Year 12 - 13 Social Sciences
Year 12 - 13 Social Sciences
Full year course
Level 2 History is a senior history course. Students will study a range of topics, most likely drawn from the following
-The War on Terror
-The Israel-Palestine Conflict
-The Crusades
-American Imperialism 1880-1920
-Mussolini
-The Holocaust
Recommended Prior Learning: 10HIS / 111HIS or 11ENG (the key is to bring some reading and writing skills).
Contact Teacher: Mr Tester
Outcomes
Endorsement available: Yes
Internal credits: 16
External credits: 5
Total credits: 21
UE Reading credits: 15
UE Writing credits: 5
Possible next steps: Level 3 History (13HIS or 13HIU)
Find more details in our Course outline 2025
Full year course
Level 3 History is a senior history course. Students will study a range of topics, most likely drawn from the following:
The Strategic Bombing Campaign of WWII
Mobsters at War
The American Revolution
Nuremberg: Nazis on Trial
Israel and Palestine
The Vietnam War
Recommended Prior Learning: 11HIS / 12HIS/ 12 CLAS or 12ENG (the key is to bring some reading and writing skills).
Contact Teacher: Mr Tester
Outcomes
Endorsement available: Yes
Internal credits: 10-19
External credits: 5
Total credits: 15-24
UE Reading credits: 15
UE Writing credits: 5
Possible next steps: Tertiary studies
Find more details in our Course outline 2025
Full year course
Level 3 History in University is an advanced senior course that allows students to complete a first-year university paper through Victoria University in Term 3, while also working towards their NCEA assessments. Students will examine a variety of topics, likely drawn from the following:
The Tuskagee Airmen
The Munich Crisis
Mobsters at War
The Berlin Olympics
The Strategic Bombing Campaign of WWII
The Vietnam War
These topics are carefully selected to lead into the first-year university paper, HIST113: The World Remade, 1919–1939.
Recommended Prior Learning: To qualify for this course, students must achieve Merit or Excellence in all Level 2 subjects and University Entrance (Literacy). They should also demonstrate strong reading comprehension of academic texts and possess solid writing skills.
Contact Teacher: Mr Tester
Outcomes
Endorsement available: Yes
Internal credits: 10-15
External credits: 5
Total credits: 15-20
UE Reading credits: 15
UE Writing credits: 5
20 university points
Possible next steps: Tertiary studies
Find more details in our Course outline 2025
Full year course
Geography is the study of places, what makes them special, what happens within them, the connections among them, and the processes that have made them. Geographers specialise in studying the interactions between social and natural processes, the landscapes and social forms produced by these relationships, and how and why the places they make differ across space and time. Geographers have a deep interest in how our world is changing and how societies might intervene to make better futures.
Goals
With climate change upon us, environmental crises, growing inequalities in New Zealand and around the world, along with the increasing threat of global conflict, the subject of Geography has never been more important. Through purposeful study of Geography, the goal for students is to be well placed to make sense of the changes happening in our world. In addition to that you will develop geographical understandings that can lead to a diverse range of well paid and in-demand Geography career options.
Recommended Prior Learning: None. Open entry.
During Y12 Geography you will:
Learn to think spatially and use maps, visual images and new technologies, including geographical information systems (GIS), to obtain, present and analyse information.
Geographic research,
A geographic issue affecting central Wellington,
Urban patterns: the urban growth patterns of Wellington,
Geographic skills & concepts (including orienteering),
Global study: global patterns of terrorism,
Current events,
Geography jobs and careers.
What will you do?
Terms 1 and 2 are devoted to completing the four internal internal assessments on offer in this course. In Terms 3 and 4 you will prepare for the one four credit external assessment.
In Term 1 students will complete a three credit internal assessment on the urban growth patterns of Wellington. At the end of Term 1 students will begin a guided geographic research assessment worth five credits. After that, they will use what they have learned in the guided geographic research assessment to undertake their third internal assessment on a geographic issue affecting central Wellington worth three credits. Towards the end of Term 2, they will attempt their final three credit assessment on the global patterns of terrorism.
Terms 3 and 4 are devoted to preparing students for the one resource based external assessment on geographic skills and concepts which is worth four credits.
Field Trips
A full day field trip to Wellington's CBD may take place in Term 1. The costs will be minimal. Students may also do orienteering on the waterfront and on Matairangi Mt Victoria.
Contact Teacher: Craig Blacklock
Outcomes
Endorsement available: Yes
Internal credits: 14
External credits: 4
Total credits: 18
UE Reading credits: 0
UE Writing credits: 0
Possible next steps: NCEA Level 3 Geography, Scholarship Geography.
Find more details in our Course outline 2026.
Full year course
Geography is the study of places, what makes them special, what happens within them, the connections among them, and the processes that have made them. Geographers specialise in studying the interactions between social and natural processes, the landscapes and social forms produced by these relationships, and how and why the places they make differ across space and time. Geographers have a deep interest in how our world is changing and how societies might intervene to make better futures.
Goals
With climate change upon us, environmental crises, growing inequalities in New Zealand and around the world, along with the increasing threat of global conflict, the subject of Geography has never been more important. Through purposeful study of Geography, the goal for students is to be well placed to make sense of the changes happening in our world. In addition to that you will develop geographical understandings that can lead to a diverse range of well paid and in-demand Geography career options.
Course Entry Criteria
Year 13 Geography is open entry and you do not need to have studied Geography previously to be successful in this course. If students are unsure about the workload or difficulty of the course, they should consult with the HOD.
During Y13 Geography you will:
Learn to think spatially and use maps, visual images and new technologies, including geographical information systems (GIS), to obtain, present and analyse information.
Geographic research,
A geographic issue: central Wellington’s Golden Mile Revitalization,
Evaluate a significant event: Homegrown, Round the Bays or CubaDupa,
Geographic skills & concepts (including orienteering),
Global study: global patterns (student choice),
Current events,
Geography jobs and careers.
What will you do?
Terms 1 and 2 are devoted to completing the four internal internal assessments on offer in this course. In Terms 3 and 4 you will prepare for the one four credit external assessment.
In Term 1 students will complete a three credit internal assessment on evaluating a significant event. At the end of Term 1 students will begin a guided geographic research assessment worth five credits. After that, they will use what they have learned in the guided geographic research assessment to undertake their third internal assessment on the geographic issue of the Golden Mile Revitalization Project in Wellington’s CBD.. Towards the end of Term 2, they will attempt their final three credit assessment on global patterns (student choice).
Terms 3 and 4 are devoted to preparing students for the one resource based external assessment on geographic skills and concepts which is worth four credits.
Field Trips
A full day field trip to Wellington's CBD may take place early in Term 3. The costs will be minimal. Students may also do orienteering on the waterfront and on Matairangi Mt Victoria.
Contact Teacher: Craig Blacklock
Outcomes
Endorsement available: Yes
Internal credits: 14
External credits: 4
Total credits: 18
UE Reading credits: 13
UE Writing credits: 4
Possible next steps: Tertiary study, Scholarship Geography.
Find more details in our Course outline 2026.
Full year course
Level 2 Business Studies is a senior course that is hands on and involves a lot of group work. Students work in groups for internal assessments and create their own businesses, working together to complete market research, write a business plan and sell a product developed by the group. For externals, students learn about the real internal operations of a business and how businesses might approach solving critical problems.
Recommended Prior Learning: 11CMM
Contact Teacher: Rebecca Peacock Powell
Outcomes
Endorsement available: Yes
Internal credits: 12
External credits: 8
Total credits: 20
UE Reading credits: 0
UE Writing credits: 0
Possible next steps: Level 3 Business Studies
Find more details in our Course outline 2025
Full year course
Level 3 Business is a senior course. Students work alongside the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) to develop and market an innovative and sustainable business idea. Business students have the opportunity to come up with a viable business proposition by setting up a YES company, creating a real product or service, compiling and implementing a business plan, making real profit or loss and evaluating actual versus planned outcomes. While students will still engage in research and written work, the course demands high participation rates and a commitment to actively being involved in the business operations.
Recommended Prior Learning: 12BUS
Contact Teacher: Rebecca Peacock Powell
Outcomes
Endorsement available: Yes
Internal credits: 15
External credits: 4
Total credits: 19
UE Reading credits: 10
UE Writing credits: 6
Possible next steps: Business Courses, Tertiary Education
Find more details in our Course outline 2025.
Full year course
12 Economics explores key aspects of the New Zealand economy, focusing on employment, inflation, economic growth, and the role of government. Students will learn how economic growth improves living standards, how it is measured, and the effects of policies that promote growth. The course also covers the importance of trade, including its causes, measurement, impacts, and related policies. Inflation is examined in terms of its causes and effects on society and the economy. Finally, the course looks at employment, including how it is measured, its causes, and the impacts of policies designed to increase employment.
Recommended Prior Learning: 11 Commerce
Contact Teacher: Lily Washington
Outcomes
Endorsement available: Yes
Internal credits: 10
External credits: 8
Total credits: 16
UE Reading credits: 10
UE Writing credits: 0
Possible next steps: 13 Economics
Find more details in our Course outline 2025
Full year course
13 Economics focuses on how resources are allocated through New Zealand’s market system. It covers the economic problem of scarcity, what influences demand and supply, and how responsive they are to price changes (elasticity). You’ll explore different market structures like monopolies and perfect competition, how firms make decisions using marginal analysis, and what causes markets to succeed or fail, such as lack of competition or external costs.
Recommended Prior Learning: 12 Economics
Contact Teacher: Lily Washington
Outcomes
Endorsement available: Yes
Internal credits: 10
External credits: 8
Total credits: 18
UE Reading credits: 18
UE Writing credits: 8
Possible next steps: Bachelor of Commerce, Economics courses, tertiary education
Find more details in our Course outline 2025.
Full year course
Year 12 Accounting lays a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing accounting or business studies in the future. This course is a prerequisite for Year 13 Accounting and introduces students to essential skills and knowledge that are highly valued in both tertiary education and the workplace. Students who take Year 12 Accounting will be well-prepared for further study in accounting, finance, marketing, and economics at universities, polytechnics, and other tertiary institutions.
Contact Teacher: Mark Gunkel
Outcomes
Endorsement available: Yes
Internal credits: 10
External credits: 9
Total credits: 19
UE Reading credits: 0
UE Writing credits: 0
Possible next steps: Level 3 Accounting and Scholarship Accounting
Please find more details in our Course outline 2025
Full year course
Year 13 Accounting builds on prior knowledge and focuses on the processing and reporting of financial information for partnerships and companies. The course aligns with International Accounting Standards and follows the guidelines of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants.
You will learn how to establish partnerships and companies, maintain accurate accounting records, and prepare comprehensive financial reports. The internal assessment includes an in-depth analysis of a New Zealand company’s annual report — an invaluable skill for anyone interested in understanding how businesses operate and perform.
This course is highly recommended if you plan to pursue further study in business, commerce, or related fields at a tertiary level. It provides a solid foundation for degrees, diplomas, or certificates in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.
Recommended Prior Learning: Year 12 Accounting (12ACC) or approval from the Head of Department (HOD).
Contact Teacher: Mark Gunkel
Outcomes
Endorsement available: Yes
Internal credits: 13
External credits: 8
Total credits: 21
UE Reading credits: 0
UE Writing credits: 5
Possible next steps: Tertiary Study:
Many students go on to study a Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business at a university or polytechnic, majoring in areas such as Accounting, Finance, Economics, Marketing, Management, or Business Law. Accounting is also a key subject in many diploma and certificate programmes offered by institutes of technology and private training providers.
Find more details in our Course outline 2025.
Full year course
Level 2 Classical Studies is a senior social science course. Students will study the significant political, cultural and economic forces that shaped the societies of the Ancient Greek and Roman World
the contributions of prominent individuals to the development and expansion of Greek and Roman ideas and values
the impact of Greek and Roman society on western culture and institutions.
Recommended Prior Learning: n/a
Contact Teacher: Pete Maitland
Outcomes
Endorsement available: Yes
Internal credits: 10
External credits: 10
Total credits: 20
UE Reading credits: 20
UE Writing credits: 10
Possible next steps: Level 3 Classical Studies
Find more details in our Course outline 2025
Full year course
Level 3 Classical Studies is a senior social science course. Students will study the historical importance of classical civilisations. The course will focus on the key concepts of conflict, empire, power, culture, identity, art, aesthetics and heritage. These will be covered in the context of:
the heroic warrior through the classical texts: Homer’s Iliad (selected books), Virgil's Aeneid (selected books) & a contemporary film
Alexander the Great
the Emperor Augustus
Roman art and architecture.
Recommended Prior Learning: n/a
Contact Teacher: Pete Maitland
Outcomes
Endorsement available: Yes
Internal credits: 12
External credits: 10
Total credits: 22
UE Reading credits: 22
UE Writing credits: 10
Possible next steps: Tertiary study in the field of humanities
Find more details in our Course outline 2025.
Full year course
Level 3 Politics explores the structures, processes, and tensions within political systems, with a focus on power, authority, and legitimacy. Students critically examine how governments operate, how political decisions are made, and how citizens and groups engage in and challenge political authority. The course includes case studies, such as the United States political system, nationalism in Russia, and global events, that allow students to explore democratic principles, rights, and forms of political participation. Through analysis and debate, students develop the skills to evaluate political ideas, movements, and real-world responses to political power.
Recommended Prior Learning: An interest in global politics is recommended.
Contact Teacher: Aaron Columbus
Outcomes
Endorsement available: No
Internal credits: 16
External credits: 0
Total credits: 16
UE Reading credits: 16
UE Writing credits: 0
Possible next steps: Tertiary
Find more details in our Course outline 2025.
Full year course
Level 3 Religious Studies is a senior social science course. It is a secular course in which students learn about various world religions, study texts, philosophy and practice. It is entirely internally assessed, based around three assessments.
Recommended Prior Learning: n/a
Contact Teacher: Rivkha Nathan / Mirsha O'Donnell
Outcomes
Endorsement available: No
Internal credits: 18
External credits: 0
Total credits: 18
UE Reading credits: 12
UE Writing credits: 0
Possible next steps: University humanities courses, Tertiary study
Find more details in our Course outline 2025.