Geography - Level 2

UE Reading credits: 8

Course endorsement available: Yes

You can do Level 2 Geography without having done Level 1 Geography.

The Level 2 course continues to develop your understanding of people, the environment and how the two affect one another. The course has a strong focus on the Geography of New Zealand whilst also allowing students to explore what is going on in the wider world.

A total of 29 Achievement Standard credits are available (17 internally assessed credits and 12 externally assessed credits). The class will decide which standards they want to complete, but it is rare that students are able to choose all of them.

Choices include:

• Examine how a large New Zealand natural landscape is formed, and how it has changed over time by people (external);

• Examine and explain the spatial distribution of the rich and the poor in Brazil (external);

• Geographic skills e.g. learn how to read, use and draw a range of maps and graphs.  Also you will learn a range of basic statistical measures and indicators (external);

• Explore a current issue in New Zealand, people’s different viewpoints about it, and possible courses of action that can be taken in the future (internal);

• Explore how aspects of an urban settlement such as Auckland has been formed, how it functions and changes over time (internal);

• Examine the global issue of HIV AIDS, describe its pattern, and discuss its causes and significance for people (internal);

• Geographic research e.g. how vegetation, soils, climate and relief interact in the Marlborough Sounds (internal).

You will need a device with a proper keyboard on which to type. This class will be run through Google Classroom.  There will be a field trip to collect data for the research standard, costs would be advertised well in advance.

A field trip is also very likely to occur and costs would be advised in advance.

You will need a 2B8 hardcover exercise book, calculator, ruler and coloured pencils. A L2 Geography Skills Book is required – approximately $22.00

If you have not done Level 1 Geography, it is recommended that you purchase the L1 Geography Skills Book as well (approximately $22.00).

Geography - Level 3

UE Reading credits: 14

UE Writing credits: 8

Approved subject for University Entrance: Yes

Course Endorsement available: Yes

You can do Level 3 Geography without having done Levels 1 and 2. 

Geography is about people and the environment, and how the two affect each other. It brings together a whole range of other subjects (including Geology, Biology, Economics, Sociology, Urban Studies and Technology) and helps us make sense of what is happening in the world.

At Level 3 you will deepen your understanding of interacting processes that shape our natural and cultural environments, and their resulting spatial and temporal patterns.  You will also add to your understanding of the way people’s diverse values and perceptions influence the environment.

A total of 29 credits are available (17 internally assessed credits and 12 externally assessed credits). The class will decide which standards they want to complete, but it is rare that students are able to choose all of them.

During the course you will:

• Geographic Skills e.g. learn how to read, use and draw a range of maps and graphs.  Also you will learn a range of basic statistical measures and indicators (external);

• Investigate how coastal processes interact to create, maintain and change Farewell Spit/Golden Bay (external);

• Investigate how tourism development in Oahu (Hawaii) operates, changes over time, and impacts on people and the environment (external);

• Geographic research e.g. coastal processes in Golden Bay. A field trip is required to collect primary data (internal);

• A contemporary geographic issue of your choice. Analyse its impact on people and the environment, various viewpoints and perspectives associated with it, and potential courses of action for the future (internal);

• A global pattern of your choice, whereby you describe and explain the pattern and its significance for people. Recent topics have included tropical rainforest deforestation, coal-fired power stations, and malaria (internal);

You will need access to a device with a physical keyboard on which to type.

You will need a 2B8 hardcover exercise book, calculator, ruler and coloured pencils. A L3 Geography Skills Book is required – approximately $22.00

There will be a field trip to collect data for the research standard, costs would be advertised well in advance.

COMMErCE - Level 1 

At Year 11, Commerce students will:

• recognise that Māori, Indigenous Pacific knowledges, and other perspectives inform a range of concepts that influence decision-making

• understand how sectors and groups within society are interdependent

• use concepts, models, or financial statements to communicate financial and non-financial information

• understand that due to scarcity, decisions need to be made

• investigate how pūtake informs financial and non-financial decision-making

• understand that decisions made by organisations impact themselves and society

• explore how rangatiratanga empowers organisations or communities

• understand how prices affect or are affected by financial and non-financial decision-making

• explore how collaboration, such as talanoa and wānanga, may lead to innovation or resolution

• understand what is necessary for organisations to be financially viable

• use a financial management tool to assist decision-making for financial viability

• explore how external factors impact organisations. 

In 2024, Level 1 Commerce has the potential to provide students with their 10 literacy credits as well as 5 numeracy credits.

Business Studies - Level 2

Level 1 Literacy Credits: 21

Level 1 Numeracy Credits: 3

Course endorsement available: Yes

Entry Requirements: None, but knowledge of Level 1 Business Studies is an advantage.

A total of 27 credits are available (15 internally assessed credits and 12 externally assessed credits). The class will decide which standards they want to complete, but it is rare that students are able to choose all of them.

Future Pathways: Students learn valuable skills that can be applied to situations where a student would be involved in a business venture.

Career pathways include; Business Adviser, Business Analyst, Chartered Management Accountant, Corporate Investment Banker, Data Analyst, Forensic Accountant, Insurance Underwriter, Management Consultant

Course description: The Level 2 Business Studies course focuses on the following five main themes:

1. Business creation 


2. Functions of a Business 


3. People in Business 


4. Business Management 


5. Business Environment 


This course is designed to be an introductory course that will focus on the five main themes as well as allow the students to run and evaluate their own business. They will choose a goods or service, develop it, market it, produce it and sell it. The students will form a company and work as a team to bring their goods or service to market while learning essential skills in a practical way. This course allows students to explore how theory works in real situations.

Course costs: There will be costs involved in developing their product or service where students need to raise funds for their business venture, which will incur expenses (and hopefully profits). There will also be some travel involved in a field trip which enables students first hand access to businesses within the Marlborough region.

Level 3 Business Studies may be an option - please discuss with the Humanities HoD if you are interested in taking this class. This course can have access to up to 24 UE Reading credits and 12 UE Writing credits.

Tourism - Level 2

Tourism is a collection of services, industries and activities that delivers a travel experience for tourists, both international and domestic.  This course provides a basic understanding of the Tourism Industry in New Zealand and in a worldwide context.  You will develop an understanding of the actual business of tourism and be able to recognise and understand the needs and characteristics of a tourist.  You will learn a little about the history of tourism and develop an understanding of the impact tourism has on the environment.

For 2021 this course will also include a compulsory Whenua Iti component where each student will spend time outside of school on a residential, tourism focused course.

There may be the opportunity for some local field trips.  Costs are approximately $20.00 in total – other costs may occur depending on trip arrangements.

Tourism links to the Service Industries domain through Vocational Pathways.

Assessment is through internal Unit Standards.  

A selection of assessments will be made from the six standards on offer with a total of 21 credits.

You are required to achieve 20 credits or more in this course to qualify for external funding.

History - Level 2

UE Reading Credits: 28

UE Writing Credits: 14

Course endorsement available: Yes

The study of History at NCEA Level 2 leads to further study of History/Classical Studies at NCEA Level 3.  Students who achieve in the subject often go on to study Law, Commerce, Accounting, Psychology and History at University.

History provides students with a vast range of skills that enhance success both in the workforce and in further academic studies.  

These skills include:

• The development of their Transactional Writing Skills, this is the major medium of communication at tertiary institutions and its development is crucial for success at university.

• The development of sound research techniques.

• The development of routines conducive to success.  History is a rigorous subject and students who achieve in this subject develop time management skills and the ability to persist through adversity

Students will choose topics based on interest, and this will be discussed in class. Potential topics could include:

• NZ in WWI / Gallipoli

• Origins of WWII

• Medicine Through the Ages

• The Holocaust

Students could opt to purchase a revision book but this is voluntary.

A total of 28 credits will be offered.  These include 14 internally assessed and 14 externally assessed credits.

Classical Studies – Level 2

UE Reading Credits: 20

UE Writing Credits: 10

Course endorsement available: Yes

Students who achieve in this subject often go on to study Law, Commerce, Accounting, Psychology and History at University.  The subject provides a broad range of skills applicable to a range of professionals.

History/Classical Studies provides students with a vast range of skills that enhance success both in the workforce and in further academic studies.  

These skills include:

• The development of their Transactional Writing Skills, this is the major medium of communication at tertiary institutions and its development is crucial for success at university.

• The development of sound research techniques.

• The development of routines conducive to success.  Classical Studies is a rigorous subject and students who achieve in it develop time management skills and the ability to persist through adversity.

Students could study the following:

• Mythology

• Perseus Vs Percy Jackson

• The art and architecture of Pompeii

• The eruption of Mt Vesuvius

No course costs apply to the core parts of the course.  Students could opt to purchase a revision book but this is voluntary.

A total of 20 credits will be offered.  These include 10 internally assessed and 10 externally assessed credits.

Level 1 Classical Studies may be an option - please discuss with the Humanities HoD if you are interested in taking this class. This course can have access to up to 24 Level 1 Literacy Credits.

Classical Studies – Level 3

UE Reading Credits: 22

UE Writing Credits: 10

Course endorsement available: Yes

Approved subject for University Entrance: Yes

Students who achieve in this subject often go on to study Law, Commerce, Accounting, Psychology and History at University.  The subject provides a broad range of skills applicable to a range of professionals.

History/Classical Studies provides students with a vast range of skills that enhance success both in the workforce and in further academic studies.  

These skills include:

• The development of their Transactional Writing Skills, this is the major medium of communication at tertiary institutions and its development is crucial for success at university.

• The development of sound research techniques.

• The development of routines conducive to success.  Classical Studies is a rigorous subject and students who achieve in it develop time management skills and the ability to persist through adversity.

Students could study the following:

• Alexander the Great

• Greek Vase Painting 

• The Olympic Games

Scholarship in Classical Studies will be offered for high performing students.

No course costs apply to the core parts of the course.  Students could opt to purchase a revision book but this is voluntary.

A total of 22 credits will be offered.  These include 12 internally assessed and 10 externally assessed credits.