 13 Physics
Amzad Hussain Kane Raukura Ajinesh Kumar
2014 Full Time Science Staff – Who are we? (Names to faces to jobs)
Kane Raukura – HoF TIC Senior Chemistry Senior Biology Advanced Science
Ajinesh Kumar – Assistant HoF TIC Senior Physics TIC Earth and Space Science TIC Junior Science
Amzad Hussain TIC Senior Biology Senior Science Junior Science
Urmila Verma – SCT Junior Science Science Fair Co-ordinator
Jeane Miranda Senior Science Junior Science
Peter Ravela – Y11 Dean Junior Science Senior Science
Lotu Ufi Senior and Junior Science Technician Laboratory Manager
All other Science Faculty Staff are part-timers. They belong to multiple faculties and many are Year 7 and Year 8 Homeroom teachers. They are not permanent faculty members, but are invaluable. Their contribution and enthusiasm for teaching science to the junior students spills over into pupils opting for science in the senior college. I would like to continue to acknowledge their wonderful contribution to our faculty.
General “Inspiring the imagination and seeking new heights” – all faculty members continue to have at the forefront of their teaching and planning this vision statement. We hope as science staff to inspire students in science and to give them the necessary tools and encouragement to pursue science as a future career choice / path. All Schemes of Work are in a continual process of reflection, renewal and adjustment. To date for 2014, nearly half of all Year 9 and 10 material has been adapted to dovetail in with the new science textbook being utilised called SciPAD. This is important, as students in Year 11 have now also transferred to this new textbook publisher. So for continuity and for the students benefit we have made the appropriate changes. Course content adjusted in 2012 to ensure the inclusion of units that contain aspects of “sustainability” have gone extremely well in the Junior School with the classes currently competing this year in a “The Sustainability Garden Science X-Factor : Green is Good!” Unit planning at NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3 has also been completed to match the NZC realignment and as a faculty we are still adjusting yearly as necessary to meet the needs of the student body.
As was mooted in 2013, the work around the school creek clean-up has begun, with major meetings held with Auckland City Council and Waicare. A new planting plan is being established for native trees and a possible wetland. In additional, Waicare will be providing the resources and testing kits to allow student monitoring of the water quality on a monthly basis that will be reported to the student body and wider community. We are hoping that this will also spark some responsible social action ideas from the students in the future and encourage some excellent critical thinking and engagement. Acknowledgment and thanks is made to Mr. Doogan and Mr. Kumar for leading these initiatives. In regards to critical thinking, this has been a school wide goal for 2014. To ensure that this goal was met by the Science Faculty, a booklet of Science Critical Thinking Skills was compiled that was suitable for
utilisation across the faculty and at various year levels. Every staff member has been completing a chosen exercise or activity from this booklet once per week for every class they teach. This has been checked as part of the Science Faculty Appraisal Process. With the help of the BoT, some major purchases have occurred in the Science Faculty over the last 18 months. I would like to express my thanks for your support of the students, Sciences, the Faculty and staff. We have now purchased a class set of iPad 4 devices and sync stations. These are now waiting for installation after the SNUP process has been completed throughout the College.
Students selecting science and senior science subjects at De La Salle College continues to grow. 2014 has seen 3 General Science Classes and 2 Advanced Science Class at Year 11 as we have finally and thankfully gone to compulsory science at NCEA Level 1. This change will open many doors for students who had previously opted out of science and then found at a later date that a possible career option was no longer available because of poor planning carried out in Year 10. This increased number of students is fantastic but is going to have major implications in years to come with:
Class size issues
Number of classes required at Year 11, 12 and 13
Staffing requirements
Rooms and resources
I ask for the Boards continued support and help with the growth of the faculty as we go forward into very exciting times. Addressing these issues will be essential in assuring the continued success of the faculty and its effective delivery to the students it serves. In regards to help, the support of the Liggins Institute, Health Could B4 U, AUT, Unitec and Rotary International, continues to benefit the Science Faculty and our students immensely. The Scitech Programme run by Unitec provides the boys with insight, motivation and passion, and it really hooks them into future science careers. The recent term break saw 7 of our Year 11’s at Scitech fully participating and returning to school just abuzz with ideas and the joy of science. To also further assist and enable our science students as much as possible, Term 3 and 4 will see Science Faculty Staff volunteering their lunchtimes to provide extra tutorials and help for struggling students and some extra push for the highfliers. We see this sacrifice of our time as necessary and wish our young-men to have gained all the same opportunities as any other New Zealand student. I would also like to think, that as Lasallian Teachers we just “love” them that little bit more!
Basic composition of Science Education at De La Salle College 2014 Science – Year 7 and Year 8 Science is compulsory for students in our intermediate school, and classes are currently timetabled for 5 lessons of Science in a two week cycle. Teachers in the Junior School can book the use of a laboratory when required. Topics covered are varied and are designed to encourage the student’s interest and enthusiasm for science. Topics at this level are: Year 7 - Flotation, Weather, Light, Geology, Micro Animals, Sustainability and Home Chemistry. Year 8 - Introduction to Science, Native Trees, Separation, Energy, Sustainability, Rocky Shore and Forces.
Science – Year 9 and Year 10
Science is compulsory for all students in Years 9 and 10, and classes are currently timetabled for 6 lessons in every two week cycle. Emphasis at this level is placed on extensive practical work. The ability to develop and carry out fair scientific tests and to correctly operate in the laboratory forms the core at this level. Topics covered at this level are: Year 9 - Introduction, Botany, Ecology, Food and Digestion, Matter, Astronomy, Waves and Energy. Year 10 - Medical Science, Genetics and Evolution, Atomic Structure, Acids and Bases, Metallurgy, Forces and Motion, Electricity, Earth Science.
Science – Year 11 Science is now compulsory for students at this level from this year (2014). Here students focus on the new Level 1 Achievement Standards introduced with the realignment of the NZC that cover the core areas of Biology, Physics and Chemistry. There are two different class streams, SCI101 (Advanced Science) and SCI102 (General Science). All classes do the same standards bar a change with one internal and one extra in the Advanced Science stream. Advanced Science is more academically demanding and has successfully run now for 7 years (previously called Physical Science). Students that do Year 11 Science have classes daily bar one weekly cycle were a double period is timetabled. They tackle the main standards that encompass the core topics of Chemistry, Physics and Biology. Science – Year 12 and Year 13 At this level Science subjects are separated into individual areas of study – Biology, Physics, Chemistry and the new Earth and Space Science at Level 2 (named Physical Science in 2014 with slight adjustments due to small numbers). All classes are assessed purely with NCEA Achievement Standards. There is one class of Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Earth and Space Science (E.S.S. on hold in 2014) at Level 2 and Level 3. Classes are timetabled for 5 lessons per week. All courses have a very academic focus with the aim that students in Year 13 are well prepared for tertiary level study. The mix of internal assessment to external assessment is approximately equal across all these courses.
Variance Report – NCEA 2008-2013 Academic Years General Science / Earth and Space Science
Level 1
Level 2 New Course introduced in 2012 to meet the demands of the NZ Curriculum Re-Alignment
Comments: Internal results in 2013 on par with both Decile 1-3 and National pass rates which is pleasing. 2013 external pass rates now above comparable Decile 1-3 and approximately 11% below the National Average. So the gap has closed significantly in 2013. 2014 will be an interesting year for results as the entire cohort will now be tested in NCEA Level 1 Science.
Comments: Please note: no national statistics for internals for 2012-2013 were available at the time of writing this report. External results for this new course are extremely exciting. DLS has tracked miles ahead of comparable Decile 1-3 schools and is also ahead of the National Average. Congratulations to Mr. Ajinesh Kumar (Assistant HoF) who has taken this new course on with passion and enthusiasm.
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DLS Decile 1-3 National
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Level 1 Science Internals (Pass rate)
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
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DLS Decile 1-3 National
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Level 1 Science Externals (Pass rate)
2008
2009
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2011
2012
2013
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DLS
Decile 1-3
National
2013 Level 1 Science Comparison
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DLS Decile 1-3 National
%
Level 2 Earth and Space Science Externals (Pass rate)
2012
2013
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DLS
Decile 1-3
National
2013 Level 2 Earth and Space Science Comparison
N
A
M
E
Level 3 New Course introduced in 2013 to meet the demands of the NZ Curriculum Re-Alignment
Comments: This course was introduced in 2013, so the results displayed are for the first year of its occurrence. Generally, results have tracked well and the successful students from the 2012 ESS Course have continued their good efforts. Internals track well against National and externals above both the Decile 1-3 and National Averages. Also pleasing is the higher number of actual “Excellence” level grades as shown to the left.
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DLS
Decile 1-3
National
2013 Level 3 Earth and Space Science Comparison
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DLS Decile 1-3 National
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Level 3 Earth and Space Science Externals (Pass rate)
2013
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DLS Decile 1-3 National
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Level 3 Earth and Space Science Internals (Pass rate)
2013
Chemistry
Level 1
Level 2
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DLS Decile 1-3 National
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Level 1 Chemistry Internals (Pass rate)
2011
2012
2013
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DLS Decile 1-3 National
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Level 2 Chemistry Internals (Pass rate)
2008
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2011
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20130
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DLS Decile 1-3 National
%
Level 2 Chemistry Externals (Pass rate)
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
0% 50% 100%
DLS
Decile 1-3
National
2013 Level 2 Chemistry Comparison
N
A
M
E
Comments: Note – there are no Level 1 Chemistry domain externals sat at DLS College. The course requirements are met by the chemistry standards under general science. Internal grades in the Level 1 chemistry standards continue to track extremely well in the third year of implementation. DLS tracks above both Decile 1-3 and National averages.
Comments: Level 2 Chemistry continues to perform extremely well and is above both Decile 1-3 and National pass rates. This is reflected with both internals and externals which is very pleasing. A continued focus is the shortening of the tail end and increasing our number of “E” grades. Note: 2012 saw the introduction of the new course aligned with the new NZC. It is apparent, that even with the subsequent course changes, no actual adverse effects have been observed.
Level 3
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DLS Decile 1-3 National
%
Level 3 Chemistry Internals (Pass rate)
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Comments: Internal grades for 2013 are tracking above comparable Decile 1-3 schools and are only 2.5% below the National pass rates. External results tracked exceptionally well in 2013! 20.3% above comparable Decile 1-3 schools and only a very minor 0.9% below the National Average! Solid and pleasing results for this 2013 cohort.
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DLS Decile 1-3 National
%
Level 3 Chemisty Externals (Pass rate)
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
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DLS
Decile 1-3
National
2013 Level 3 Chemistry Comparison
N
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M
E
Biology
Level 2
Level 3
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DLS Decile 1-3 National
%
Level 2 Biology Internals (Pass rate)
2008
2009
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2013
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DLS
Decile 1-3
National
2013 Level 2 Biology Comparison
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DLS Decile 1-3 National
%
Level 3 Biology Internals (Pass rate)
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Comments: Level 2 Biology continues to perform exceptionally well above both Decile 1-3 and National pass rates. This is reflected with internals and externals. With external grades even gaining on 2012! Note: The class of 2014 is even stronger, so I am looking forward to this year’s results.
Comments: Level 3 Biology internals continue to track well against comparable Decile 1-3 and the National Average. 2013 has seen significant improvement with external grades. With results for the year now tracking higher than other Decile 1-3. Very pleasing was the percentage of actual “E” level grades that were higher than the National Average.
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DLS Decile 1-3 National
%
Level 2 Biology Externals (Pass rate)
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
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DLS Decile 1-3 National
%
Level 3 Biology Externals (Pass rate)
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
DLS
Decile 1-3
National
2013 Level 3 Biology Comparison
N
A
M
E
Physics
Level 2
Level 3
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DLS Decile 1-3 National
%
Level 2 Physics Internals (Pass rate)
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
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DLS
Decile 1-3
National
2013 Level 2 Physics Comparison
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A
M
E
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DLS Decile 1-3 National
%
Level 3 Physics Internals (Pass rate)
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Comments: Our Level 2 students continue to do well with internal grades tracking favourably alongside Decile 1-3 (DLS is 13.7% higher) and is also above the National average. External grades have generally tracked higher than Decile 1-3, but trail by about 18% behind the National pass rates. Increasing our overall pass rate is a number one priority in Physics. One of the largest hurdles has been the poor maths skills that students arrive with. Lack of algebra has been an issue and this has been addressed by the Maths Faculty.
Comments: Level 3 Physic internal grades have had a good improvement over the 2012 results. External results though continue to be problematic. Poor core maths and scientific literacy has been one factor that the TIC Physics is working hard to resolve. A lack of motivation in this rigorous subject has also been evident. Extra student tutorials have already begun to assist in lifting these grades.
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DLS Decile 1-3 National
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Level 2 Physics Externals (Pass rate)
2008
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2010
2011
2012
2013
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DLS Decile 1-3 National
%
Level 3 Physics Externals (Pass rate)
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
DLS
Decile 1-3
National
2013 Level 3 Physics Comparison
N
A
M
E
2013 Academic Year
Summary of Science Faculty Performance for External Examinations
Subject Area Level DLS Vs. Decile 1-3
(% difference)
Performance Indicator
DLS Vs. National
(% difference)
Performance Indicator
General Science 1 3.8 14.3
Chemistry 2 21.3 2.9
3 20.3 0.9
Biology 2 25.2 6.7
3 6.6 10
Physics 2 0.1 18.7
3 19.7 39.1
Earth & Space Science
2 47.4 16.1
3 38.1 8.4
Areas of Concern In general, subjects tracking behind the National pass rates are not significantly behind when compared to other Decile 1-3 schools. In some cases De La Salle College is way ahead (Level 2 Biology / Chemistry and Earth and Space Science (Level 2 and 3) are ahead of Decile 1-3 and the National Average!). Level 3 Biology external results continue to be a focus but good improvements are now being seen. Physics was a highlighted concern at the last BoT report and continues to be a focus in the faculty. The TIC is working closely with the students and trying multiple strategies to assist. Two issues continue to be apparent with Level 3 Biology and Physics that are affecting the student’s grades:
In Biology – the student’s literacy level and being able to fully express themselves.
In Physics – the weak mathematics ability of many enrolling in Physics.
Extra tuition and discussions with other Faculties towards addressing these issues have been occurring regularly throughout 2014.
Strategic Direction 2012 – 2015
WIP – Work in Progress CMP - Completed
Year 7 and 8
to develop the grounding essential to further study after intermediate and with the correct science ideas and literacy language essential for further science study. WIP
to introduce students to new science concepts that bridge all the strands as found in the new New Zealand Curriculum Document, especially the Nature of Science Strand. WIP
to develop the sustainability units and use of the sustainability garden (with a focus on becoming an enviro-school). CMP
Year 9 and 10
to prepare students for Level One NCEA with programmes that introduce concepts that lead onto further study in the senior school and strengthen general science literacy. CMP
to allow students to develop their understanding of the material, physical and biological world around them, and to understand the nature of science, regardless of whether they continue in science study or not. WIP
to introduce units associated with sustainability that tie into the new Y7 and Y8 introduced over 2011. CMP
To re-vamp particular units focused around the Earth and Space. To make tangible links to the new courses of ESS introduced in Y12 2012 and Y13 2013. CMP
Year 11, 12 and 13
to prepare students for NCEA Examinations in the fields of General Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Earth and Space Science. WIP
to provide access to up-to-date programmes in line with the new NZC, assessments and procedures that give all students, regardless of ability, the option of continuing study in the sciences. CMP
to provide the support necessary to allow all science students to cope with the language and nomenclature as presented in external examinations (strong literacy focus). WIP
(1) To increase pass rate in NCEA Level Classes (1-3) by 10%
TARGET ACTION RESPONSIBLE TIME
To increase by 10% the number of students passing in level 1-3 enrolled in science courses at De La Salle College
To scaffold all tasks and to unpack
language to allow students to
easier access requirements of
each standard.
To encourage the use of
exemplars by all staff and observe
this occurring and track.
To ensure students have
adequate access to resources and
all opportunities available to aid
learning.
TIC each subject area HOF Science / TIC HOF Science / TIC
Ongoing through T1-4 Ongoing through T1-4 Ongoing through T1-4
To lift the level of pass into the Merit and Excellence Level for a greater range of students
To provide sufficient
differentiation to enable capable
students to reach their full
potential.
TIC each subject area
Ongoing through T1-4
(2) To provide a science course to Year 7-10 that caters for all students, is resourced with units for staff
and that reflects good principles of differentiated learning
TARGET ACTION RESPONSIBLE TIME
To review all units that were completed and trialled in 2011 and ensure differentiation ideas are being utilised. To provide students with unique science opportunities and activities that sell them science and inspire them to continue in the field
To look at each unit created from
Y7 to Y10 and look at tasks and
their appropriateness and
adaptability for differentiated
teaching.
To bring together reviewed
information and discuss any
changes necessary.
To implement changes and re-
trial lessons with classes as each
opportunity arises.
2014 SECOND COMPLETE
REVIEW NOW IN PROGRESS –
WIP
To give all students regular
practical / laboratory activities
(hands-on).
To provide EOTC opportunities
that expand and open student’s
minds in relation to science
understanding.
TIC of each created unit HOF Science / TIC HOF Science / TIC / Teaching Staff TIC each subject area HOF / Ass. HOF
Ongoing through T1-4 Ongoing through T1-4 Ongoing through T1-4 Ongoing through T1-4 Ongoing through T1-4
Science Faculty Building / Room Proposal – URGENT (This proposal has been presented in 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014) The Proposal:
To acquire and re-vamp Room G8 as Biology / Chemistry Specialist Classroom.
(I believe that this can be done at minimum cost bar the essentials / gas and water is already in the
block).
To acquire and re-vamp Room G7 as Science Specialist Computer Laboratory / Earth and Space
Science Classroom.
To acquire G Block end offices as extra Science Storage and Office Space. Access door to be placed
through to G4.
(Possible solution: Move Mr. English to the Interview Room / Mr. Doyle to the end of the photocopy
room placing a wall through the centre dividing the space / Mr. Charles to shift to Lesley Hunts
office / Lesley Hunt to shift to Ajinesh Kumars office / Ajinesh would then shift to new space freed
up at end of G4)
Revamp old uniform shop – new lining, new door and carpet, decent chairs, lighting and table,
desktop networked computer. This becomes the new bookable interview room space.
HoF Science willing to seek all quotations and expenses attached to the conversion and set-up of G8
and G7.
The Rationale:
The Science Faculty is expanding and technology is changing rapidly.
The Science Faculty continues to be strongly successful and should be supported with resources to
grow and give students all they need to succeed. Frankly, the Science Faculty gets results and this
2014 Report is continued evidence of this.
Space for staff and materials is required as faculty growth continues.
Y11 now compulsory – this now compounds the issues around the Faculties already strong growth.
New Science staff to be employed in 2015 to accommodate growth / teaching space must logically
follow suit.
The Science Faculty is spread and this would help centralise and make the role of the Science
Technician easier as he serves both staff and students.
New office space would bring Science Staff more together and allow more collegiality / sharing /
mentoring.
The Request:
That the Board of Trustees fully support this proposal
That the College Principal & SMT also ratifies this proposal and supports its timely implementation
That the Board of Trustees releases the required funds to make the proposal feasible on
examination of gathered quotations and presentation of a draft building plan
Timeline for move and conversion of G8 and G7 to be earmarked asap on release of funds
