10 Agriculture and Horticulture - 10HOR

The Year 10 Horticulture course is a half-year option subject.

There are no prerequisites to enter Year 10. Please note that it is an advantage to have done the Year 10 course if taking the subject in Year 11. This is an introductory course to Horticulture and the course is an extension of the Year 9 course.

The concept behind the course is to teach students ways to be self-sufficient on a small lifestyle block. Students learn about plant growth and propagation, growing vegetables, raising pet sheep and bee-keeping.

There is a practical (outdoor) component to the course. This subject will provide students with a good foundation for the Agriculture and Horticulture courses in the senior school.

Level One Science

At Palmerston North Boys’ High School, we believe that a strong foundation in science is essential for future success. In 2026, we are excited to offer two Level 1 Science pathways designed to cater to different learning styles and future goals.

Option A: Continuing Science – 11SCX

A challenging course, which takes your science learning further with a course that explores chemical structure and bonding, how living things vary and inherit traits, and how energy, heat, and electricity shape the world. You’ll learn key scientific ideas and build strong skills to carry into more advanced study. Completing this course gives you a solid pathway into Level 2 Physics, Chemistry and Biology. This course is ideal for students who wish to deepen their understanding of scientific concepts and prepare for advanced studies in Physics, Chemistry and Biology at Levels 2 and 3.

Students will cover the material for external standards CB AS 1.3 – Genetic Variation (5 credits), CB AS 1.4 – Physical Properties of Materials (4 credits) and PESS AS 1.4 – Energy Concepts (5 credits) and sit a minimum of two external standards at the end of the academic year. The course also includes one internal standard - Science AS 1.2 – Investigative Approaches (5 credits), which they will complete during the school year.

Why Choose Continuing Science?

This is a challenging and comprehensive course that builds strong scientific knowledge and skills. It provides a clear pathway into Level 2 specialist sciences and is ideal for students aiming for careers in science, engineering, health and technology.

Option B: Science in Society – 11SCS

A challenging course, which explores how science connects with the world around you. In this course, you’ll dive into the chemistry behind reactions, the basics of genetics, and how energy and waves work. This course has a high literacy component alongside practical work. The NCEA component of this course includes one internal standard - Science AS 1.2 – Investigative Approaches (5 credits) and one external standard - Science AS 1.4 – Science-Related Claims in Communication (5 credits). In the school examinations, the students’ content knowledge in units studied throughout the year will be tested and they will sit the external standard Science AS 1.4 at the end of the academic year.

Why Choose Science in Society?

This challenging course emphasises literacy and practical science skills. Students will develop their ability to think critically and communicate scientific ideas effectively. It’s a great option for those interested in how science impacts the world. In doing this course, you will build your science communication skills by thinking and writing about real-world issues. Completing this course option will still allow you to continue studying Level 2 Chemistry, Biology and Physics.

Which Course is Right for You?

• Continuing Science -  11SCX is suited for students who want a rigorous, content-heavy course with a strong academic pathway.

• Science in Society – 11SCS is ideal for students who enjoy practical learning and want to understand science in real-world contexts.

Both courses offer valuable skills and knowledge, and both allow progression to Level 2 Science subjects.

Subject cost $60

Level One Agriculture and Horticulture - 11HOR

This is a full-year option subject for students with a passion for New Zealand Primary industries. Teaching is balanced between Horticulture and Agriculture contexts. Students will learn plant and livestock structure, function and husbandry methods.

The Māori concepts of kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga are the basis of the course, which is to appreciate the reciprocal relationships between production and the environment: If we care for and respect the environment and livestock, then they will provide food and fibre for us in return.

The course will be formally assessed with one internal and one external NCEA Achievement Standard.

Level Two Agriculture and Horticulture - 12AHOR

Year 12AgHort will be a good option for students interested in Agriculture or Horticulture. The course is generally livestock-focused, but this can be adapted depending on student interest.   The course will aim to give students a solid background for working in the Primary Industries.  We learn about plant propagation, environmental impacts of primary production, livestock reproductive techniques, and livestock growth and development, along with livestock husbandry practices.  Many students participate in PITO, which involves one or two days out of school each week; these students must be prepared to keep up through online learning.

Although it is not a prerequisite, having done 11AgHort is an advantage to doing this course.  The course is made up of three internal and one external Achievement Standards (16 NCEA credits total).

Teacher: Mr Jochem

Level Two Biology - 12BIO

Studying Biology involves learning about the fundamental aspects of living organisms, from their basic structures and functions to their evolution and interactions with the environment.

Students will study:

(1) Biological investigation, conducting a hands-on fair-test investigation. Involves students planning, gathering information, processing, and reporting on their results.

(2) Physiology of organisms to illustrate different adaptations to digestion in various animal groups to deal with the challenges common to all life.

(3) Genetic variation. How sources of variation in a gene pool, and the interaction between ecological factors and natural selection, leads to genetic changes within populations.

(4) Gene expression. How the genetic code gives rise to the features that define cells and organisms through combining protein synthesis and the influence of the environment.

Future career/university pathways from studying Biology include: Medical Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Food Engineering, Biochemistry, Aquaculture, Ecology and Agriculture, Genetics, Microbiology, Pharmacology, and Sports Science.

While there are no prerequisites for Level 2 Biology, a willingness to learn and strong literacy skills will be beneficial.

Internal Achievement Standards taught:

- 91153 Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context

- 91155 Demonstrate understanding of adaptations of plants or animals to their way of life

External Achievement Standards taught:

- 91157 Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change

- 91159 Demonstrate understanding of gene expression

Subject cost: $46

Number of credits: 15

Level Two Chemistry - 12CHE

This course focuses on Investigating and measuring the chemical and physical properties of a range of groups of substances, for example, acids and bases, oxidants and reductants, and selected organic and inorganic compounds. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to relate properties of matter to structure and bonding. They will develop an understanding of and use the fundamental concepts of chemistry (for example, equilibrium and thermochemical principles) to interpret observations, and apply knowledge of chemistry to explain aspects of the natural world and how chemistry is used in society to meet needs, resolve issues, and develop new technologies.

The course consists of three externally assessed Achievement Standards (91164, 91165 and 91166) worth a total of 13 credits and one internal assessment (91911) worth 3 credits.

Students wishing to enter into the level 2 course will need to have shown a good level of understanding of the key concepts present in Level 1 Science. This requires at least an Achieved in both an externally assessed and an internally assessed Science Achievement Standard and in unit tests held throughout the year.

Internal Achievement Standards taught
91911 Carry out an investigation into chemical species present in a sample using qualitative analysis

External Achievement Standards taught
91164 Demonstrate understanding of the nature of bonding, structure and energy changes
91165 Demonstrate understanding of the properties of selected organic compounds
91166 Demonstrate understanding of chemical reactivity

Subject Cost: $37

Level Two Physics - 12PHY

Physics is the branch of science in which people explore the physical world around them and seek to understand and describe the phenomena they encounter. Learning in Physics is inspired by a simple wonder at the way things are and a compelling curiosity about why they work the way they do. A study of Physics spans the limits of our universe, from the subatomic to the size of galaxies, and develops skills and knowledge that are useful in today's world and important in further learning.

By studying Physics, students gain an understanding of interactions between parts of the physical world and of the ways in which they can be represented. Knowing about Physics enables people to understand a wide range of contemporary issues and challenges and potential technological solutions. Specifically, students will study aspects of Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Wave Behaviour.

Internal Assessment:

91172 Demonstrate understanding of Physics relevant to a selected context (Physics 2.2) 3 credits

External Assessments:

91171 Demonstrate understanding of mechanics (Physics 2.4) 6 credits

91173 Demonstrate understanding of electricity and electromagnetism (Physics 2.6) 6 credits

Subject Costs: $30 

Level Two Science - 12SCX

This is an academic course designed for students who want a Level 2 science qualification. It is essential to understand that this course DOES NOT lead on to a Level 3 Science programme. Therefore, it is not suitable for students intending to study Science at University. If this is the case, we would strongly advise that your son does one or any of the following specialist sciences ie Physics, Chemistry and/or Biology at Level 2 instead of Level 2 Science. There is no prerequisite for getting into the Level 2 specialist sciences, only that your son comes to class with a “can do” attitude and strong work ethic.

Students undertaking the 12 Science course will complete five achievement standards from various Level 2 specialist science subjects – four Internal standards and one External standard:

AS 2.4 Int. 91190: How organisms survive in an extreme environment.4 Credits (Internal)

AS2.5 Ext. 91157: Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change. 4 Credits (External)

AS 2.10 Int. 91298: Report on the environmental impact of the production of a locally-produced primary product. 4 Credits (Internal)

AS 2.8 Int. 91160:Investigate biological material at the microscopic level. 3 Credits (Internal)

AS 2.1 Int. 91153: Carry out a practical investigation in a biology context, with supervision. 4 Credits (Internal)

This course is ideal for the Level 2 student who has selected his area of tertiary study, not specifically in Science, but wants to carry on with General Science to a higher level than Level 1.

NB Students CANNOT progress on to Level 3 Science at PNBHS.

Subject cost: $65

Level Three Biology - 13BIO

Studying Biology involves learning about the fundamental aspects of living organisms, from their basic structures and functions to their evolution and interactions with the environment.

Students will study:

(1) Homeostasis and how animals maintain a constant internal environment with an ever-changing external environment.

(2) COVID-19 vaccination as a socio-scientific issue.

(3) Ecology including animal and plant responses to the external environment. Includes orientation in space and time and interspecific and intraspecific relationships.

(4) Speciation including evolutionary processes leading to the formation of new species. Includes the evidence for evolution.

(5) Trends in human evolution including biological (e.g. bipedalism) and cultural evolution (e.g. tools and fire).

Future career/university pathways from studying Biology include: Medical Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Food Engineering, Biochemistry, Aquaculture, Ecology and Agriculture, Genetics, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Sports Science to mention a few.

Students wishing to enter into the Level 3 Biology course will need to have shown a good level of understanding of the key concepts present in Level 2 Biology.

Internal Achievement Standards taught:

- 91602 Integrate biological knowledge to develop an informed response to a socio-scientific issue (internal 3 Credits) 

- 91604 Demonstrate understanding of how an animal maintains a stable internal environment

External Achievement Standards taught:

- 91603 Demonstrate understanding of the responses of plants and animals to their external environment

- 91605 Demonstrate understanding of evolutionary processes leading to speciation

- 91606 Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution

Subject cost: $46

Number of credits: 19

Level Three Chemistry - 13CHE

Chemists carry out reactions at what is known as the macroscopic level, and they think about reactions at the particulate or sub-microscopic level. They often use symbols to represent their observations. The aim of the level three course is to recognise that, for any substance, the properties and behaviours observed and measured are the result of the properties and behaviours of sub-microscopic particles that cannot be seen. More specifically, at the end of the level three course, students will be able to:

· Describe the composition and properties of matter and the energy involved as it undergoes change

· Explain how substances interrelate and their impact on society

· Make observations on the behaviour of substances and explain these using the fundamental concepts of chemistry

· Use the nature of particles to predict the properties and reactions of materials.

The course consists of three externally assessed Achievement Standards (91390, 91391 and 91392) worth 5 credits each and one internal assessed Achievement Standard (91393) worth 3 credits, giving a total of 18 credits. In addition there are one optional internal assessment 91388 worth 3 credits.

Students wishing to enter into the Level 3 Chemistry course will need to have shown a good level of understanding of the key concepts present in Level 2 Chemistry. This requires at least an Achieved in two externally assessed and one internally assessed Chemistry Achievement Standard.

Internal Achievement Standards taught
91393 Demonstrate understanding of oxidation-reduction processes (compulsory)
91388 Demonstrate understanding of spectroscopic data in chemistry (optional)
External Achievement Standards taught
91390 Demonstrate understanding of thermochemical principles and the properties of particles and substances
91391 Demonstrate understanding of the properties of organic compounds
91392 Demonstrate understanding of equilibrium principles in aqueous systems
Subject cost: $37

Level Three Agriculture and Horticulture - 13HOR

Year 13 Agriculture and Horticulture is primarily focused on Agribusiness, and students are able to study in both the Horticulture and/or Agriculture context.

Students are expected to show an interest in the global and local current events to explain changes in production costs and management decisions. Students complete a case study assessment into a New Zealand primary product of their choice, looking into the production process, and manipulation of management practices and their impact on profitability.

Consideration of the environment, and application of abstract thought are required for student success at this level.

Level 3 Agriculture/Horticulture is an NCEA approved subject and can be used to meet University Entrance requirements

Recommended Prior Achievement Level
Students will need at least 12 English credits, and either 12 Horticulture credits, or if they are new students, some Economics or Business Studies background.

The ability to work independently on your own investigations is necessary.

Internally Assessed Achievement Standards:
91528 Investigation (4 credits)
91529 Production of a NZ primary product (6 credits)
Externally Assessed Achievement Standards:
91531 Manipulations of production process (4 credits)
91532 Impacts on the environment (5 credits)

Subject fee: $ 15

Level Three Physics - 13PHY

Physics is the branch of science in which people explore the physical world around them and seek to understand and describe the phenomena they encounter. Learning in Physics is inspired by a simple wonder at the way things are and a compelling curiosity about why they work the way they do. A study of Physics spans the limits of our universe, from the subatomic to the size of galaxies, and develops skills and knowledge that are useful in today's world and important in further learning.

By studying Physics, students gain an understanding of interactions between parts of the physical world and of the ways in which they can be represented. Knowing about Physics enables people to understand a wide range of contemporary issues and challenges and potential technological solutions. Specifically, students will study aspects of Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Wave Behaviour.

Internal Assessment:

91525 Demonstrate understanding of the application of Physics to a selected context (Physics 3.2) 3 credits

External Assessments:

91523 Demonstrate understanding of waves systems (Physics 3.3) 4 credits

91524 Demonstrate understanding of mechanical systems (Physics 3.4) 6 credits

91526 Demonstrate understanding of electrical systems (Physics 3.6) 6 credits

Subject Costs: $30