NCEA
Welcome to the Queen Margaret College Year 11 Subject Selection Handbook. The purpose of this booklet is to help students make the wisest subject choices now and in the long term, bearing in mind that at the end of Year 11 students have the opportunity to choose which senior secondary school qualification they will take in Years 12 and 13, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). Students are advised to study this guide very closely – in particular the curriculum overview at the back of this book – and carefully discuss options with those people who can assist them to make an informed choice. As well as talking to teachers, parents and friends, help is available from a variety of sources.
STAFF WHO CAN ASSIST WITH COURSE SELECTION
Principal Jayne-Ann Young
Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching
Deputy Principal – Wellbeing
Careeers Director
HEADS OF LEARNING AREAS
English
Humanities
Languages
Mathematics
Holly Payne
Fiona Crawford
Annabel Harris
Adrian Hardy
Caroline Harding
Matthew Kavanagh
PE & Health Tarron Stead
Arts
Science
Technology
SENIOR SCHOOL DEANS
Year 11
Year 12
Year 13
Tim Jenkin
Rebecca Hickey
Richard Knuckey
Deans, subject teachers and tutor teachers are more than happy to help but ultimately this is a family decision. Even though it is early days, it is also sensible to check university websites regarding entry requirements for particular courses.
National Certificate of Educational Achievement
Students entering Year 11 should be making subject choices related to their long-term educational goals and (possible) career choices. At this stage, students are encouraged to keep their options open and take a wide range of subjects. Information gathering is important. Students should be aware of their abilities, aptitudes and interests and are encouraged to take this information into account when they select their subjects.
In Year 11 the following are compulsory subjects: English, Mathematics, at least one Science subject, Religious Education, and a programme of Financial Literacy, Health, and be the change Students choose THREE other subjects.
Please note: Every effort is made to accommodate each student’s subject choices. However, sometimes it is not always possible to do this. Where there are clashes in subject choice or the class size is too small, students may be asked to make another choice.
• NCEA comprises three levels of achievement. NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3. Year 11 students sit NCEA Level 1. For a student to be awarded NCEA Level 1 she must achieve 80 credits which must include a minimum of 10 credits in literacy (from English and approved achievement standards in other subjects)
• and 10 credits in numeracy (from Mathematics and approved achievement standards in other subjects).
The School encourages students to study standards which will give them more than the minimum number of credits required to pass any given level. This is seen as an opportunity to extend students, giving them a broader based education and more opportunity for success and choice in future year levels.
The NCEA qualification encourages students to achieve the best possible results and there are two endorsements to acknowledge this:
1. NCEA Level 1 endorsed certificates
• NCEA Level 1 certificate endorsed with Excellence which requires 50 credits at Excellence
• NCEA Level 1 certificate endorsed with Merit which requires 50 credits at Merit or higher
• Any results from Year 10 will be included in this endorsement.
2. NCEA course endorsements
• If a student achieves 14 credits at Excellence in a subject in one calendar year, they will have the subject endorsed with Excellence
• If a student achieves 14 credits at Merit or higher in a subject in one calendar year, they will have the subject endorsed with Merit
• The course endorsement must include at least 3 credits from externally assessed standards and 3 credits from internally assessed standards (there are some exceptions to this requirement)
• The course endorsement applies in the year the subject is studied and credits obtained in previous years cannot be carried over.
Course endorsements
Course endorsement provides recognition of student achievement in an individual course.
Students will gain an endorsement for a course if, in a single school year, they achieve:
• 14 or more credits at Achieved or Merit or Excellence, and
• at least 3 of these credits from externally assessed standards and 3 credits from internally assessed standards.
Each subject listed in this booklet shows the likely combination of achievement standards to be offered in the course. The exact achievement standards to be assessed will be confirmed with students at the start of the year. Further information on NCEA is available on the NZQA Website: www.nzqa.govt.nz.
Examination Fees
NZQA no longer charges fees for domestic students to enter NCEA or Scholarship Assessments. Fees are still payable by international students. Further information can be found at www.nzqa.govt.nz
However, students will be subscribed to a www.educationperfect.com package. This will provide access to learning materials in languages, mathematics, science and other subject areas. There will be a single charge of approximately $70.
NCEA : YEAR 11
Subjects
BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS – LEVEL 1
Recommended Previous Study
Completion of Year 10 Business & Economics or approval by Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching.
Course Description
This course combines a number of NCEA Level 1 achievement standards from both Business Studies and Economics. Business is the study of decision making within an organisation, whereas economics is the study of scarcity and resource allocation,
on micro levels. Students cover a variety of topics, including consumer choice using scarcity and demand, producer choices and marketing and the marketing mix. There is opportunity for students to visit companies and to apply business knowledge in a real-world context. This general approach ensures that students are well prepared in Year 12 for either NCEA Level 2 Business & Economics or IB Diploma Business Management.
Contributions:
All students will be issued with individual workbooks (approximate cost $45).
CHINESE – LEVEL 1
Recommended Previous Study
Completion of Year 10 Chinese or approval by Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching.
Course Description
The aim of this course is to develop students’ ability to interact with Chinese speakers and use basic language competently. They write a variety of texts to communicate for genuine purposes with the support of resources. A selection of evidence
ASSESSMENT
showcases the individual’s final work. The length of the selected two texts is approximately 300 characters in total. Students also deliver a one-minute speech in Chinese. This course covers the following topics: school life, extracurricular activities, travel, directions, birthday celebrations, health and leisure.
Contributions:
• Students will be charged for a booklet of photocopied material costing around $10.
NCEA : YEAR 11
DRAMA – LEVEL 1
Recommended Previous Study
Completion of Year 10 Drama or approval by Deputy Principal –Learning and Teaching.
Course Description
In this course students learn how to use drama techniques appropriately to develop their performance skills. After negotiation students will then choose to focus their study
ASSESSMENT
on one of the 2 following options: To participate in the production of a selected play text or to create script and perform an original piece of drama. They will also learn about selected theatre forms and traditions to develop and deepen their understanding of the world of theatre. Students attend professional theatre productions and in these, as in all units of work, they learn to extend their knowledge and critical understanding of the way theatre is created and the purpose it has served across history.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY – LEVEL 1
Recommended Previous Study
Completion of Year 10 Product and Digital Design or approval by Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching.
Course Description
The key focus of this course is to encourage students to become creators as well as consumers of digital technology. Students learn a range of skills including design principles,
ASSESSMENT
digital imaging, web design, programming, technological modelling, and project management. The first unit of work requires students to design a digital media outcome such as an app or website using a combination of HTML/CSS markup language and JavaScript. Other units involve creating a algorithmic solution and understanding the importance of user interface and user experience when creating digital outcomes. They will also learn computer programming to address a given problem.
NCEA : YEAR
ENGLISH – LEVEL 1 (COMPULSORY)
Recommended Previous Study
Completion of Year 10 English or approval by Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching.
Course Description
The study of English helps students engage with and enjoy language. In Level 1 English, students will study of range of
literature to develop their close reading and essay writing skills. The purpose of the Level 1 course is for students to explore and express their ideas in a variety of registers and to better understand the relationship between authors and audience.
FRENCH – LEVEL 1
Recommended Previous Study
Completion of Year 10 French or approval by Deputy Principal –Learning and Teaching.
Course Description
The aim of this course is to be able to interact with French speakers and use basic language competently. Students write a variety of texts, with the support of resources, showing they can share information and opinions in everyday situations.
A selection of evidence showcases the individual’s final work. They also prepare and deliver a one-minute speech in French. This course covers these topics: tourism, Paris, holidays, school and leisure time.
Contributions:
• Students will be charged for: A ‘Renash’ NCEA level 1 vocabulary and grammar handbook – approximately $20.
NCEA : YEAR 11
GEOGRAPHY – LEVEL 1
Recommended Previous Study
Completion of Year 10 Humanities or approval by Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching.
Course Description
Geography explores the relationships and interactions between people and environments. Students develop research skills and learn to interpret maps, graphs and visual images. Identifying viewpoints and understanding different perspectives are also key skills. During this course, the sustainable use of environments and geographic issues are investigated with
particular focus on the impacts on people and environments. Extreme natural events are also studied with the Canterbury and Haiti earthquakes explored as case studies. Fieldwork is undertaken in the local Wellington region.
Contributions:
• Conducting fieldwork is an important aspect of studying NCEA Geography. Details and costs of field trips will be advertised in the electronic newsletter.
• All Year 11 students will be issued with a write-on Geography 1.4 Skills book. The cost of this (approximately $30) will be charged to your account.
HISTORY – LEVEL 1
Recommended Previous Study
Completion of Year 10 Humanities or approval by Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching.
Course Description
Through studying History, students develop many skills that are necessary for the modern working environment. Information literacy is one of these key skills. Research is a
ASSESSMENT
Carry out an investigation of an historical event, or place, of significance to New Zealanders.
Demonstrate understanding of an historical event, or place, of significance to New Zealanders.
Interpret sources of an historical event of significance to New Zealanders.
Demonstrate understanding of different perspectives of people in an historical event of significance to New Zealanders.
Describe the causes and consequences of an historical event.
major component of History, where students learn to critique their sources of information and cross-reference facts. They also learn to identify opinion and gain an understanding of differing perspectives, hence developing empathy. Communication skills are also important. Students gain the ability to present information in a logical order and in a variety of settings. The Year 11 course studies twentieth century themes which includes issues such as racism, conflict, peace and protest. Understanding the world around us is crucial, as is having a comprehension of our nation, therefore all topics have a New Zealand component.
NCEA : YEAR 11
JAPANESE – LEVEL 1
Recommended Previous Study
Completion of Year 10 Japanese or approval by Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching.
Course Description
The aim of this course is to be able to interact with Japanese speakers and use basic language competently. Students write a variety of texts, with the support of resources, showing that they can share information and opinions in everyday situations.
ASSESSMENT
Demonstrate understanding of a variety of spoken Japanese texts on areas of most immediate relevance.
Give a spoken presentation in Japanese that communicates a personal response.
Demonstrate understanding of a variety of Japanese texts on areas of most immediate relevance.
A selection of evidence showcases the individual’s final work. They deliver a one-minute speech in Japanese. This course covers the following topics: relationships, school, organising a trip to Japan, shopping, house, rules and health. They learn Hiragana, Katakana and 50 Kanji.
Contributions:
• Students will be charged for: a ‘Renash’ NCEA level 1 vocabulary and grammar handbook – approximately $20.
MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY – LEVEL 1
Recommended Previous Study
Completion of Year 10 Materials Technology or approval by Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching.
Course Description
Students will work on two units of work over the course of the year, exploring a variety of materials and construction processes: topic one–‘Bags Project’, topic two–‘Garment Project’. Each unit of work will require completion of investigation research, design, development work, written tasks and the construction of a practical solution. Students will develop skills in freehand sketching techniques to communicate their design ideas. The design work produced
ASSESSMENT
over the year is externally assessed by folio submission. It is recommended that one of the units of work should be developed for a client, not the student.
Contributions:
• There is a $50+gst annual consumables fee for Materials Technology. This will be charged to your school account. Students will work on individual practical projects that will require them to purchase some of their own material resources. Topic specific resource details will be given to students at the start of each topic.
• There may be planned trips throughout the year which are necessary to develop knowledge for the assessment tasks in the unit topics. You will be notified of any costs associated with any trips (travel, entry fees). Costs incurred will be charged to your school account.
NCEA : YEAR 11
MATHEMATICS – LEVEL 1 (COMPULSORY)
Recommended Previous Study
Completion of Year 10 Mathematics or approval by Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching.
Course Description
The course covers the three strands in the Mathematics curriculum: number and algebra, geometry and measurement, and statistics. Classes are streamed by the Head of Mathematics into three courses that cater for the different abilities and needs
ASSESSMENT (CHALLENGE)
of the students. Within each class, teachers also differentiate for individual students or groups of students, and there are opportunities for class support and extension activities. Students in the Challenge and Extend courses are well prepared for either NCEA Level 2 or the IB Diploma Programme in Year 12. Students in the Support course are well prepared for NCEA Level 2 Statistics.
Contributions:
• All students are registered with the Education Perfect software for Mathematics (approximate cost $20).
• All students will be issued with individual workbooks (approximate cost $30).
ASSESSMENT (EXTEND)
ASSESSMENT (SUPPORT)
MUSIC – LEVEL 1
Recommended Previous Study
Completion of Year 10 Music or approval by Deputy Principal –Learning and Teaching.
Course Description
NCEA Level 1 Music offers a range of achievement standards to the young musician. Students develop their skills in composition, either individual or collaborative, and performance, both solo and group. They also gain skills in aural perception and an understanding of conventions used in written music. Through studying a variety of music works,
ASSESSMENT
students learn to appreciate the cultural, social and historical background of music. They will also develop musical literacy through listening and analysis. Students who take this course must have an active interest and ability in Music and have completed at least two years’ instrumental or vocal tuition. Students must also be having regular music tuition in a selected instrument, either through the College or privately, and we strongly recommend they are part of at least one senior extra-curricular music group.
Assessment
In discussion with their teacher, students select 18-22 credits from the achievement standards below to suit their talents and interests.
NCEA : YEAR 11
PHYSICAL EDUCATION – LEVEL 1
Recommended Previous Study
Completion of Year 10 Physical Education or approval by Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching.
Course Description
Biophysical Principles
We explore how the body works through physical activity.
• The skeletal and the muscular systems and how they interact to enable human movement
• Biomechanics and how these principles are used to enhance sporting performance
• Exercise science and physiology and how this enables participation in physical activity.
ASSESSMENT
Societal Issues in Sport & Physical Activity
We explore a range of factors that influence people’s views and participation in physical activity
• Participate in a range of different activities and explore factors affecting participation. These activites include Fergs, Cityfitness (various classes), squash, tramps, Adrenaline Forest, yoga and many more.
Sport & Physical Activity Development
Our aim is to expose students to a wide range of different sports and physical activity.
• Students have the opportunity to participate in and develop skills in volleyball
Contributions
As part of 1.1 and 1.5 students will participate in a variety of activities such as; Fergs, Cityfitness, squash and outdoor education activities. These activities will be charged to parents' accounts as they take place.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES (COMPULSORY) – LEVEL 1
Recommended Previous Study
No previous study required.
Course Description
Biophysical Principles
Religious Studies is a broad subject encompassing a wide range of worldviews and philosophies.
• In Level 1 students explore the ethical concepts and principles of Christianity and other belief systems
Achievement Standard Title
Describe the application of the key ethical principle(s) of a religious tradition to an issue.
• They examine the sources of these ideas and investigate how these principles may be applied to a variety of moral issues
• The purpose of this is for students to engage critically with important contemporary and historical beliefs and practices, and to develop their own skills of analysis and evaluation.
NCEA : YEAR 11
SCIENCE – LEVEL 1 (COMPULSORY)
Students must select at least one of the two Year 11 courses. Students intending to study two or three sciences at Year 12 are encouraged to select both of the Year 11 Science courses.
BIOLOGY & CHEMISTRY – LEVEL 1
Recommended Previous Study
Completion of Year 10 Science or approval by Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching.
ASSESSMENT
Course Description
This course integrates the study of biology and chemistry topics. Students build their understanding of fundamental ideas in genetics, mammals, chemical reactions and carbon chemistry. Key experimental skills associated with biology and chemistry are developed in the practical component of the course. This course provides a foundation for further study in biology and chemistry.
PHYSICS & CHEMISTRY – LEVEL 1
Recommended Previous Study
Completion of Year 10 Science or approval by Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching.
Course Description
This course integrates the study of physics and chemistry topics. Students build an understanding of fundamental ideas
in mechanics, waves, electricity and properties of acids and bases. Key experimental skills associated with physics and chemistry are developed in the practical component of the course. This course provides a foundation for further study in physics and chemistry.
Carry out a practical physics investigation
leads to a linear mathematical relationship, with direction
NCEA : YEAR 11
SPANISH – LEVEL 1
Recommended Previous Study
Completion of Year 10 Spanish or approval by Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching.
Course Description
The aim of this course is to interact with Spanish speakers in social situations and use basic language competently. Students write a variety of texts, with the support of resources, showing that they can share information and opinions in everyday
ASSESSMENT
situations. A selection of evidence showcases the individual’s final work. They also deliver a one-minute speech in Spanish. This course includes the following topics: holidays, home, town, school, future plans and leisure time.
Contributions:
• They will be subscribed to the ‘Ahora’ Spanish magazine costing approximately $27 and receive a Renash grammar book costing approximately $20.
TE REO MĀORI – LEVEL 1
Recommended Previous Study
Completion of Year 10 te reo Māori or approval by Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching.
Course description
The Year 11 Te Reo Māori students will continue to develop the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking, whilst consolidating their knowledge of vocabulary, grammar and tikanga Māori. Students are required to complete the speaking portfolio 1.2 ‘Kōrero kia whakamahi i te reo o tōna ao.’ They
will be invited to complete two other standards based on their individual strengths. They will be given the option to do a fourth standard if they so desire. Students will prepare for sitting their external achievement standard by practising examination techniques, revising vocabulary, grammar and verb tenses, and completing past reading and writing papers. Use of the target language in the classroom will be encouraged and students will regularly use their laptops for e-learning activities, vocabulary revision and accessing authentic online resources.
NCEA : YEAR 11
VISUAL ARTS – LEVEL 1
Recommended Previous Study
Completion of Year 10 Visual Arts or approval by Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching.
Course Description
This is a broad practical course in which each student will undertake a range of school-developed units of work. These will provide experiences in drawing, painting, photography, printmaking and ceramics. The course gives students the opportunity to develop their perceptual, imaginative, technical and critical skills through making Art. Also included is the study of contemporary artists and their methods. The course is recommended as a prerequisite for both the Year 12 IBDP Visual Arts and Year 12 NCEA Art disciplines as it provides students
ASSESSMENT
with all the necessary visual and technical knowledge and skills to successfully pursue further study in the specialist Visual Arts. Access to a SLR Access digital camera is required and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite will be installed at school.
Contributions:
• There is a consumables fee of approximately $75, which will be charged to the student’s school account.
• Students in this course are required to purchase the Adobe Creative Cloud suite for approximately $40. This gives them a one-year subscription to industry standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. This will be installed at school and charged to students' school accounts.
Choosing Your Pathway
For many, the question of “Where to?” after secondary school looms large. The internet has numerous sites which offer advice and guidance for secondary students. A New Zealand website that might be worth visiting is https://www.careers.govt.nz/
University websites
New Zealand
University of Auckland
www.auckland.ac.nz
Auckland University of Technology
www.aut.ac.nz
University of Canterbury
www.canterbury.ac.nz
Lincoln University
www.lincoln.ac.nz
Massey University (Albany, Palmerston North, Wellington) www.massey.ac.nz
University of Otago
www.otago.ac.nz
Victoria University of Wellington www.vuw.ac.nz
University of Waikato
www.waikato.ac.nz
Wellington Institute of Technology
www.weltec.ac.nz
World Wide
Please check with your preferred university directly. A few possibilities are shown below.
Australian National University
www.anu.edu.au
University of Melbourne
www.unimelb.edu.au
Monash University, Australia www.monash.edu.au
University of Queensland
www.uq.edu.au
University of Sydney www.usyd.edu.au
Cambridge University, UK www.cam.ac.uk
plan-your-career/ Students are also welcome to seek advice from the school’s Careers Director.
University websites contain a wealth of relevant information and should be consulted before final decisions are made about future tertiary or career pathways.
Oxford University, UK www.ox.ac.uk
Duke University, USA
www.duke.edu
Harvard, USA
www.harvard.edu
MIT, USA
www.mit.edu
Princeton University, USA
www.princeton.edu
Stanford University, USA www.stanford.edu
Yale University, USA
www.yale.edu
Monash University www.monash.edu.au
University of Queensland www.uq.edu.au
University of Sydney www.usyd.edu.au
Cambridge University, UK www.cam.ac.uk
Oxford University, UK www.ox.ac.uk
Duke University, USA www.duke.edu
Harvard, USA
www.harvard.edu
MIT, USA
www.mit.edu
Princeton University, USA www.princeton.edu
Stanford University, USA www.stanford.edu
Yale University, USA
www.yale.edu
Curriculum overview
* Year 1– 6
Transdisciplinary Approach:
Six Key Themes are studied over the course of the year. These themes cover all learning areas. In addition we offer specialist teaching in Art, Music (Year 6 Band), French (Year 2–6) and Religious Education.
Year 11
Level 1
Visual Arts
Music
Drama
Materials Technology
Digital Technology
History
Geography
Business and Economics
NCEA IB DIPLOMA
Year 12
Level 2
Photography
Painting and Printmaking
Music
Drama
Materials Technology
Digital Technology
History
Geography
Business and Economics
English English Media Studies
French Spanish Japanese Chinese
Te Reo Māori
Mathematics
French Spanish Japanese Chinese
Te Reo Māori
Mathematics Statistics
Physical Education Physical Education
Physics and Chemistry
Biology and Chemistry
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Year 13
Level 3
Photography
Art History
Painting
Printmaking
Music
Drama
Materials Technology
Digital Technology
History
Geography
Business and Economics
Year 12 & 13
(2 year course)
Visual Arts
Music
Theatre
Film
Visual Arts: Textiles
History
Environmental Systems and Societies
Business Management
Psychology
English
Media Studies
French Spanish Japanese Chinese
Te Reo Māori
Statistics
Calculus
English - Literature
Language A - Mother tongue
French Spanish Japanese Chinese
Spanish Ab Initio English
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
Mathematics: Application and Interpretation
Physical Education
Physics Chemistry
Biology
Creativity, Activity, Service
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Environmental Systems and Societies
Sports, Exercise and Health Science
Religious Education Ethics, Philosophy, Religion
Ethics, Philosophy, Religion
Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay