Wanganui Girls’ College

NCEA Level 3

Subject Choice booklet

2016

Please read through the following subject informationforLevel 3 as you make your decisionsfor study in 2016.

By completing your subject choice form this is an INDICATION of the subjects you would like to take not a guarantee that you will be able to take them. It will be dependent on the final timetablewhich will be confirmed at your appointment on Monday 7th December with your Dean. Subject numbers also determine if a subject is viable to run.

It is very important that you consider a number of factors when deciding what subjects you wish to take such as:

  • What are yourareas of interest for when you leave school?
  • Are the subjects appropriate for entry requirements for the course you wish to study when youleave school?
  • If you don’t know what you want to do when you leave school, have you chosen a broad selection of subjects?
  • Have you meet university requirements? (see below)

Talk with your parents, your ASTRA teacher and your Dean if you need help to decide and make the subject choices that are right for YOU!

To gain NCEA Level 3

  • All Year 13 students are expected to take six subjects. It is recommended that either English or Te Reo Māori should be included
  • Students need to gain a total of 80 credits. A minimum of 60 credits must be at level 3 and the other 20 credits at level 2 or above

To gain University Entrance (UE)

  • Achievement of NCEA Level 3
  • 14 credits in each of threesubjects from the list of approved subjects
  • The remaining credits to achieve NCEA Level 3 may come from either achievement or unit standards
  • UE numeracy – 10 credits at Level 1 or higher from specified achievement standards or three specific numeracy unit standards
  • UE literacy – 10 credits (five in reading and five in writing) from:
  • Specific Level 2 and higher achievement standards, or
  • Specific Te Reo Māori and Te Reo Rangatira Level 2 standards, or
  • Two specific Level 4 English for academic purposes unit standards

English

English in school increases students’ abilities to understand English language and to use it effectively. Confident users of English will be effective readers and communicators. Skill and knowledge development in English is focused initially on learning to read and write correctly and appropriately. This leads to thinking critically, processing information and exploring language through a wide range of relevant texts.

English Level 3 (13ENG)

/ This course is suitable for endorsement
This is an approved subject for UE
Course Description: / This course may include extended writing, the study of moving text, literature studies, language or literature research, creating a visual essay and an oral presentation.
Course Prerequisite: / Students should have gained at least 12 credits atLevel 2 and passed at least 1 external achievement standard. Students must have gained the Level 2 credits required for university entry. I
Assessment: / Successful completion of all standards associated with this course will contribute up to 24 credits towards NCEA Level 3. The course has both internal and externally assessed components.
Pathways: / Tertiary study, all vocational pathways.
Possible Careers: / Arts, law, journalism, communication studies. All vocational pathways.
Costs: / No related subject fees
Further Information: / Mrs Cox
Employment Skills Level 3 (13EMP) / This course is not suitable for endorsement
Course Description: / This course offers students the opportunity to gain practical computing and communication skills as well as learning about metacognition. It is designed to provide a variety of standards that can be added to the student’s CV to help when applying for employment.
Assessment: / All work is internally assessed. The work is modular and students are encouraged to work independently.
Course Prerequisite: / Students must contact Miss Conley or Mrs Ward to apply for this course. Students cannot be taking 13 DGT.
Pathways: / Employment opportunities in a variety of fields.
Possible Careers. / Varied.
Costs: / No related subject fees
Further Information: / Mrs Ward.

Mathematics

It is important students retain their mathematical and problem solving skills as part of being lifelong learners. It will contribute to their social and employment environments. Opportunities are provided for students to improve numeracy skills by gaining credits at Level3.

Mathematics with Calculus Level 3 (13MAC) / This course is suitable for endorsement
This is an approved subject for UE
Course Description: / The course involves the study ofdifferentiation, integration, trigonometry and complex numbers.
Course Prerequisite: / Students must have sat Standard 91261 Algebra and gained at least 10 credits at Mathematics Level 2 or at the discretion of the HOD.
Assessment: / Successful completion of all standards associated with this course will contribute up to 21 credits towards the NCEA Level 3. The course has both internally and externally assessed components.
Pathways: / University study. All vocational pathways
Possible Careers: / Engineer, economist, actuary, architect, scientist, meteorologist
Costs / A graphics calculator (approximately $95) is highly recommended.
Further information: / Mrs Friedel
Statistics and Modelling Level 3 (13MAS) / This course is suitable for endorsement
This is an approved subject for UE
Course Description: / The course covers time series and bivariate data investigations, linear programming, confidence intervals, probability concepts and distributions.
Course Prerequisite: / Students must have gained at least 6 credits at Mathematics Level 2 or at the discretion of the HOD.
Assessment: / Successful completion of all standards associated with this course will contribute up to 23 credits towards the NCEA Level 3. The course has both internally and externally assessed components.
Pathways: / University study. All vocational pathways
Possible Careers: / Market researcher, statistician, systems analyst
Costs / A graphics calculator (approximately $95) is highly recommended.
Further information: / Mrs Friedel

Science

Science is about investigating, understanding and explaining the natural world. In science subjects, students learn about the natural world and how science can help to explain how it works. The study of science will assist students to make informed decisions about the application and implications of science in everyday life.

Biology Level 3 (13BIO)

/ This course is suitable for endorsement
This is an approved subject for UE
Course Description: / Students will study animal behaviour and plant responses: human biological and cultural evolution; contemporary biological issues; biotechnology; homeostasis.
Course Prerequisite: / Students must have passed at least two externals in Level 2 Biology. or by negotiation with the Head of Department.
Assessment: / The course has both internal and externally assessed components.
Pathways: / Tertiary courses in biology; biochemistry; psychology; nursing. Primary and social and community,
Possible Careers: / Nursing, veterinary science, veterinary nursing, medicine, physical education, sports science, childcare, teaching
Costs: / $25 for a course workbook, approx. $30 for zoo field trip and $20 in term 3 for a revision book.
Further information: / Mr Grierson or Mrs Musa

Chemistry Level 3 (13CHE)

/ This course is suitable for endorsement
This is an approved subject for UE
Course Description: / Learn more about chemistry as it relates to everyday life. You will find out how things work, see the science, get ideas for experiments and catch the exciting career opportunities. The following topics are studied:
Atomic structure, bonding and related properties; Inorganic chemistry; Energetics of chemical and physical processes;
Equilibrium; Oxidation - reduction reactions; Organic chemistry; Spectroscopic analysis.
Assessment: / The course has both internal and externally assessed components.
Course Prerequisite: / 12 credits or more in Level 2 Chemistry
Pathways: / Tertiary course, university or polytechnic courses. Analytical Chemist, Engineer, health Care, Clinical Laboratory Management, Forensics, pharmacologist, Research Chemist, Medicine Toxicologist, Product Development. Primary, construction and infrastructure, manufacturing and technology, social and community, service and creative vocational pathways
Possible Careers: / Science, medicine, veterinary science, technician, engineer.
Costs: / Approx $25 for one course workbook (CD included) required at the beginning of the year. 1B8 and 2 B8 exercise book
Further information: / Dr Desai

Physics Level 3 (13PHY)

/ This course is suitable for endorsement
This is an approved subject for UE
Course Description: / The course of study consists of four compulsory sections in mechanics, wave motion, electro magnetism, photons, atoms and nuclei and one practical investigation which individual students design and carry out themselves.
Assessment: / The course has both internal and externally assessed components.
Course Prerequisite: / Satisfactory completion of Level 2 Physics and Transactional writing in NCEA Level 2 English, or by negotiation with Head of Department
Pathways: / University or Polytechnic course in physics, engineering, medicine, optometry, architecture and defence force careers. Primary, construction and infrastructure, manufacturing and technology and social and community vocational pathways.
Possible Careers: / As mentioned above
Costs: / $15 in term 3 for revision book. The class also go on an overnight trip to Rainbows End in Auckland to study the physics of the fun park. The cost of this is approximately $60 to $80.
Further information: / Mr Grierson

Social Sciences

Social Sciences provide students with an understanding of the society they live in, its past, present and future. Students can study Accounting, Geography, History, Economics, Media Studies, Psychology and/or Tourism.

Accounting Level 3 (13ACC) / This course is suitable for endorsement
This is an approved subject for UE
Course Description: / Students study accounting skills in greater depth and employ techniques to process and analyse accounting systems of business entities, including partnerships.
Course Prerequisite: / Successful completion of Level 2 accounting.
Assessment: / Successful completion of all standards associated with this course will contribute up to 24 credits towards NCEA Level 3. The course has both internal and externally assessed components.
Pathways: / University and polytechnic courses. Service and creative vocational pathways.
Possible careers: / Accountancy, business management and/or administration, finance.
Costs: / Approximately $60 for write-on workbooks and stationery.
Further Information: / Mr Mokha

Economics Level 3 (13ECO)

/ This course is suitable for endorsement
This is an approved subject for UE
Course Description: / Students will understand the world around them and how the allocation of resources has implications, both at micro and macro Level. Economic theory and analysis are studied. Opportunities will be provided for research and economic analysis of contemporary issues.
Course Prerequisite: / 12 credits in economics or mathematics at Level 2.
Assessment: / Successful completion of all standards associated with this course will contribute up to 24 credits towards NCEA Level 3. The course has both internal and externally assessed components.
Pathways: / University or polytechnic courses. Primary, service and creative vocational pathways
Costs: / Approximately $60 for write-on workbooks and stationery.
Possible Careers / Commercial leadership, policy analyst, journalism, economist
Further Information: / Mr Mokha
Geography Level 3 (13GEO) / This course is suitable for endorsement
This is an approved subject for UE
Course Description: / The course looks closely at geographic processes operating in a distinctive environment (Tongariro), a cultural process operating in a selected environment (ie. Tourismin NZ orthe Gold Coast, Australia) and geographic skills.
Course Prerequisite: / Success in geography at NCEA Level 2 is desirable but not essential.
Assessment: / Successful completion of all standards associated with this course will contribute up to 24 credits towards NCEA Level 3. The course has both internal (14) and externally assessed components (8 – 12).
Pathways: / University or polytechnic course. Primary, construction and infrastructure, service and creative vocational pathways.
Possible Careers / Resource management, town planning, geology, agriculture, teacher
Costs: / Students participate in a field trip to Tongariro during the year (cost $60). Course workbooks ($20) can be purchased.
Further Information: / Mr O’Hara
History Level 3 (13HIS) / This course is suitable for endorsement
This is an approved subject for UE
Course Description: / Study in social, economic, political trends in world history. 1950s and 1960s,
Conservative USA versus the progressive New left, The Cold war, capitalism and materials versus communism, the ‘counter culture’, rise of the student revolutionaries
Course Prerequisite: / The course may be undertaken for the first time at Level 3 with a satisfactory level attained at Level 2 English (including formal writing). Home internet access highly desirable.
Assessment: / Successful completion of all standards associated with this course will contribute up to 24 credits towards the NCEA Level 3. The course has both internal and externally assessed components.
Pathways: / Tertiary studies. Service and creative vocational pathways.
Possible Careers: / Any career that requires research, organisation of information and communication (written, visual and verbal) e.g. Law, journalism, researcher, teacher, P.A, public relations, media, museum curator
Cost: / $2.50 printing/photocopying charge
Further Information: / Mr Davis

Media Studies Level 3 (13MED)

/ This course is suitable for endorsement
This is an approved subject for UE
Course Description: / This course further develops the study of media – particularly film. The conventions of different media, how they have changed over time and their impact on us as media consumers are covered in depth. Using this knowledge, students plan and produce their own documentary film or feature article.
Course Prerequisite: / Students should have gained at least 12 credits at Level 2 English including one of the Level 2 writing standards –91101 and/or 91105, or NCEA Level 2 media studies. Students must have gained the eight Level 2 English credits required for university entry.
Assessment: / Successful completion of all standards associated with this course will contribute up to 24 credits towards NCEA Level 3. The course has both internal and externally assessed components.
Pathways: / Tertiary studies. Service and creative vocational pathways.
Possible Careers: / Journalism, broadcasting
Cost: / $5colour printing/photocopying charge
Further Information: / Mrs Cox
Tourism Level 3 (13TOU) / This course is not suitable for endorsement
This is not an approved subject for UE but credits can be counted for NCEA Level 3
Course Description: / This course covers the material necessary for completion of the requirements of the National Certificate in Tourism (Introductory Skills)Level 2 for those who studied Level 2 Tourism. It covers in depth New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands as tourist destinations.
Course Prerequisite: / Completion of Level 2 tourism or evidence of a satisfactory year’s work at Level 2.
Assessment: / Successful completion of all standards associated with this course will contribute up to 24 credits toward NCEA Level 3. The course is assessed internally only.
Pathways: / Tertiary tourism studies at polytechnic or private training establishments. Service and social and community vocational pathways.
Possible Careers: / Employment in the tourism sector
Costs: / A field trip is planned to Rotorua (approximate cost $300) but this is optional.
Further Information: / Mr O’Hara, Mrs Morton.

Health and Physical Education

Students have the choice of undertaking one of two physical education courses in the senior school. Skills Active is a course for students who enjoy the hands on practical nature of participating in physical education. Level 3 Physical Education entails more theoritical components with the application of theory to practical tasks.

Please note: Students cannottake both courses unless there are special circumstances and subject to permission from the HOD.

Level 3 Physical Education (PED3) / This course is suitable for endorsement
This is an approved subject for UE
Course Description: / This is an approved university subject. This course focuses on students applying the theoretical knowledge they have learned in previous levels into more practical contexts. For example; term one students will design their own performance improvement programme to a challenging multisport event. They will investigate current issues, trends, or sporting events and the impact it has on NZ society. For example; scandals in sport, money in sport, drugs in sport, violence in sport, gender inequalities in sport etc.
They will analyse a skill performed by self or others and help them improve by using their knowledge of biomechanics, anatomy and video analysis apps on our school iPads own devices.
There may also be an opportunity for students to complete a standard that focuses on contemporary leadership styles in the context of coaching a junior class or local primary school.
Students will also get a chance to enjoy recreational and fun practical sessions throughout the year.
Assessment: / Successful completion of all standards associated with this course will contribute up to 19 credits towards NCEA Level 3. The course is internally assessed only. Scholarship PE will also be offered to students who endorse the course with excellence.
Course Prerequisite: / Level 2 physical education or 12 credits in Level 2 English or science or by negotiation with the HOD (student who displays excellence work ethic).
Pathways: / University or polytechnic courses e.g. Bachelor of Exercise Science, Exercise prescription, National Diploma in Sport and Leisure, National diploma in Recreation etc. Social and community, service and creative vocational pathways.
Possible careers: / Exercise science, physiology, sports nutrition, recreational studies, educational pathways such as physical education and personal trainer,
Costs: / There is no cost to this course.
It is highly recommended if students have a smartphone or apple device to download the apps – ‘map my run’ (free), ‘heart rate’ (free) and‘ubersense’ (free) in order to provide video analysis of their performance.
Further information: / Miss Sue
Level 3 Skills Active (SKL3) / This course isnot suitable for subject endorsement but is suitable for level endorsement
This is notan approved subject for UE
Course Description / Level 3 Skills Activeis a mixture of practical and theory based standards. This course will continue to develop key skills and concepts learned in Level 2 Skills Active. Students will be assessed on their performance in an aquathonevent at the beginning of the year. Students will alsoexplore more in-depth specific muscle groups in relation to exercises. Students will spend the majority of this course in the fitness centre working on technique and understanding exercise/fitness equipment (resistance training).
Course Prerequisite: / Level 2 Skills Active, Level 2 Physical Education or by negotiation with the HOD.
Assessment: / Successful completion of all standards associated with this course will contribute up to 20 credits towards NCEA Level 3. This course is internally assessed only.
Pathways: / Tertiary studies in sport and recreation. Social and community, service and creative vocational pathways.
Possible Careers: / Employment in health, fitness and nutrition industries.
Costs/Equipment / Decent sports shoes and sports attire to workout in. Sweat towel
It is recommended if students have a smartphone or apple device to download the apps – ‘Ubersense (free) in order to provide video analysis of their performance.
Further Information: / Miss Sue

Technology