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Clusters

CLUSTER HUI

Where Science Teachers Learn and Grow Together

What are Cluster Hui?

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.

Kaiako of all year levels, and student teachers, are welcome to Cluster Hui.

Teachers and facilitators networking during a Bay Science cluster hui at Mount Maunganui College staffroom
Cluster #3 2025 | Mount Maunganui College

By: Bay Science
On Wednesday 10th of September, Bay Science hosted its most popular cluster hui yet at Mount Maunganui College, bringing together kaiako, organisations, and subject association representatives in preparation for Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā Mātauranga Māori and Science Design Fair 2026.

Image: Mount Maunganui College Staffroom | Lian Soh

Coastal view near Whakatāne representing the location of a Bay Science and NZASE teacher cluster at Whakatāne High School
Cluster #2 2025 | Whakatāne High School

By: NZASE
The second cluster of 2025 was organised by Linda Haycock (NZASE) and took place at Whakatāne High School. The session included a focus on numeracy as well as a set of resources about drones, suitable for S1.2 and PESS 1.2.

NZASE and Bay Science would like to thank LearnWell for their continued and consistent sponsorship which has allowed for cluster PLD in the Bay of Plenty since 2024.

Image: Whale Island and Statue | Adobe Stock

Pāpāmoa Beach on the Bay of Plenty coast, reflecting the local setting of a Bay Science teacher cluster at Pāpāmoa College
Cluster #1 2025 | Pāpāmoa College

By: Bay Science
In this cluster, HoDs and teachers of NCEA Level 1 Science work towards an improved and cohesive understanding of NCEA Level 1 assessment requirements.
 
Lian Soh walked through the finer details of Explanatory Note 1 and shared external moderation comments that were collated by Linda Haycock (NZASE) for those who missed the Waikato workshop; Lian also produced a side-by-side comparison of Expected Student Responses for CB1.2 (Chemical Reactions in Context).

HoDs and school representatives discussed the practicalities of setting up an index of contact details to invite schools to talk to each other to share expertise.

Afternoon tea, freebies and prizes were provided by LearnWell New Zealand.

Image: Pāpāmoa Beach | Adobe Stock

Historic bush tramway near Te Aroha, representing the regional setting of a NZASE teacher cluster at Te Aroha College
Cluster #4 2024 | Te Aroha College

By: NZASE
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

Aerial view of Mauao at Mount Maunganui, symbolising the location of a Bay Science teacher cluster at Mount Maunganui College
Cluster #3 2024 | Mount Maunganui College

By: Bay Science
 

  • 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

Lake Taupō with surrounding mountains, representing the regional context of a NZASE teacher cluster at Taupo-nui-a-Tia Colleg
Cluster #2 2024 | Taupo-nui-a-tia College

By: NZASE

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

Sunset view at Pāpāmoa Beach, reflecting the local setting of a Bay Science teacher networking cluster at Pāpāmoa College
Cluster #1 2024 | Pāpāmoa College

By: Bay Science

  • 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

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© 2025 Lian Soh and Vicki Alderson-Wallace

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