» SCIENCE

Click here for an overview of science: Mission statement Aims Curriculum Science achievements Department staff

In Science there are 6 venues which have a laboratory bench section and a lecture area. There are separate Chemistry and Physics preparation rooms in addition to a Physics and Chemistry store room.

Mission statement

We, as a team of Science teachers, strive through passionate and creative teaching with an emphasis on inquiry to install a love for and excellence in Science through relationships which foster a love of self and others.

 

Aims

These are not listed in order of priority.

The aims of a course based on this syllabus should be to:

• Provide, through well-designed studies of experimental and practical science, a worthwhile educational experience for all learners, whether or not they go on to study science beyond this level and, in particular, to enable them to acquire sufficient understanding and knowledge to:
  • become confident citizens in a technological world and able to take or develop an informed interest in matters of scientific import;
  • recognise the usefulness and limitations of scientific method and to appreciate its applicability in other disciplines and in everyday life;
  • be suitably prepared for tertiary studies in scientific and related fields.
• Develop abilities and skills that
  • are relevant to the study and practice of science;
  • are useful in coping with everyday life;
  • lead to efficient and safe practice;
  • lead to effective communication.
• Develop attitudes relevant to science such as:
  • concern for accuracy and precision;
  • objectivity;
  • integrity;
  • the skills of enquiry;
  • initiative;
  • inventiveness;
  • concern and care about the social, economic, technological and environmental effects of science.
    
• Stimulate learners and create a sustained interest in science so that the study of the subject is enjoyable and satisfying.

Curriculum

The science curriculum is available for download in Adobe Acrobat format.
  Download PDF [ 12 KB ]

 

Science achievements

» Mintek Science Quiz

• 2005 Adam Lowe and Granville Matheson were in the team who won the National Mintek Science Quiz.
  
• 2006 St John’s came second in this years regional Mintek Science Quiz.
  Carl Veller was selected as the top learner this year and will represent the school at the national finals.

» Eskom Expo for Young Scientists

• 2005 Regional Expo. Thirteen projects received medals (3 gold, 3 silver and 7 bronze)
• 2005 National Finals. Three projects received medals. St John’s also received a certificate for the school with the most consistent high standard of projects.
• 2006 Regional Expo. Fourteen projects received medals (8 silver and 6 bronze)
• 2006 National Finals. Two projects were awarded medals.
• 2007 Regional Finals. Thirteen projects received medals (2 gold, 3 silver and 8 bronze)
• 2007 National Finals. Two projects were awarded medals. Chris Grose & Jacob Kritzinger achieved silver medals for their project, “The Oscilloscope”. Sean Daly and Bradley Rautenbach achieved a gold medal with their project, “Re-use of tyres” and will represent SA at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in 2008

St John’s also received a certificate for the school with the most consistent high standard of projects.

» Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF)

• In 2005 Kieran Mace and Henk Becker were selected to represent South Africa at an international Science Expo in Arizona in the USA. They came fourth in the engineering category with their project on the continual variable gearbox. With over 200 entries in this category this is certainly a fine achievement.
• In 2007 Siya Xusa came first in his category at the ISEF with his project, “African Space”. His investigation into rocket propellants was of the highest standard and certainly an achievement which has made us all proud.

Science department staff

Warwick Taylor		Head of department – Science
		(H.O.) BSc (Witwatersrand), HdipEd
Mick Badham		BSc (Hons) (Witwatersrand), T.T.H.D
Craig Bosch		BSc (Witwatersrand), HdipEd
Roger Klement		BSc (Witwatersrand), HdipEd
Alan Thompson		M.Ed., H.D.E. (Witwatersrand)
Karien Van Schoor		BSc (RAU), H.E.D. (RAU)
Dr Colleen Henning		BSc (PhD) (Witwatersrand)