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CLUSTERS

Where science teachers meet to share ideas and grow together

 Champagne Pool - Rotorua | Adobe Stock

What is a cluster meeting?

A cluster meeting is a professional learning workshop for teachers of the same, or similar, learning area. They are typically organised by local teachers outside of routine school responsibilities; they serve as networking opportunities as well as a means of sharing practice and insights.

All science teachers, including student teachers,
are welcome to Bay Science cluster meetings.

2025 Cluster #1
Cluster #1 2025 | Pāpāmoa College

This cluster is currently being planned.

Please get in touch with Lian Soh to receive an invitation to this cluster at the soonest available moment, including Bay Science newsletters:

info@bayscience.nz
 

Image: Pāpāmoa Beach | Adobe Stock

2024 Cluster #4
Cluster #4 2024 | Te Aroha College

Linda Haycock (NZASE) journeys around Aotearoa New Zealand updating kaiako on all the impending updates coming to NCEA Level 1 in 2025.

Image: Te Aroha Mountain Gold Mining Track | Adobe Stock

Cluster #3 2024
Cluster #3 2024 | Mount Maunganui College
  • Reflected on the implementation of NCEA Level 1 with Lian Soh (NZASE) and examined the similarities and differences between 2024 and 2025 documentation.

  • Linda Haycock (NZASE) joined via Google Meets and fielded questions from individuals and groups.

  • ​Mat Synge (Physical World Specialist) presented a session on Level 2 electrostatic demonstrations using PASCO gear for RC, RL and RLC and discuss common misconceptions.

  • Afternoon tea provided by NZIP, NZASE and LearnWell New Zealand. Attendees rated the Cheesecake Shop carrot cakes and passionfruit cheesecakes very highly.

Image: Mauao | Adobe Stock

Cluster #2 2024
Cluster #2 2024 | Taupo-nui-a-tia College
  • Linda Haycock (NZASE) created and shared resource material related to the NCEA Level 1 Science externals (Features S1.3 and Claims S1.4).

Image: Mountains over Lake Taupo | Adobe Stock

Cluster #1 2024
Cluster #1 2024 | Pāpāmoa College
  • Lian Soh (NZASE) organises a networking opportunity for science teachers in the Bay of Plenty region.

  • Subject association representation via Jim Critchley (ESSENZ), Holly Wilson (BEANZ), Mat Synge (NZIP), Vicki Wallace (BEANZ) and Lian Soh (NZASE, SCENZ) who shared where to find association-specific resources.

  • NCEA Implementation Facilitators (Linda Haycock and Paula Calver) were available for one-on-one and small groups for questioning.

  • Celebrated the achievements of Mount Maunganui College, Luca Ririnui, who received a big cheque from LearnWell to fund his Biology Olympiad travels - Luca has since received a bronze medal.

Image: Pāpāmoa Beach | Adobe Stock

"Teachers need more science-focussed time in their pre-service education and, when teaching, opportunities to engage in quality science professional learning facilitated by knowledgable science educators"
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