Science – Pūtaiao

Wadestown School places a high level of importance on the teaching and learning of science, with an emphasis on practical, hands-on experimentation. Engaging science programmes progressively build scientific skills and knowledge all the way from Year 1 through to Year 8. Intrigue and excitement encourage student participation as students develop their observational and processing skills.

These experiences and learning are recorded in a specific Science Journal that they build on from Year 1 right through to Year 8.

In Years 7 and 8 all students complete a Science Fair project, with supported guidance and dedicated in-class time. The best of these progress to the NIWA Regional Science Fair competition where Wadestown School has had considerable success.

Wadestown Primary School Shines at NIWA Science Fair

We are thrilled to share the outstanding success of our students at the recent NIWA Wellington Science and Technology Fair, where Wadestown Primary School proudly brought home an impressive 19 prizes! This remarkable achievement highlights the talent of our students, who have embraced the spirit of scientific inquiry with enthusiasm. It is also a testament to the dedication of our teachers, who have been instrumental in guiding and nurturing student curiosity.

The NIWA Science Fair is a prestigious event that welcomes students from across the Wellington region, offering them a platform to explore, experiment, and present their findings on a diverse range of scientific topics. 

Our students have truly outdone themselves this year. Winning 19 prizes at the NIWA Science Fair is no small feat, and it reflects the enthusiasm and passion for learning that is nurtured here at Wadestown Primary. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of our students who participated.

Our students presented projects that spanned a wide range of scientific disciplines, from environmental science to technology, showcasing their diverse interests and expertise. Notable projects included:

Our list of achievements is as follows:

Achievement Title Student Project Title
Hugh D Gordon Memorial Prize Charlotte Robinson Weed Wacker
Engineering New Zealand Hugo Jones Foiled: Is your Wi-Fi fast or last?
NZ Association of Optometrists – Wellington Branch Lachlan Best An ‘Eye-Catching’ Science Fair
The Joint Centre for Disaster Research (Massey University/GNS Science) Lucy Santure Shaky Supply
Engineering New Zealand Rosa Glennie The Insulate Debate
The School of Mathematics and Statistics at Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Sam Griffiths Are Dice Truly Random?
Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Faculty of Education Seri Tietjens Rotten to the Core
The Institute for Environmental Science (ESR) Seri Tietjens Rotten to the Core
Engineering New Zealand Sylvia Palmer Don’t Waste Your Energy
New Zealand Institute of Chemistry Sylvia Palmer Don’t Waste Your Energy
Doreen Gates Memorial Prize Thomas Taylor Battle of the Masks
Fourth in Class 2 Thomas Taylor Battle of the Masks

Special Mentions for Students Receiving “Highly Commended”:

Student Project Title
Charlotte Robinson Weed Wacker
Connor Shrapnell Distraction Reaction
Ishan Hota The Ping Test
Jacob Williams Colour Me Surprised
Lachlan Best An ‘Eye-Catching’ Science Fair
Rosa Glennie The Insulate Debate
Zara Delahunty Will it Slip?

The projects impressed the judges with their originality, scientific rigor, and real-world applications.

Wadestown Primary School is known for its supportive and nurturing educational environment, where students are encouraged to think critically and creatively. This success at the NIWA Science Fair reflects our ongoing commitment to providing a well-rounded education that prepares our students to excel in all areas of life.