Science Department

Science has been taught as a core subject in schools for many years. Previously, the focus for learning science has been acquiring a broad base of scientific knowledge, which enabled students to become scientists later in life. However, more recently, our focus has changed dramatically. It is essential for all members of a democratic society to have a basic understanding of how science operates in order to make informed decisions in everyday life. For example, it is impossible to make informed decisions about environmental issues, genetic modification or stem cell research without understanding what these controversial processes involve.

The Science Department at South Otago High School aims to develop an interest in the natural world and develop an understanding of our place within that world. In order to do this, students need some basic knowledge about different areas of science, but also a good understanding of the processes which enable this knowledge to be developed. In an age where any knowledge is available at the click of a mouse, it is much more important that students are able to find and evaluate this knowledge effectively.

Career Options

The main focus of science, particularly in Yrs 9 to 11, is to develop an understanding of scientific issues which is needed by all members of a democratic society. There are also a huge number of career paths which become available to students who have studied science. A few examples include:

Research Science, Health & Medicine, Ecology, Nuclear Physics, Farming, Engineering, Marine Biology,

Science Department Staff