General Science; Agriculture & Horticulture; Biology; Chemistry; Physics
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 – 11SCX
The Level 1 course will be taught in such a way that students will cover all four Science standards (2 Externals (AS 1.3 and 1.4) and 2 Internals (AS 1.1 and 1.2)). The content for these standards will be in the areas of Physics (Energy and its Transfer), Chemistry (Aspects of Chemical Reactions) and Biology (The Genetic Code). By the end of the year, the students would have completed one internal and will sit one external examination. Your son’s teacher will decide which content area will be covered for the Internal being tested during the year. The Science programme is very much skill- and content-focused, and it will set the students up to carry on with science-related subjects in Levels 2 and 3.
Subject cost: $60
Level One Agriculture and Horticulture - 11AGH
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 Horticulture - 12HOR
Year 12 Horticulture will be a good option for students interested in Agriculture or Horticulture. Students study the growth of plants, and management practices to maximise their growth and harvest. We will use pasture and crop examples, giving our future farmers a good background to feeding stock, as well as crop growers understanding how to improve yield across a variety of products.
The course is made up of one external and two or three internal Achievement Standards. Students may be working with PITO to complete Unit Standards so students will be able to get at least 20 credits.Students may choose BOTH Horticulture and Agriculture as subject options.
Level Two Agriculture - 12AGR
The course will be mostly made up of livestock focused Achievement Standards (one external and two or three internals) and working with the PITO and Unit Standards so they can get at least 20 credits. The course will aim to give students a solid background for working in the Primary Industries across a range of livestock options. Students will need to be genuinely interested in the industry as there is an expectation to do some study at home. Taking Level 2 Agribusiness would be an advantage.
Students may choose BOTH Horticulture and Agriculture as subject options.
Level Two Biology - 12BIO
In studying Biology, students will further develop their scientific investigative skills, through regular hands-on practical investigations, and develop their understanding of:
(1) Biological investigation, conducting a practical biological fair-test investigation involving a plant or animal. Involves students focusing and planning, information gathering, processing and interpreting, and reporting.
(2) Physiology of organisms to illustrate different adaptations which, through evolution, exist to deal with the problems common to all life.
(3) 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.
(4) Genetic variation. How biological ideas and processes relating to sources of variation in a gene pool, and how the interaction between ecological factors and natural selection, leads to genetic changes within populations.
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.
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 adaptations of plants or animals to their way of life
External Achievement Standards taught:
- 91156 Demonstrate understanding of life process at a cellular level
- 91157 Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change
Subject cost: $36
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. 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 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
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 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
In studying biology, students will investigate, and develop their understanding of:
(1) Homeostasis and how animals maintain a constant internal environment with an ever-changing external environment.
(2) Biological investigation, conducting a practical biological fair-test investigation involving a plant or animal. Involves students focusing and planning, information gathering, processing and interpreting, and reporting.
(3) Ecology including animal behaviour and plant responses: Biological timing and orientation, cyclic responses of plants and animals (daily, lunar, annual cycles), biological clocks, tropisms and taxes, homing and migration.
(4) Speciation including evolutionary processes leading to the formation of new species: natural selection, modes of speciation, reproductive isolating mechanisms, patterns of evolution, evidence for evolution.
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. This requires at least an Achieved in one externally assessed and one internally assessed Biology Achievement Standard.
Internal Achievement Standards taught:
- 91601 Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context
- 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
Subject cost: $36
Number of credits: 16.
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 two optional internals (91389, 91388) each 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)
91389 Demonstrate understanding of chemical processes in the world around us (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