Social Sciences

ACCOUNTING: 

NCEA Level 3 CODE: 3ACC

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:   11 credits from 2ACA or 9 credits from 2ACB. High achieving students who have not done 2ACA or 2ACB may take 3ACC, but should consult with the Head of Commerce before choosing this option . 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:   Students will continue their progress from Level 2 Accounting. They will develop their knowledge of the processing of financial information (for partnerships, companies and job costing), the construction of financial reports to communicate financial information and financial decision making. 

ASSESSMENT: 13 credits internally assessed, 5-9 externally assessed 

COURSE CONTRIBUTION:  $25 for workbooks purchased from school 

CLASSICAL STUDIES: 

NCEA Level 3 CODE: 3CLA


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:  12 credits from 2SSH/2HIS/2ENG 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  From a range of resources specific analytical skills will be developed. Key reference texts must be read and understood, maps and reproductions are widely used.

The course includes a study of Aristophanes’ comedy, Frogs; a study of sixteen Greek Vases, their decoration techniques and construction; a study of the life of Alexander the Great and a research topic on Alexander the Great.

ASSESSMENT:  Level 3 Achievement Standards -  the composition of internal and external assessment will vary depending on student selection of standards but a typical programme might have 18 credits.

COURSE CONTRIBUTION: Nil








ECONOMICS: 

NCEA Level 3 CODE: 3ECO

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:  NCEA Level 2 12 credits in 2ECO, including at least 8 economics credits. High achieving students who have not done the 2ECO course may also take 3ECO, but should consult with the Head of Commerce (Mr South) before choosing this option. 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This course looks at both economic theory and applied economics. It is divided into three sections;

Students who complete the course will be well prepared for stage one economics at tertiary level. Students will learn by developing a number of skills including economic analysis, statistical, investigative and policy decision making.  A variety of teaching methods are used including collaborative group tasks, simulation games, and case studies. Devices will be used extensively and structured written tasks will be completed using a write-on workbook.

ASSESSMENT:  Level 3 Achievement Standards - 5 -10 credits internally assessed, 10- 14 credits externally assessed 

COURSE CONTRIBUTION:  $40 for a write-on workbook

GEOGRAPHY: 

NCEA Level 3 CODE: 3GEO

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:  NCEA Level 2  8 credits from 2GEA/2GEB, or 12 credits from 2SSH/2BIO

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Students will learn about the interacting processes operating within our environment. Natural processes will be explored within the South Island Glacial region. Studies will be supported by a three day field trip to the Nelson Lakes National Park. Students will also explore the cultural processes of the global diamond trade and examinine the causes and potential solutions to modern day human slavery.

Students will further develop their research, mapping - including the use of GIS (a geographic information system which lets us visualise, question, analyse, and interpret spatial data), and analytical skills through investigations of current geographic issues. They will use a wide range of visual and written material to assist with their investigations.

ASSESSMENT:  Level 3 Achievement Standards - the composition of internal and external assessment will vary depending on student selection of standards but a typical programme would have 14 credits internally assessed, 4 credits externally assessed. 

COURSE CONTRIBUTION:  Approximately $380 for the Nelson Lakes National Park Field Trip.







HISTORY: 

NCEA Level 3 CODE: 3HIS

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:  NCEA Level 2 12 credits from 2HIS/2SSH/2ENG

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  The course will be based around the concept of historiography and will have a skill based approach that connects to a historical theme. From a range of resources (reference textbooks, maps, cartoons, videos) a wide range of skills will be developed. When possible, primary sources will be used to teach information gathering, analysis skills, information processing and historical propositions.

ASSESSMENT:  Level 3 Achievement Standards - the composition of internal and external assessment will vary depending on student selection of standards but a typical programme might have 15 credits internally assessed, 4 credits externally assessed. 

COURSE CONTRIBUTION:  Nil

PSYCHOLOGY: 

NCEA Level 3 CODE: 3PSY


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:  NCEA Level 2 12 credits from 2SSH/2GEO/2HIS/2BIO/2ENG

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Psychology poses questions about human issues and behaviours. In this course you will use research, case studies, surveys, experiments, and observations as you seek to understand people’s behaviours and responses to real-life situations and societies, past and present. Students will explore the different psychological approaches, relevant theories and significant issues in psychological practice.

ASSESSMENT:  Level 3 Achievement Standards - the composition of internal and external assessment will vary depending on the selection of standards but a typical programme might have 15 credits internally assessed, 3 credits externally assessed. 

COURSE CONTRIBUTION:  Nil






RELIGIOUS STUDIES: 

NCEA Level 3 CODE: 3REL

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:  NCEA Level 2 12 credits from 2SSH/2GEO/2HIS/2ENG

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  The course will be of interest to students who wish to acquire knowledge and understanding of religions in the context of globalisation and of the migration of people of different faiths and cultures to Aotearoa New Zealand. Understanding religion helps us to understand the belief systems that function in our society and reflects the histories and traditions of people. Students have the flexibility to analyse religious traditions of their own choice, their key beliefs, meaning within sacred texts as well as exploring ethical issues and ultimate questions.

ASSESSMENT:  Level 3 Achievement Standards - this is a fully internally assessed course comprising 18 credits.

COURSE CONTRIBUTION:  Nil

TOURISM: 

NCEA Level 3 CODE: 3TOU

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:  Open Entry

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Students will begin with the familiarisation of Tourism terminology and concepts. Then the course will focus on the identification of world tourist destinations before moving to explore New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and/or Australia, identifying aspects such as local attractions, accommodation and transportation that are available to tourists. This will be followed by consideration of the economic significance of tourism. In doing so, mapping, analytical and computing skills are developed. 

The Level 3 Tourism course contributes credits to NCEA Level 3 and the National Certificate in Tourism and Travel.

ASSESSMENT:  Level 3 Unit Standards - 19 credits internally assessed with the option to complete an additional 5 credit standard.

COURSE CONTRIBUTION:  If local exhibitions are visited a small cost will be requested at the time to cover travel.