YEAR 10 ACCELERATE PROGRAMME

Year 10 accelerates enrol for all four of the NCEA Level One core subjects i.e. Mathematics, Science, English, and the History/Geography *(Social Studies) composite course. In addition, they must choose option subjects to complete their timetable.

Languages are also available to the year 10 accelerates as full-year courses. These are:

• Te Reo Māori
  
• French
• Japanese
• German

Performance Music can also be taken as a full-year course.

Accelerate students who choose not to take a full-year language or music course must select at least one of the following half-year option courses during the year:

• Visual Art
• Music Studies
• Drama 

Level One Science - 11SCA

This course consists of three External standards and one Internal standard. The students will be taught the content for three External standards – Mechanics (Physics), Acids and Bases (Chemistry) and Mammals as a Consumer (Biology), which set the students up well for the Level 2 specialist Sciences (Physics, Chemistry and Biology). There are two Internal standards available to choose from. Your son’s teacher will decide which Internal will be done during the year.

Subject cost $55

Level One Mathematics - 11MTX

The course will teach students at levels 5 & 6 of the New Zealand Curriculum giving them the knowledge at skills required for success at Year 12. Students will be placed in classes based on their demonstrated mathematical ability. They will sit one external and two internal NZQA Level 1 Achievement Standards. Selected students will be given additional opportunities to meet the necessary Level 1 Numeracy requirements.
Course cost: $15

Year 10 Accelerate Geography Programme

This is a half year course which gives an introduction to Geography. Topics covered include: Introduction and Geographic concepts, geomorphology (landforms) and climate principles, population studies, sustainability, introduction to commercial computer mapping application (Geographic Information Systems), and current geographic Issues.

Assessment is made up of the completion of one NCEA internal Achievement Standard - 91011 (1.5) - Conduct geographic research, with direction (Manawatu weather study) – 4 NCEA credits, and one NCEA external Achievement Standard -91010 (1.4) - Apply concepts and basic geographic skills to demonstrate understanding of a given environment – 4 NCEA credits.

Subject Costs are $15

Year 10 Accelerate History Programme

People in Protest

This is a half year course which provides an introduction to History. The learning in this course is driven by the questions: what is social justice and what actions have people taking in the past to protect their rights? Students will have the opportunity to think deeply about, and debate, ideas, and issues about why and how people have protested in the past. Contexts for study include Parihaka in New Zealand and the Black Civil Rights movement in America.

Assessment is made up of the completion of one NCEA internal Achievement Standard - 91004 (1.2) - Demonstrate understanding of an historical event, or place, of significance to New Zealanders – 4 NCEA credits, and one NCEA external Achievement Standard –91005 (1.5) -
Describe the causes and consequences of an historical event – 4 NCEA credits.

Subject Costs are $15

YEAR 11 ACCELERATE PROGRAMME

Year 11 accelerate students must choose 6 subjects suited to their needs.

• It is imperative to build flexibility in your programme as well as the opportunity for maintaining well-being while developing as a well-rounded man of outstanding character.
• If you are aiming at a specific tertiary academic programme in the future, go to the website of that provider and be aware of the admission criteria before making your subject choices.

To maintain flexibility, Accelerate Students are expected to select a minimum of one subject from Table A below, and a minimum of one subject from Table B. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list of subjects offered at PNBHS. 

If you have any doubts, please talk to Mr Benn and/or the careers advisors.

NB! THE RESULTS YOU EARN DURING THIS YEAR OF STUDY ARE CRITICAL FOR YOUR HALLS OF RESIDENCE APPLICATION IF GOING ON TO UNIVERSITY.

The subjects below are by no means all that are available to accelerate students. Accelerate students with interests in art, music and technology are urged to continue with these subjects and develop their talents.

Level Two Biology - 11ABIO

In studying Biology, students will further develop their scientific investigative skills, and develop their understanding of:
(1) Human physiology and anatomy as well as organ systems.
(2) Homeostasis and how animals maintain a constant internal environment with an ever-changing external environment.
(3) Ecological patterns and processes, illustrated as far as possible by investigating aspects of one or more local communities. This includes the identification of major groups of plants and animals with emphasis on New Zealand examples, whether indigenous or introduced. The importance of managing resources to ensure their sustainability.

(4) Physiology of organisms to illustrate different adaptations which, through evolution, exist to deal with the problems common to all life.
(5) The cell as a unit of living matter. The structure and function of a generalized plant and animal cell will be studied in this course and is an underlying theme throughout the year.
(6) Gene expression and variation in cells and organisms. The chemical structure of genes, nature of the genetic code, the significance of proteins, protein synthesis, phenotype determination, metabolic pathways, mutations, and the influence of the environment on phenotype expression.

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.

There are no prerequisites for Level 2 Biology, just a willingness to learn and a good attitude and course work grade. Literacy credits are available in all the achievement standards we offer.

Internal Achievement Standards taught:

- 91153 Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context

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

External Achievement Standards taught (students CAN select 2 of the 3 external A.S):

- 91156 Demonstrate understanding of life process at a cellular level

- 91157 Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change

- 91159 Demonstrate understanding of gene expression

Subject cost: $36 

Number of credits: 19

Level Two Statistics - 11ASTS

Statistics involves identifying problems that can be explored using appropriate data, designing investigations, collecting data, exploring, and using patterns and relationships in data, solving problems, and communicating findings. Statistics also involves interpreting statistical information, evaluating data-based arguments, and dealing with uncertainty and variation.

The course is mainly internally assessed via a series of projects which will require access to a laptop.

"Statistical thinking will one day be as necessary for efficient citizenship as the ability to read and write" - H.G. Wells

Level Two Prerequisites: 16 Level 1 Mathematics credits including Merit for AS 1.10 and AS1.12 or at discretion of HOD.

Cost:$20

The level 2 Mathematics, 12MTX, course is recommended for students who do not meet these entry requirements

Internal Assessments
AS 91263 Design a questionnaire (2.8)
AS 91264 Use statistical methods to make an inference (2.9)
AS 91265 Conduct an experiment to investigate a situation using statistical methods (2.10)
AS 91266 Evaluate a statistically based report (2.11)
AS 91268 Investigate a situation involving elements of chance using a simulation (2.13)
AS 91260 Apply network methods in solving problems (2.5) {Optional}
External Assessments
AS 91267 Apply probability methods in solving problems (2.12)

Level Two Calculus - 11ACLC

A comprehensive course following the National Curriculum including: Algebra, Graphs and Calculus. This course should be thought of a part of a two-year programme leading toward level 3 Calculus and Scholarship.

Level Two Prerequisites: 16 Level 1 Mathematics credits including Merit for AS1.2 or AS1.3 or at discretion of HOD. Access to a graphics calculator is essential.

The level 2 Mathematics, 12MTX, course is recommended for students who do not meet these entry requirements
Cost:$20

Internal Assessments
AS 91256 Apply co-ordinate geometry methods in solving problems (2.1)
AS 91257 Apply graphical methods in solving problems (2.2)
AS 91258 Apply sequences and series in solving problems (2.3)
AS 91259 Apply trigonometric relationships in solving problems (2.4)
AS 91269 Apply systems of equations in solving problems (2.14)

External Assessments
AS 91261 Apply algebraic methods in solving problems (2.6)
AS 91262 Apply calculus methods in solving problems (2.7)

Level Two Physics - 11APHY

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, Wave Behaviour and Modern Physics.

Level 2 Internal Assessment:
91172 Demonstrate understanding of Atomic and Nuclear Physics (Physics 2.5) - 3 credits

External Assessments:
91171 Demonstrate understanding of mechanics (Physics 2.4) - 6 credits
91173 Demonstrate understanding of aspects of electricity and electromagnetism (Physics 2.6) - 6 credits

Subject Costs: $30

Level Two Chemistry - 11ACHE

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. In addition, there is an optional internal (91163) worth a further 3 credits, which can be completed outside of the classroom.

Students wishing to enter the Level Two course will need to have shown a good level of understanding of the key concepts present in Level One 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
91163 Demonstrate understanding of the chemistry used in the development of a current technology

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 Accounting - 11AACC

Financial literacy and making informed financial decisions are important no matter what your chosen career path is. If you wish to be successful - be it in science, medicine, law, or commerce, eventually you will be responsible for the management of money by way of budgets and strategic decision-making. Accounting prepares you to handle these funds in a responsible and accurate manner. In level two Accounting, you will be exposed to operating accounting software for a business (Xero). Most small businesses are now doing their accounts themselves now that accounting software is so readily available so a basic understanding of how this works is going to be advantageous.

Level Two covers: Using XERO for business accounts, managing both the Accounts Receivable and Inventory aspects of a business, preparing financial statements, and analysing and interpreting those financial statements and how we can make our business succeed in the changing global economy.

Level Two is a 19 credit course offering 5 Achievement Standards (3 Internal and 2 External)
91175 Demonstrate understanding of accounting processing using accounting software - 4 Credits (Internal)
91179 Demonstrate understanding of an accounts receivable subsystem for an entity - 3 Credits (Internal)
91386 Demonstrate understanding of an inventory subsystem for an entity - 3 Credits (Internal)
91176 Prepare financial information for an entity that operates accounting subsystems - 5 Credits (External)
91177 Interpret accounting information for entities that operate accounting subsystems - 4 Credits (External)

Level Two Prerequisites: Achievement in Achievement Standard 1.2 Process financial transactions for a small entity, Achievement in Achievement Standard 1.3 Prepare financial statements for sole proprietors

Direct entry is possible at this level after consultation with the HOD.

Level Two Economics - 11AECO

Students studying Economics at Level 2 will; develop an understanding of the New Zealand economy and the policies that the Government uses to manage it, make sense of economic problems that they may be facing, now and in the future, make connections between New Zealand's economy and the global economy. Students will understand why New Zealand consumers may experience price increases for products, such as cheese and butter, if local producers are exporting goods such as dairy. Students will be challenged to find solutions to current macro-economic issues, such as unemployment, poverty, low economic growth, inflation, overuse of natural resources.

In Level Two students study the Macro-Economy and the global issues of Inflation, Growth, and unemployment. Students will also analyse the government policies that can be used to control these economic measures.
Level 2 Economics is a 22 credit course offering 5 Achievement Standards (3 Internal and 2 External)
91222 Analyse inflation using economic concepts and models - 4 credits External
91224 Analyse economic growth using economic concepts and models - 4 credits External
91225 Analyse unemployment using economic concepts and models - 4 credits Internal
91227 Analyse how government policies and contemporary economic issues interact - 6 credits Internal
91228 Analyse a contemporary economic issue of special interest using economic concepts and models - 4 credits Internal

Prerequisites: Achieved in Achievement Standard 1.2 (producers) and 1.4 (market). Direct Entry is possible at this level after consultation with the HOD

Level Two Geography - 11AGEO

Level Two: Course Content: Topics covered include: Natural Environment - Manawatu, Disparities in Development - Tanzania, Current Geographic Issues, Global Studies - tropical rainforests, Geographic Research, and Geographic Skills (e.g. mapping, graphing, perspectives, application of geographic concepts). Geographic Information Systems.

Level Two Prerequisites: An interest in the environment and how people live in it, and reasonable ability in English OR 4 credits in Level 1 Geography.
OR Open access for students who are currently in the Year 10 accelerate classes.

Internal Assessments
91244 (2.5) Conduct geographic research with guidance.
91245 (2.6) Explain aspects of a contemporary New Zealand geographic issue.

External Assessments
91240 (2.1) Demonstrate geographic understanding of a large natural environment.
91242 (2.3) Demonstrate geographic understanding of differences in development.
91243 (2.4) Apply geography concepts and skills to demonstrate understanding of a given environment.
Subject Costs: $15

Level Two History - 11AHIS

Cold War Conflicts
In this course, learners will develop an understanding of global politics. This course examines some significant historical events in the 20th century including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the assassination of John F Kennedy and the Vietnam War. Although these events will be studied in an international context, emphasis will also be placed on New Zealand's role in these conflicts.
Credits: 19
Cost: $15