Science and Technology Academy
The Academy of Science and Technology (Scitech) is one of two new academies established in 2011. The Academy of Science and Technology aims to advance learning in science and technology by:
• encouraging students to develop knowledge and skills for investigating the living, physical, material, and technological components of their environment in scientific ways.
• understanding that science and technology is used to explain everyday and unfamiliar phenomena and people are influenced by it.
• helping students to explore issues and to use science and technological processes to further develop their understanding .
• developing students’ understanding of the different careers that relate to Science and Technology.
19.5% of the school population applied for a position in the academy. 14% of the school population were successful in gaining entry into the academy. The academy offers two separate programmes for the Year 7 and Year8. Initially the programmes being offered were for weekly 90 minutes sessions. However student voice has been listened to and extended to weekly 120 minute sessions.
There are 28 Year 7 participating in the programme. The Year 7 students will be studying programmes including electricity, bridges and a fresh water programme.
There are 40 Year 8 students in the academy programme. The programme is divided into two module of approximately 14 weeks. The first module offers three different programmes: Robotics, Design Technology and a Scitech programme. The second module have an Electronics programme and a ‘Rockets’ programme.
The students within the academy may have the opportunity to involved with a Friendly Whio/ Freshwater Study at the National Trout Centre in Turangi, visits to the Faraday Centre, participate in the Bernina Sewing Competition or the HB Robocup competition.
A three day science camp is being held from July 18-20 at Hastings Intermediate. It is a day camp only. The students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of science activities based around the theme ‘Our Changing World’. The students will also participate in some technology challenges, a science careers expo and a series of field trips exploring ‘Science in Action’.