2007 Year 12 Courses

Please note that entry to all courses is at the discretion of the HOD if pre-requisites are not achieved. A course will only run if sufficient students elect to take it.

<- Academic Curriculum

ACCOUNTING (NCEA LEVEL 2)
Pre-Requisite: 12 credits in NCEA Level 1 Accounting or 14 credits in either NCEA Level 1 Maths or English
Course Content:
Consolidation of work in Y11. This enables students who have not taken Y11 accounting to catch up. The course then moves onto accounting systems for inventory, asset management and accounting control activities. It is a suitable foundation for office administration, retailing, clerical or stores work.
Assessment: Achievement Standards - Internal (7 credits) / External (17 credits)

ART (Practical) (NCEA LEVEL 2)
Pre-Requisite: 8 credits in NCEA Level 1 Art
Course Content:
This course focuses on the art fields of painting and design. The main emphasis is the use of drawing and how it can be applied to the production of design work or paintings. In both painting and design, students carry out a series of investigations into the practical application and processing of ideas and techniques and the production of the design or painting solutions that follow this process.
Assessment: Internal (12 credits) / External (12 credits)

AUTOMOTIVE
Pre-Requisite: At least 8 credits in NCEA Level 1 English, Maths and Science
Course Content:
This entry-level programme gives you the fundamental skills for a career in the automotive repair industry. Students gain a basic knowledge of motor vehicle technology, engines, transmissions, electricals, safety and workshop engineering.
Assessment: Unit standards studied are mostly theory with a limited number of practical sessions. Total Credits: 18 at Level 2
Cost: $100 (to cover the cost of materials/text books etc)

BIOLOGY (NCEA LEVEL 2)
Pre-Requisite: 15 credits in NCEA Level 1 Science and English, Merit or Excellence in Achievement Standard 1.3 (Biology)
Course Content:
Biology is the study of life. It involves investigating the variety and complexity of living organisms. This study helps us appreciate how humans and other organisms live. We need a knowledge of the living world to understand the impact of human activities and to make informed decisions on biological issues which affect our environment. Topics covered include: Animal and Plant Forms and Functions, Ecology, Genetics and Evolution, Cell Biology, Applied Biology.
Assessment: Achievement Standards - Internal (9 credits) / External (15 credits)

CHEMISTRY (NCEA LEVEL 2)
Pre-Requisite: 15 credits in NCEA Level 1 Science and Mathematics, Merit or Excellence in Achievement Standard 1.4 (Chemistry)
Course Content:
Chemistry is the study of how substances are made and how they react together. Y12 is a practically based course demanding a high level of skill and understanding. Topics covered include: Atomic Structure and Bonding, Analytical Chemistry - identifying ions, Reactions with Heat and Electrical Changes, Reversible Reactions, Organic Chemistry and Plastics.
Assessment: Achievement Standards - Internal (9 credits) / External (16 credits)

COMPUTING (NATIONAL CERTIFICATE/NCEA LEVEL 2)
Pre-Requisite: 12 credits from Y11 Computing
Course Content:
This is the second year in a two-year course. Students will study from a menu of choices which can include spreadsheets, databases, networking, integrated software, webpage creation, Visual Basic programme, social implications of computers, internet and email.
Assessment: National Certificate in Computing Level 2, Unit Standards - Internal Assessment (20+ credits)

DANCE (NCEA LEVEL 2) Not Offered in 2008
Pre-Requisite: Achievement or better in two internal Level 1 dance standards and at least one external standard
Course Content:
This course prepares the students to sit four internal achievement standards and two external which are sat at the end of the year. The students will be exploring solo and group chorography as well as ethnic and theatrical performance. Externally they will be preparing to analyse a dance performance in order to demonstrate knowledge of influences on a selected genre of dance. There are also workshops that students attend during class time run by outside contemporary choreographers and performances that will be attended outside of school. As with Level 1, it is a physically demanding subject that does require the student to have a medium to high level of fitness and dedication to the subject.
Assessment: Achievement Standards - Internal (16 credits) / External (8 credits)

DRAMA (NCEA LEVEL 2)
Pre-Requisite: 10 credits at Level 1 Drama or at the discretion of HOD
Course Content:
This course builds on skills gained in NCEA Level 1 drama. It requires in and out of class time work, and further develops student skills in devising, improvisation, theatre technology, acting, responding and reflecting on theatre practise, effective communication and group responsibility.
Assessment: Achievement Standards - Internal (19 credits) / External (5 credits)

EARLY CHILDHOOD (NCEA LEVEL 1)
Pre-Requisite: NCEA Level 1 with at least 12 credits in English
Course Content:
Students will study towards the National Certificate in Early Childhood Level 3. Units of work are prepared and assessed by PORSE (early childhood education trainers). It is envisaged that students enrolling in this course will also be part of the Gateway programme as the units of work are based on practical experience. Numbers will be limited. Students are able to obtain both Level 2 and 3 credits in this course. NOTE: This course will be offered at the same time as Retailing. Students must choose either Retailing or Early Childhood.

ENGLISH (NCEA LEVEL 2)
Compulsory for Year 12 students not taking Alternative English or Level 1 English
Pre-Requisite: 15 credits in NCEA Level 1 English or 12 credits by external examination
Course Content:
The course continues to develop the skills contained at Level 1. There is a strong emphasis placed on reading and writing skills, speaking and dramatic performance, critical thinking, language analysis, and research and literature study. This course is compulsory for those intending to study the next level of English at Year 13.
Assessment: Achievement Standards - Internal (9 credits) / External (12 credits)

ENGLISH (Alternative English) (NCEA LEVEL 1)
Pre-Requisite: Based on the recommendation of the HOD
Course Content:
This course continues to develop essential English communication skills. These include listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, research, business communication skills and form filling. Priority is given to assist students to gain NCEA Level 1. Level 2 credits may be offered to students who have already obtained equivalent credits at Level 1. This would be where the class teacher and HOD English believe that the student may be successful when challenged by the content of Level 2.
Assessment: Unit Standards - Internal (23 credits): 19 of which count for literacy

GATEWAY
Pre-Requisite: Letter of application and interview; excellent attendance
Course Content:
Gateway is a special work-based learning programme which enables senior students to participate in structured workplace learning. Your school-based
studies will link in with your gateway studies and you will be trained and assessed in the workplace.
Students will ideally be at a workplace for one day per week, and this participation will provide students with the opportunity to gain qualifications in school, and in the workplace.

GENERAL SCIENCE (NCEA LEVEL 1 and 2)
Pre-Requisite: 10 credits in NCEA Level 1 Science
Course Content:
This course is designed to cater for students that do not wish to specialise at this level but desire to continue to study science. This course is completely internally assessed and builds toward the National Certificate in Science. The content is made up of a selection of unit and achievement standards that give a broad basic foundation to further study in any area of science at a tertiary level.
Topics include: Practical Investigation, Research, Biology - the Environment of New Zealand, Microbiology - the Micro World, Chemistry - Medication and Cosmetics, Physics - Rockets and Space, Linear Motions - Cars and things that move.
Assessment: Unit Standards - Internal (up to 47 credits)

GEOGRAPHY (NCEA LEVEL 2)
Pre-Requisite: 16 credits in NCEA Level 1 or at the discretion of the HOD
Course Content:
The internally assessed work involves research which will either be in Wellington city, or perhaps Taupo as part of a geography trip. The study of issues such as climate change and forestry in the Amazon are also covered. New Zealand's place worldwide is investigated by looking at inequalities in development and endangered animals.
For the examinations work is done on volcanic areas in New Zealand and will involve students carrying out fieldwork in the volcanic zone area at Lake Taupo and study of the Amazon rainforest in South America. The cities of Singapore and Wellington are studied. Also, the development of places like Brazil in South America, various areas of Africa, compared to England, are included in the course.
The skills of the subject, including map work, simple mathematics and problem solving are part of the examinations at the end of the year.
NB: Students will be required to participate in fieldtrips.
Assessment: Achievement Standards - Internal (11 credits) / External (10 credits). Unit Standards are also offered.

GRAPHICS (NCEA LEVEL 2)
Pre-Requisite: 12 credits in NCEA Level 1 Graphics
Course Content:
One-year modular course dealing with Design Principles, Problem Solving, Modelling and Computer Graphics. The main elements are Architecture, Applied Engineering, Environmental Design, Computer Aided Draughting and Furniture Design.
Assessment: Achievement Standards - Internal (12 credits) / External (9 credits)

HISTORY (NCEA LEVEL 2)
Pre-Requisite: 16 credits in NCEA Level 1 History or English, or at the discretion of the HOD. (You can begin history at this level without having studied it before.)
Course Content:
Internal assessment includes a research assignment, creation of a chapter for a history book, or child's history, or poster presentation of research. Creation of a film script or radio show is another achievement standard we enjoy.
Topics studied can include:
The Origins of the First World War, The Russian Revolution, The Search for Security in the Nuclear Age 1945 to present, The war in Vietnam and the consequences of the American Defeat, Gandhi and the creation of the Indian Nation.
There is a range of resources used to study history. It includes films, cartoons, posters and text.
Assessment: Achievement Standards - Internal (12 credits) / External (12 credits). Some unit standards will be offered during the year as well.

HOME ECONOMICS (NCEA LEVEL 2)
Pre-Requisite: 15 credits at NCEA Level 1
Course Content:
This course will cover a range of topics such as nutritional issues, historical aspects of New Zealand food, food safety and technological developments and nutritional needs for different age groups.
Assessment: Achievement and Unit Standards; Internal (15 credits) / External (5 credits)

HOSPITALITY (YEAR 2)
Pre-Requisite: 10 credits from Hospitality Year 1 or at discretion of the HOD.
Course Content:
Each unit consists of a number of written assessments and practical assessments. Students need to achieve both parts of the assessment to gain credits for the unit towards NCEA.
Assessment: Unit Standards - Internal (17 Level 1 credits)

MAORI LANGUAGE (NCEA LEVEL 2)
Pre-Requisite: 6 credits from the reading and writing strands and 6 credits from the listening and speaking strands at NCEA Level 1 - minimum.
Course Content:
A language programme leading on from previous studies, with a focus on researching a range of topics and presenting the findings using a range of mediums.
Assessment: Achievement Standards - Internal (12 credits) / External (12 credits)

MATHEMATICS (NCEA LEVEL 2)
Pre-Requisite: 18 credits at NCEA Level 1 including achieved or better at least two of the following; 90147 (Algebra), 90148 (Graphs) and 90152 (Trigonometry)
Course Content:
The course is divided into 9 standards of which 3 are internally assessed and 6 are externally assessed at the end of the year. The areas of study are algebra, calculus, coordinate geometry, graphs, probability, sequences and series, statistics and trigonometry.
It is necessary for students to study this course if they wish to attempt the Level 3 calculus course.
Assessment: Achievement Standards - Internal (7 credits) / External (up to 17 credits)

MATHEMATICS (NCEA LEVEL 1/2)
Pre-Requisite: Students who have achieved approximately 14 credits through unit or achievement standards but have not attained the algebra requirement for the full achievement standards based course at Level 2.
Course Content:
This course is recommended to those students who would like to study statistics at Level 3 but who do not have the necessary algebra background. Students study a range of Level 1 and Level 2 unit and achievement standards and spend a lot of time further developing their algebra skills so that they are in a position to attempt statistics at Level 3. Standards attempted cover trigonometry, networks, probability, statistics and algebra.
Assessment: Achievement Standards - Internal (7 credits at Level 1 and 9 credits at Level 2) / External (up to 6 at Level 2)

MATHEMATICS (APPLIED)
Pre-Requisite: Achievement of some NCEA Level 1 achievement or unit standards
Course Content:
This is a unit standards based course where students have the chance to achieve more Level 1 mathematics (or numeracy) credits and the possibility of some Level 2 credits. The areas of study are clever calculations, maths of chance, maths of travel, maths on the job, personal money matters, statistics and data display, strategies for problem solving, surveying and navigation.
Assessment: Unit Standards - Internal (Level 1 credits)

MUSIC (NCEA LEVEL 2)
Pre-Requisite: 16 credits at NCEA Level 1 but entry will be at the discretion of the teacher
Course Content:
Continues from Level 1. Skills in performing, composition and listening are further developed. The study of music works becomes more in-depth and a new standard requires students to arrange a piano score for at least five instruments of their choice.
Assessment: Achievement Standards - Internal (20 credits) / External (4 credits)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (NCEA LEVEL 2)
Pre-Requisite: 18 credits in NCEA Level 1 PE or at the discretion of the HOD
General Aim:
This course is concerned with developing the student's background knowledge and understanding of the theory and principles of physical education, while providing opportunities for personal and social development through activities which require individual endeavour and interaction with others. A high level of personal and social responsibility is needed to succeed in this course.
Course Content:
The course covers the following units: Functional Anatomy and Physiology, Sports Education, Leadership and Communication, Fitness Studies, Issues in Physical Education, Biomechanics, Motor Skill Learning.
Assessment: Achievement Standards - Internal (21 credits)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (Sports Education)
Pre-Requisite: At the discretion of the HOD.
The course is designed with a focus on getting out there and participating in various sporting and outdoor activities. This is balanced with theory work surrounding these credits to understand how we perform as a team and as an individual. Students will participate in adventure-based learning activities, participate in outdoor activities and demonstrate performance in a chosen physical activity. This course is high in participation.  Students will need to bring their gear and be ready to go.
Assessment: Unit Standards - Internal -  (16 credits)

PHYSICS (NCEA LEVEL 2)
Pre-Requisite: 15 credits in NCEA Level 1 Science and Mathematics, Merit or Excellence in Achievement Standard 1.6 (Physics)
Course Content:
This course is concerned with building on the scientific skills introduced in Year 11. Students will work to improve both their problem solving and practical skills in the context of understanding the world (and cosmos) around them.
Topics covered include: Motion and Forces, Waves and Light, Electricity and Magnetism, Atomic Physics.
Assessment: Achievement Standards - Internal (7 credits) / External (17 credits)

RETAILING (NATIONAL CERTIFICATE LEVEL 2)
This qualification is a nationally recognised qualification within the retailing industry.
Pre-Requisite: Competency in English and Maths, an interest in the retail industry, and part time work in retail.
Course Content:
The course has been developed by WelTec. It is suitable for students who wish to develop an understanding of the world of retailing. The modules studied cover customer service, stock control, financial management, consumerism, communication skills, and a project which explores product knowledge. Students are also encouraged to have a part time job in the service area to complete the practical component of the course.
Assessment: Completion of an assessment task at the end of each unit as well as 80 hours of work experience.
Cost: $100 with $50 refunded at the successful completion of all units.

TECHNOLOGY (NCEA LEVEL 2)
Pre-Requisite: NCEA Level 1 Technology
Course Content:
This course is designed for students to further enhance their skills in working with resistant materials. Topics will be selected to allow students to demonstrate a practical knowledge of the design process from problem solving through to prototyping a solution.
Assessment: Achievement Standards - Internal (12 credits) / External (12 credits)

WORK COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Pre-Requisite: Positive attitude and a willingness to learn
Course Content:
Students study a series of topics which develop skills in communication and personal development. Good communication skills are the top rated skill requested by employers. This course will allow you to improve your listening, speaking, numeracy and writing skills. You will work on team building and planning to meet your goals.
Assessment: Unit standards at Level 1 and 2

WORKSHOP PRACTICE (YEARS 12/13)
Pre-Requisite: Open entry but some workshop experience an advantage.
Course Content:
This is a course based around industry based Unit Standards and is particularly relevant for those students considering a trade apprenticeship. Students will be working solely with wood on a variety of projects to develop their hand tool and machining skills.
Assessment: Credits towards NCEA will be offered through unit standards

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