Year 11 Science Core
11SCI Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mrs L. Hooks.
Entry CriteriaLevel 1 Science Core is an open entry course.
Students will be guided into the appropriate Science course based on either their Year 9 and/or Year 10 results by the HOF Science.
Students who have very high results will be offered extension through the Science Core - Extension programme (11SCIE). Students who meet the entry criteria (provisionally, a High Merit Overall level of Performance in Year 10 Science) can also extend themselves by selecting 11 Investigating Science (11SCIN) as a second option.
Please note that it is not possible to take Year 11 Investigative Science (11SCIN) without also selecting 11 Science. This ensures that students receive a broad base of Science understanding before specialisation.
Year 11 Science Core
Interested in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Space Science, or all of these? This course provides students with a rich background for all Senior Sciences, covering biological, physical and chemical concepts across a range of contexts.
Students are assessed through a variety of practical activities, group work and written examinations throughout the year. The structure of these assessments will familiarise students with the style of NCEA Level 2 assessments in Year 12.
It is strongly recommended that students wishing to study any Senior Science subject in Year 12 choose 11SCI as an option.
Students wishing to take 11 Investigative Science as an option must select 11 Science Core as well.
FAQs:
Can I still do extension sciences in Year 12 if I am only in 11 Science Core?
Yes! As long as you meet the criteria for entry into the Year 12 extension course.
Course Overview
Term 1
Physics 1 and Chemistry 1
In our first Physics topic, students will construct their own vehicle and use it to undertake practical investigations involving motion, forces and energy.
The first Chemistry topic looks at how rates of reaction can be manipulated when using acids and bases.
Term 2
Biology 1 and Chemistry 2
The first Biology topic focuses on our native forests and kauri dieback. Students will link the processes involved with photosynthesis to how the microbes can cause this disease and explain how different methods can control its spread.
In the second Chemistry topic , students study the basics of carbon chemistry and investigate how different chemical reactions, with their resulting products, can help determine the chemical composition of unknown substances.
Term 3
Biology 2
The second Biology topic looks at inheritance and genetics using our endemic Kiwi as a case study. Students will gain an understanding of the structure and function of DNA, how this information can change as it is passed on to offspring, and how these concepts affect the specific issues facing our Kiwi populations' survival.
Term 4
Physics 2
In the second Physics topic, students extend their knowledge of current electricity, looking specifically at resistance and power calculation in both series and parallel circuits. The properties of temporary and permanent magnets are studied as well as an introduction to electromagnetism and electromagnets.
Pathway
Level 2 Biology, Level 2 Chemistry, Level 2 Earth and Space Science, Level 2 Physics, Level 2 Science
Equipment/Stationery and Course CostsStudents are expected to have basic stationery:
- Workbook
- Pens and pencils
- Ruler
- Scientific calculator