St Peter's College provides a wide range of senior options for students, allowing them to pursue individualised courses that prepare them for their future.
Year 11
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Accounting
Accounting is a Social Science and involves the gathering and processing of financial data to communicate through financial reports useful financial information to end users which facilitates economic decision-making. Agriculture This course involves carrying out a practical investigation, demonstrating practical skills used in agricultural and horticultural production, impact on the environment of farm management practices, soil management practices, pasture and crop practices, and livestock management practices. DVC Graphics This Design and Visual Communication course allows the students to learn how to problem solve using graphical means. Students will visually communicate using sketching, instruments and CAD applications to present work that solve various problems, issues or opportunities. Most of the course is internally assessed, with any external assessment coming from the student’s internal portfolios. Students will complete a spatial design activity for their major project and a product design for their minor. This course is eligible for course endorsement. Digital Technologies Digital Technologies is focused on enabling students to design, develop and create digital outcomes – not just to be users of digital tools. This is a fast-growing industry and some computational thinking may be involved in senior courses. This course will offer the newer level one NCEA Achievement Standards that have been developed to better meet the needs of today’s learners. The students choose from a range of digital and media outcomes to create solutions that have been identified. The students must have a good level of literacy skills to enable them to effectively access the standards. Economics The study of Economics is a Social Science and will appeal to students interested in increasing their understanding about how individuals, communities and sectors of the economy make decisions about the allocation of scarce resources. English This course focuses on the skills of interpreting and analysing the effective use of language across a range of written, visual and oral texts. Students will use these skills to create increasingly sophisticated texts of their own. Food Technology In Food Technology, students will learn safe food handling skills at the start of this course in preparation for practical work throughout the year. Students will then study the nutritional needs of an individual, plan a range of meals to meet their needs and cook them. They will also study the societal influences that affect people’s food choices, and the implications of these on their well-being. Geography In this course, students consider the geography of the global coffee trade, child poverty in New Zealand, weather, tourism in the Maldives, and extreme natural events, with a focus on skills (e.g. mapping, graphing, photo analysis etc.), research, sustainability of resources, and global and contemporary New Zealand issues. History This course includes study of New Zealand’s involvement and causes of World War One, including an in-depth study of the Gallipoli campaign and the Treaty of Versailles. The course also looks at key events in the American black civil rights movement such as the Montgomery bus boycott and Birmingham campaigns. Lastly students undertake an examination of the causes of the infamous 1981 Springbok Tour. |
Mathematics
In Year 11 Maths, students will develop a range of key skills including solving number problems (involving %, GST, etc), learning the skills of algebra to then be able to apply them to graphing, using trigonometry and Pythagoras in practical applications, understanding probability and chance, working with contexts that use linear and/or quadratic graphs, analysing statistical data, and problem solving. Media Studies Media Studies involves learning about and producing media texts. Text-types studied may include film, television, magazine, news, advertising and social media. Students will create their own media products, utilising a process of planning, writing and editing. Physical Education In Year 11 Physical Education, students will demonstrate interpersonal skills in a group and explain how these skills impact on others, analyse their own chosen activity in terms of anatomy, exercise physiology and biomechanics, improve Volleyball performance and analyse factors affecting performance, take part in a series of outdoor pursuits and demonstrate responsible behaviour, be able to demonstrate quality movement in the performance of a physical activity, and demonstrate self-management strategies and describe the effects on participation in physical activity. Materials Technology Students make two main projects, with the major unit having a design component at the beginning. The course starts with this design component and then we break away into making a skills-based project, allowing the skills they learn to be utilised into their major design and make unit. Students get to experience a range of practical skills that they can use later in life and they are encouraged to create a solution to a real-life issue or opportunity. Religious Education In this course, students explore the function of sacred texts within religion with special reference to the development of the gospels, their authority and significance, and the implication of living out the gospel today, review the significant events and people who shaped the church in the time of the Reformation, and examine key beliefs within the Catholic tradition around the resurrection and the trinity Development of spirituality: through prayer, retreats and social justice activities. Science This course covers Biology, Chemistry and Physics and may involve study of acids and bases, rates of reaction, carbon chemistry, mechanics, electricity, heat, metals, genetics, DNA, cells, mammals, life processes, and micro-organisms. Visual Arts Within Visual arts students may choose to focus on Painting, Photography or Design. Each year, students are streamed into different class groups depending on their year level and the area in which they want to focus. |
Year 12
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Accounting
In this course, students will extend and describe fully their understanding of accounting concepts including reporting the recognition criteria for financial elements and the qualitative characteristics financial statements are required to have. Financial statements are prepared from an adjusted trial balance, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A demonstrated understanding of accounting processes for inventory and accounts receivable subsystems is required. Agriculture This course involves reporting on the environmental impact of a locally produced primary product, demonstrating understanding of the interactions between Livestock behaviour and NZ commercial management practices and demonstrating understanding of Livestock reproductive techniques in commercial production in NZ. Biology In this course, students study cells and their processes including a practical investigation, the diversity of plant or animals, investigating an ecological pattern which includes a field study, the study of genetics, its links to evolution and its applications. Chemistry In Chemistry, students study qualitative analysis of solutions using colours and precipitates, quantitative analysis of solutions using titrations, atomic structure and bonding using models and diagrams, redox reaction experiments, organic and equilibrium chemistry. DVC Graphics This Design and Visual Communication course has a spatial and a product design opportunity during the year. All skills and learning are directly related to the needs of these two design areas and the students are encouraged to plan and utilise their skills to enhance the design ideas they generate. Some students may concentrate more on the use of CAD applications, while others choose to use sketching and manual drawing techniques. This course is eligible for course endorsement. Digital Technologies Digital Technologies is focused on enabling students to design, develop and create digital outcomes – not just to be users of digital tools. This is a fast-growing industry and some computational thinking may be involved in senior courses. This course will offer the newly developed level two NCEA Achievement Standards that have been created to better meet the needs of today’s learners. The students choose which from a range of digital and media outcomes to create solutions that have been identified. Students will use design thinking to support the creation of solutions and complete an online coding tutorial from “Code Avengers”. The students must have a good level of literacy skills to enable them to effectively access the standards. Economics Level 2 Economics involves the analysis of unemployment using economic concepts and models and/or analysing how government policy and contemporary economic issues interact. Students will explain the causes and effects of inflation and economic growth using economic models. The explanation will include how economic growth impacts upon groups in society and the environment. English Year 12 English builds on the skills of previous years to learned in Year 11 and provides rich learning opportunities for students who are enthusiastic about literature and the power of language. Students enjoy increasing choice over the texts and topics studied, and are rewarded through their efforts to think more critically. Food Technology In this course, students will continue to build on their safe food handling practices, and extend their knowledge of different nutritional and dietary needs. There is also a focus on gaining more practical food preparation skills and cooking time. Geography In Geography, students explore the pattern of geographic phenomenon including the global trade in human trafficking. HIV AIDS and homicide in Chicago. The issue of Freedom Camping in Eastern Southland is also investigated along with a geographic research project. Students also explore the dynamic natural environment of the South Island High Country, including a field trip to Mt Cook. Throughout the year the skill focus ranges from mapping to graphing, statistical interpretation and photographic analysis. History In this course students study causes of Israel/Palestine conflict; The Cold War, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, and Vietnam conflict. |
Mathematics
In Year 12 Mathematics, students extend the skills of algebra to then be able to apply them to a large variety of contexts, use derivatives and integrals, use sequences and their application to contextual problems, use the sine and cosine rule in practical situations, develop understanding of probability and chance, analyse statistical data, work with networks and understanding critical paths, and problem solve. Media Studies Year 12 Media Studies, further develops students' skills and understanding of creating and analysing media texts. Students continue to produce their own media products and study a range of media texts including films, advertisements and social media. Physical Education In Year 12 Physical Education, students will demonstrate understanding of biophysical principles relating to skill learning and training, perform a physical activity in an applied setting, develop examine the role and significance of physical activity in the lives of young people in New Zealand and consistently demonstrate social responsibility through applying a social responsibility model in physical activity, and analyse the application of risk management strategies to challenging outdoor activities. Physics In this course, students study quantitative analysis of physical phenomena through investigations in: mechanics (velocity, acceleration, forces, momentum, energy, circular motion), electricity, magnetism, electrostatics, waves, light, atoms and radiation. Materials Technology Students get to make two projects within the workshop. The first unit requires them to identify and select practical techniques / materials as they develop their own solutions to a given design brief. The second unit takes on the design and make approach, as used in the level one course, and the chosen context requires more advance skills than the students may have completed previously. Religious Education Students will develop knowledge and skills to meaningfully interpret Scripture in addition to relating its messages to today’s audience, explore the development and application of morals in our own life and consider how morals are an important tool for social justice, explore key beliefs and practices of the major religious groups of Islam and Christianity with a focus on how these traditions deal with loss, death, grief and dying, and develop spirituality through prayer, retreats and social justice activities. Visual Arts Within Visual arts students may choose to focus on Painting, Photography or Design. In Year 12, students will continue to develop their practical skills as they specialise more in their chosen focus. Vocational Studies Many students at the senior level would like to begin their vocational qualifications and we endeavour to suit the individual needs of as many students as possible. Students can gain nationally approved qualifications and most of these courses are best done with Gateway or the Tertiary High School. There are a wide variety of vocational courses available, and students should visit the Vocational Department for further guidance. |
year 13
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Accounting
Level 3 Accounting advances the conceptual understanding of the quantitative financial elements and qualitative aspects for reporting in accordance with the New Zealand Framework. Students acknowledge the exempt, differential and full compliance reporting regime requirements in accordance with the need to adopt New Zealand equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards where applicable and generally accepted accounting principles. Agricultural & Horticultural Science In this course, students carry out a practical investigation, demonstrate practical skills used in agricultural and horticultural production, impact on the environment of farm management practices, soil management practices, pasture and crop practices, and livestock management practices. Biology In Biology, students study animal behaviour and plant responses in relation to the environment, this may include a residential field trip with an applied study of animal behaviour, research about biotechnology and internal control systems in humans and the evolution of the human species. Chemistry In this course, students study quantitative analysis of solutions using titrations including an extended investigation into salinity in the Oreti estuary, atomic structure and bonding using models and diagrams, redox reaction experiments, organic and equilibrium chemistry. DVC Graphics Students completing this Design and Visual Communication course will choose the Achievement Standards they wish to complete. They will be encouraged to develop independence and ownership of their own learning, using the design process to become creative visual communicators. They will self-determine which methods of visual communication they use to best illustrate both function and aesthetics of their design ideations. Critical thinking is expected to be of a high standard at this level as students evaluate both their own work, and that of others. This course is eligible for course endorsement. Digital Technologies Digital Technologies is focused on enabling students to design, develop and create digital outcomes – not just to be users of digital tools. This is a fast-growing industry and some computational thinking may be involved in senior courses. This level three course builds on what has been covered in Y12 Digital Technologies. There are two main units of work, and one extension for those who want to develop their script coding to a complex level. All students will complete online coding tutorials from the company “Code Avengers” and this knowledge can be incorporated into the units on offer. The students must have a good level of literacy skills to enable them to effectively access the standards. Economics/Agribusiness (Agriculture) In Economics, students develop their understanding of the efficiency of the market equilibrium, marginal analysis and the behaviour of firms and macro economic influences on the New Zealand economy. Students will be required to carry out economic analysis about a micro economic issue and/or demonstrate understanding of government interventions to correct market failures. Students who choose Agribusiness learn about producing and marketing New Zealand agricultural and horticultural primary products by studying two commercially produced primary products in detail. English This is a literature-based course that allows students to gain a deeper, more critical appreciation of the ideas and styles found in literary works, as well as to examine the important connections between literature and society. Those who select this course should have achieved solidly at Level Two English, preferably with some Merit or higher success. They should also be effective at managing their time and working independently. This course paves the way for university options. Mathematics with Calculus The Year 13 Calculus course involves continuing with, and extending the skills of algebra to then be able to apply them to a large variety of contexts, using derivatives and integrals in a range of meaningful mathematical contexts, the understanding of complex numbers and their role in mathematics, and using simultaneous equations in context. Food Technology In this course, students will learn how to develop HACCP food safety plans and use these, as bakers, to produce a batch of choux pastry buns. Students will then spend the remainder of the year developing a new food recipe and product which will form their major project. Geography This course covers a range of local and international contemporary issues including the global diamond trade, the corona virus and Hokonui Moonshine Festival. Students also focus on the cultural process of tourism, exploring the impact of tourism on Queenstown, and partake in a field trip to Queenstown. The course involves a focus on skills (e.g. mapping, graphing, photo analysis and interpretation). History This course gives students the opportunity to study an area of History of their choosing. They then research and apply their knowledge of the chosen topic for Internal and External assessment. They can choose to apply the same content for all assessment or choose another if they wish. The teacher supports them with this individual program and also offers an in-depth study of either Nazi Germany or the Easter Rebellion in Ireland for the students who want to be guided more closely. |
Mathematics with Statistics
The Year 13 Statistics course involves understanding probability, chance and the relevance to everyday life, processing, analysing and reporting on the evidence generated from statistical data, critiquing reports from surveys and statistical experiments, working with a number of different probability distributions, applying Linear programming in context, and problem solving. Media Studies Year 13 Media Studies continues to develop students' skills and understanding of creating and analysing media texts. In Year 13 students receive more options about the areas of media that they study, but will still produce their own media product and analyse a variety of media texts. Physical Education In Year 13 Physical Education, students will plan and participate in an outdoor experience, evaluate the planning of an outdoor experience, appraise Badminton performance and undertake a skill improvement programme measuring Badminton skills against a national standard, and examine Physical Activity at Year 13 level and take action to improve participation. Physics In this course, students study quantitative analysis of physical phenomena through investigations in: mechanics (acceleration, forces, momentum, energy, circular motion, DC electricity, electromagnetism, AC electricity, wave systems, atoms, photons and nuclei. Materials Technology This course consists of a major project which involves designing and making a product for a real purpose. It follows on from the skills and processes covered in previous years and students can negotiate the focus of their major project with the class teacher. It must fit the requirements of the NCEA standards to be covered and be practical to build within the school workshop facilities. There is a Unit Standard on offer, which can be either treated separately, or blended into the student’s major project. Religious Education In Religious Education, students will analyse Mark’s Gospel using different methods of interpretation and considering the wider implications of its meanings, review New Zealand’s ever-changing religious landscape from Māori settlement to the present day, and investigate the Catholic Church’s stance on contemporary ethical issues like bio-ethics, social justice and technology. Visual Arts Within Visual arts students may choose to focus on Painting, Photography or Design. In this year, the focus of students' work is on their major portfolio. This is an in-depth project that will require students to extend their ideas further than previous years. Vocational Studies Many students at the senior level would like to begin their vocational qualifications and we endeavour to suit the individual needs of as many students as possible. Students can gain nationally approved qualifications and most of these courses are best done with Gateway or the Tertiary High School. There are a wide variety of vocational courses available, and students should visit the Vocational Department for further guidance. |