KAUPAPA
Connecting science educators in the Bay of Plenty
Pāpāmoa Beach| Adobe Stock
Currently serving 149 science teachers and educators from 58 schools and organisations
In the Bay of Plenty, science education is a team effort - shaped by whānau, peers, kaiako, and the many organisations working in our rohe. Bay Science is the hub where we recognise and celebrate all of those unique teams, while also recognising we are connected by shared goals and aspirations.
Our objectives are to:
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Connect science educators with local organisations to create and find opportunities where ākonga, whānau and kaiako can engage with science experiences.
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Communicate with organisations such as the Ministry of Education, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, regional and national subject associations, and various educator organisations to seek a range of inclusive professional learning opportunities and to work towards ways for our kaiako to be involved in national conversations related to the curriculum refresh and NCEA.
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Celebrate the achievements of ākonga, and initiatives by kaiako/organisations who are passionate about supporting rangatahi, by providing a platform to showcase their success stories and whakaaro.
People
Bay Science is currently supported by a team of volunteers, many of whom are full-time kaiako.
Lian Soh
Lian is Co-Director of Bay Science. He is a chemistry teacher in Pāpāmoa and also supports the region through his role at the New Zealand Association of Science Educators (NZASE), Secondary Chemistry Educators NZ (SCENZ) and Empower Kaiako for Equity Aotearoa (Empower KEA)
Contact: info@bayscience.nz
Vicki Wallace
Vicki is a biology teacher in Mount Maunganui and supports the region through her role as a local representative for the Biology Educators of Aotearoa NZ (BEANZ) national subject association. Vicki is also a Co-Director of Bay Science.
Contact: vicki@bayscience.nz
Whaea Tania Jackson
Whaea Tania is a languages teacher who is fluent in both Te Reo Māori and Japanese. She also has a professional background in science and teaches intermediate science in Pāpāmoa. Whaea Tania supports local kaiako by sharing her understanding of knowledge systems, as well as through her role at the Tauranga Moana Māori Teacher's Association.
Contact: tjackson@papamoacollege.school.nz
Jim Critchley
Jim is a teacher of Earth and Space Science in Mount Maunganui. He is also highly connected to various science-related organisations and scientists in Aotearoa. Jim supports local kaiako through his role as a representative for Earth and Space Science Educators NZ.
Contact: jimc@mmc.school.nz
Mat Synge
Mat is a physics teacher in the Tauranga region. He is actively involved at the education arm of the New Zealand Institute of Physics (NZIP) where he supports local kaiako as a regional representative.
Contact: msynge@aquinas.school.nz