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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.
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
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
Cluster #3 2024 | Mount Maunganui College
By: Bay Science
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Reflected on the implementation of NCEA Level 1 with Lian Soh (NZASE) and examined the similarities and differences between 2024 and 2025 documentation.
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Linda Haycock (NZASE) joined via Google Meets and fielded questions from individuals and groups.
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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.
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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 #1 2024 | Pāpāmoa College
By: Bay Science
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Lian Soh (NZASE) organises a networking opportunity for science teachers in the Bay of Plenty region.
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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.
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NCEA Implementation Facilitators (Linda Haycock and Paula Calver) were available for one-on-one and small groups for questioning.
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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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