FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE Year 11 – 13 Option Booklet 2016 FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE Table of Contents
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 7 Page 8 Page 8 Page 9 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 13 Introduction Course Selection Process 2015 Choosing a Programme of Study Careers Information Vocational Pathways Vocational Pathways (Sectors) National Qualifications NCEA Requirements NCEA Endorsements University Entrance – UE Approved Subjects Young Enterprise Certificate / UE Literacy Requirements New Zealand Scholarship Year 11 Subject Selection Information Year 12 Subject Selection Information Year 13 Subject Selection Information Arts English Health & Physical Education Languages Mathematics Sciences Social Sciences Technology Vocational Pathways FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Francis Douglas Memorial College 2015 Option Booklet. The Option Booklet is designed to assist parents and students make the best choices. It provides information about the courses of study available in the senior school. It also provides an overview of the National Certificate of Education (NCEA) and Vocational Pathways. When they leave school, our students are entering a world where competition is fierce and the norm now is to have at least 4-­‐5 careers over the course of one’s working life. Because of this subject choices made at secondary school cannot be made lightly. The ideal is for students to leave school with a range of career options available to them. This only happens as a result of strategic goal setting, careful planning, focus and hard work. Parents and caregivers, please take an active part in your teenager’s career planning: ask questions, use the internet, talk to people who are knowledgeable, especially Ms Carol Land, Ms Christel Chapman and Ms Lauren O’Reilly in the Guidance and Careers Pathways Department at college. It is important for our students to plan their subject choices effectively so as to maximise their opportunities when moving into tertiary study and the work place. Much information is now available online about vocational pathways. Students are advised that, in terms of having viable career opportunities beyond secondary school, NCEA Level 2 is considered a minimum qualification. Five essential guidelines should be kept in mind when planning a programme of study in the senior school: . 1. Choose a range of subjects, which will provide options in both tertiary study and career choice. . 2. Choose a programme, which has relevance to areas of future study for the career pathway chosen. . 3. Choose a realistic programme/career path . 4. Select subjects that are of interest to you. . 5. The programme of study for any year must be based on a long term plan. FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE COURSE SELECTION PROCESS AT FDMC WHAT 1 Students receive a copy of the Year 11-­‐13 Options Book. 2 Students and parents attend Subject Selection Evening. 3 Students are given a Course Selection Form to consider as a starting point for 2016. 4 Subject Choices are finalised (in consultation with the relevant dean, teacher or Deputy Principal Curriculum) 5 Construction of the 2016 timetable begins. PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP WHEN Term 3 Week 6 Term 3 Week 6 Term 3 Week 9 Term 4 Deciding your course deserves careful thought and consultation. Make use of the resource people around the school including the contact people in this document e.g. your Deans and Teachers, Pathways staff, Heads of Departments. Accounting Agricultural & Horticultural Science Business Management Young Enterprise Careers (Gateway / Star / CPP) Digital Technology Economics English Geography Graphics History Languages Maori Mathematics Media Studies Music NZQA Liaison Physical Education Science Technology Tourism Visual Art FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE Choosing a Programme of Study
Every effort is made to ensure as many students as possible are able to study a programme of their choice. It is a priority of the school to offer a continuity of courses and to structure the school timetable to meet student need. However, subjects which do not attract sufficient student numbers may not be able to run, or may have to be offered with reduced teacher contact hours. Study through the Correspondence School may also be an option. Subject choice is based around three factors
1. Skills & ability 2. Interest 3. Career pathways It is not expected that students will know exactly what they wish to do when they finish secondary school but some serious thought should have been given to possible options. Some points to remember when choosing subjects
Students need to: 1. Be clear about what subjects they enjoy the most. 2. Be clear about their ability in each subject. Check with their teachers if necessary. 3. Identify their Vocational Pathway using www.youthguarantee.net.nz 4. Identify the work possibilities in their vocational pathway 5. Find out what subjects relate to their vocational pathway jobs using www.careers.govt.nz 6. Keep options open in Years 9,10 and 11 7. Consult the Careers Counsellor about any of the above as required. FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE Careers Information
Students must have a career plan and check that they have selected the right subjects for their career choice(s). Some subjects are required study for specific career pathways. Remember the following: •
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All careers require Mathematics to some level and to an advanced level in a number of fields such as the Sciences. English is also required to some level in all careers and to an advanced level in information based careers such as Law. Science and Engineering careers usually require Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics as well as Biology in some cases. It is important that all students understand the subject level required for entry into careers of interest. When planning for a career you can find careers information from the following information sources: •
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The Careers Counsellor, and other Careers Department Staff; Appropriate tertiary training provider booklets; Youth Guarantee Website www.youthguarantee.net.nz for Vocational Pathways information; Careers NZ Website www.careers.govt.nz for all careers information; Career Quest to assist in career selection; Careers Information Leaflets; Jobs Galore Manual All career matters can be discussed with Careers Department staff at the FDMC FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE Vocational Pathways The Vocational Pathways are a new tool that provides a clear framework for vocational options, support better programme design and careers advice, and improve the links between education and employment. They are the product of a partnership between government agencies, the industry training sector, secondary and tertiary education representatives, and industry and employer representatives. There are six pathways which represent new ways to structure and achieve NCEA level 2 and provide a more coherent framework for foundation vocational education and training. The pathways will help students to develop their own individual education plan (IEP), so they are better informed and able to make better choices to meet their goals. Each Vocational Pathway has been colour coded for ease of recognition to help students and teachers planning study programmes. •
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Construction & infrastructure (orange) Manufacturing & technology (red) The primary industries (green) The service industries (blue) Social & community services (purple) Creative Arts (yellow) Throughout the Curriculum Booklet the various standards that contribute to one or more Vocational Pathway have been colour coded to assist students when considering future pathways. For more information go to http://youthguarantee.net.nz/vocational-­‐pathways/education-­‐
providers-­‐/ FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE Vocational Pathways Primary Industries sector: Any industry that provides or uses raw materials or plant and animal products for conversion into commodities and products for consumers. It includes agriculture, horticulture, dairy manufacture, forestry, mining, the seafood industry, landscaping, equine industries and animal care. Service Industries sector: Hair and beauty, entertainment, fashion, funeral services, hospitality, finance, media and news, museums and galleries, retail, sport and fitness, theatre and film, travel and tourism. Social and Community Services sector: Public sector, education, healthcare and medicine, community and social services, defence, emergency services, protection and security, Whānau Ora. Manufacturing and Technology sector: From jewelry design to steel making, meat processing to managing people and production lines, manufacturing uses tools, machines, processes and people to transform materials and substances into new, finished products for sale in New Zealand and overseas. Technology applies scientific, mathematical and creative knowledge to our use of tools, machines, crafts and systems, to help find better ways of doing things and solve problems. Technology can be as simple as using hand-­‐held tools, or as virtual simulation. Construction and Infrastructure sector: Building anything from the ground up: from garages to high rise towers. Planning, designing, building, repairing and laying utilities for the community • essential services below the ground, invisible to the naked eye, from drainage to dams, sewerage to broadband • services above the ground: roads, bridges, pavements, tunnels, drainage systems, ports, airport runways, dams and electricity generation and supply. Creative Industries sector: This is based around creative arts and designers. These could be actors, graphic and web designers and industrial designers. This is a new sector and information linking to standards are not yet available. FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE National Qualifications Senior students at Francis Douglas Memorial College are working to gain credits from Achievement or Unit Standards toward the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) at Levels 1, 2 or 3. The NCEA is a standards-­‐based qualification comprised of a mixture of both internally and externally assessed Achievement or Unit standards giving students credits on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Copies of all the Achievement Standards and Unit Standards are available on the NZQA website www.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea. The details of the requirements for each Achievement / Unit Standard are issued to students in Course Outlines by their subject teachers in February each year. Internally assessed standards are assessed throughout the year. Most external assessments are examined at the end of the year from mid November to early December. Some subjects have portfolio or practical work to submit. Students can gain Achieved, Achieved with Merit or Achieved with Excellence. NCEA Requirements NCEA LEVEL REQUIREMENTS Level 1 80 credits at Level 1 or above, including 10 literacy credits and 10 numeracy credits Level 2 60 credits at Level 2 or above + 20 credits from Level 1 Level 3 60 credits at Level 3 or above + 20 credits from Level 2 Employers throughout New Zealand recognise NCEA results. To gain University Entrance and selection into many tertiary courses, students must gain a minimum number of credits, some in specified areas. Students who are aiming at a particular course or degree are strongly advised to clarify any entry requirements with the careers advisor. FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE NCEA Endorsements Certificate endorsement If a student gains 50 credits at Excellence, their NCEA will be endorsed with Excellence. Likewise, if a student gains 50 credits at Merit (or Merit and Excellence), their NCEA will be endorsed with Merit. Course endorsement Course endorsement provides recognition for a student who has performed exceptionally well in an individual course. Students will gain an endorsement for a course if, in a single school year, they achieve: •
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14 or more credits at Merit or Excellence, and at least 3 of these credits from externally assessed standards and 3 credits from internally assessed standards. Note, this does not apply to Physical Education, Religious Studies and Level 3 Visual Arts . A course endorsement is not a qualification. A course endorsement can be awarded even if a qualification for that level is not achieved. For example, a student may achieve a Merit endorsement for their Level 2 Mathematics course regardless of whether they achieve NCEA Level 2. http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-­‐standards/qualifications/ncea/understanding-­‐
ncea/how-­‐ncea-­‐ works/endorsements/ University Entrance University Entrance (UE) is the minimum requirement to go to a New Zealand university. In practice, many courses require higher credit levels for course entry. University Entrance requires: •
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NCEA Level 3; Three subjects with 14 credits each from the approved subjects; 10 Literacy credits (Level 2 or above – 5 credits in reading / 5 in writing) and; 10 Numeracy credits (Level 1 or above, either achievement standards OR unit standards – 26623, 26626, 26627-­‐ all three required). Credits can be accumulated over more than one year. UE Approved Subjects – Nationally http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-­‐standards/awards/university-­‐entrance/approved-­‐subjects/ Students wishing to focus on degree courses at University must ensure their course meets University Entrance requirements and course entry requirements and not get side tracked completing other National Certificates or Unit Standards you may not get maximum recognition for. FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE Young Enterprise Certificate The Young Enterprise Certificate has been granted credit inclusion for the National Certificate of Educational Achievement at Level 3 (24 credit equivalents) until 31 March 2016. This credit inclusion is limited to NCEA, may only be used once, and may not be used for any other NZQF qualifications. Candidates will need to apply to NZQA for credit inclusion – this does not happen automatically. http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-­‐us/our-­‐role/legislation/nzqa-­‐rules/expired-­‐rules/assessment-­‐and-­‐ examination-­‐rules-­‐for-­‐schools-­‐2013/8/3/1/young-­‐enterprise-­‐certificate/ Standards Fulfilling the University Entrance Literacy Requirements In brief: § 5 credits at Level 2 or higher are required in Reading; and 5 credits in Writing at Level 2 or higher from the standards listed below. For standards that meet both reading and writing requirements it is possible to split the standard to fulfil the literacy requirement. For example, Art History 3.1 (91482) can contribute 2 credits to the reading requirement and 2 credits to the writing requirement. http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-­‐standards/awards/university-­‐entrance/literacy-­‐
requirements/ New Zealand Scholarship The Award of New Zealand Scholarship is at Level 4 of the Qualifications Framework. The content is at Level 8 of curriculum (or similar). Scholarship is designed to be a substantial academic challenge, targeting the top 3% (approximately) in each subject nationally. Students will still be expected to demonstrate high level: •
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analysis and critical thinking integration, synthesis, and application of highly developed knowledge, skills, and understanding to complex situations logical development, precision, and clarity of ideas. Scholarship can be sat as a single subject Scholarship Standard or in several subjects. Scholarship is examined by an external examination or an external submission of student work. It is awarded as follows: § Scholarship not attained; § Scholarship; § Scholarship with outstanding performance. http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-­‐standards/awards/scholarship/ FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE YEAR 11 SUBJECT SELECTION Some Year 11 subjects can be chosen only when that subject has been studied in Year 9 or Year 10. Once you have checked these entry requirements on the table in this booklet make sure your course: • is a broad one allowing future flexibility • suits your possible career needs • will interest you, and therefore help you to succeed. NUMBER OF SUBJECTS When selecting your course for NCEA Level One consider the following points: • Seven subjects must be selected. They will be assessed by way of achievement standards (AS), unit standards (US) or a combination of both. Achievement standards may involve both internal and external assessment (which will normally be an end of year examination). Unit standards are internally assessed. • In most cases, the subjects you choose will be at Level 1. Study at any other level must be discussed with the Head of Department, Teacher in Charge and/or your Dean. Carefully check the flow charts for each subject to ensure it offers the path you need. Also read the subject information carefully for pre-­‐requisites. • All students are required to take an English subject. • All students are required to take a Mathematics subject. There are two options available: Mathematics – assessed by achievement standards, or Applied Mathematics (Combination) – assessed by a combination of achievement standards and unit standards. • All students are required to take a Science subject. There are two options available: Science – assessed by achievement standards, or Applied Science – assessed by a combination of achievement standards and unit standards. • All students are required to take Religious Education. • In addition to an English, Mathematics, Science and Religious Education, three other subjects are to be selected. • Choose subjects that are appropriate to you. Also think ahead to Year 13 and be careful not to limit your options in years to come. • We do our best to give students every opportunity to study the subjects they prefer. If there is any reason why the subjects you have chosen are unsuitable or unavailable, you will be notified as soon as possible. • Make sure that you are clear about the subjects you want. There is only a brief window of opportunity to change your subjects in the first three weeks of Term One. FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE YEAR 12 SUBJECT SELECTION When deciding on your course for Year 12, consider the following points: • You are to choose five subjects. All students will also be involved in the Religious Education module programme. Subject content will be assessed by achievement standards (AS), unit standards (US) or a combination of both. Achievement standards may involve both internal and external assessment (which will normally be an end of year examination). Unit standards are internally assessed. • All students in Year 12 are required to take English (English I or II at either Level 1 or 2) or Te Reo Maori. • All students are required to take Religious Education. • If you have not gained sufficient literacy and numeracy credits by the end of Year 11 to gain NCEA Level 1, you should be planning a Year 12 programme that will give you the opportunity to catch up. Please see Careers staff or your Dean if you need assistance. • Year 12 is often a foundation for Level 3 study in Year 13. If you wish to enter degree level tertiary study, you will need to study at least 2 subjects from the approved list. See the information on entrance to university under NCEA. • Some subjects have pre-­‐requisites. For example, a certain level of attainment in a Level 1 subject may be required. Alternatively, credit from a particular unit standard may be needed. For some subjects, all that is needed is your interest and commitment. • A wide variety of subjects is on offer at Year 12. Some courses may not run if there are not enough students choosing to do them. Other courses may close off at a certain number if there are too many applicants and if the school is unable to have more classes. • You have the opportunity of multi-­‐level study to cater for varying strengths and interests. Naturally, this is only possible if you can be accommodated on the school timetable. Study at a higher level than Level 2 requires the approval of your parent or caregiver, the Head of Department, the Dean and/or the Principal. FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE Subject Entry To Year 12 Courses Students who gain NCEA Level 1: • Students who gain 80 credits or more in Level 1 NCEA, including 10 credits in literacy and 10 credits in numeracy, are deemed to have gained the NCEA Level 1 qualification. These students are entitled to attempt a full five-­‐subject Level 2 course in subjects where they meet the entry requirements. (Note that six-­‐subject courses require Divisional Principal approval). • Entry to specific subjects is determined by the entry requirements set by each department. These are listed in this booklet. If a student does not meet the specific entry requirement, HOD approval may be sought depending on the student’s particular circumstances. • Students whose credits are unevenly spread across their subjects, with the result that they do not have the minimum number of credits required for some of the Level 2 subjects they wish to take, will be required to discuss their course with the DP (Curriculum) or Dean at the course confirmation day in early February. These students may be best served by taking a combination of Level 1 and Level 2 courses. Students who do not gain NCEA Level 1: • Those students who achieve fewer than 80 credits, or who achieve more than 80 credits but do not gain the required numeracy and/or literacy credits, will not gain the Level 1 qualification. These students will need to take a combination of Level 1 and Level 2 subjects in Year 12. The number of Level 2 subjects that may be taken will be dependent on meeting individual subject entry requirements. • For students who do not gain sufficient credits in any subject at Level 1, it may still be possible for them to take one NCEA Level 2 subject, however, they must request permission from the HOD of the subject that they are particularly interested in. ALL STUDENTS: • Students who gain the number of Level 1 credits required to continue in a subject at Level 2, but choose not to carry on in that subject, may substitute another subject in its place, provided they meet the entry requirements. • For subjects that ‘split’ into more than one subject at Year 12, the following points also apply. Students who gain sufficient credits in NCEA Level 1 Science may use those credits to take up to two NCEA Level 2 Science subjects, providing they meet the specific entry requirements for the subjects they choose. Students may take more than two Science subjects as long as the conditions of point 1 above are met. • Students who gain 15 credits or more in NCEA Level 1 Art may use those 15 credits to take up to two NCEA Level 2 Visual Art subjects. FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE YEAR 13 SUBJECT SELECTION The following information offers guidelines for course selection for Year 13 courses of study in 2013. Senior students are advised to contact Mr Richard Marris, Deputy Principal (Curriculum) if they have queries regarding their programmes. Most senior students will be studying for the NCEA Level 3 qualification. Those students who have not achieved NCEA Level 2 will take a combination of Level 2 and Level 3 subjects. The number of Level 3 subjects that may be taken will be dependent on the student’s results from the previous year. Entry to specific subjects is determined by the entry requirements set for each subject. These are listed under each subject in this booklet. The Head of Department may approve entry according to the student’s circumstances. High achieving students will be encouraged to enter the New Zealand Scholarship written examinations. POINTS TO CONSIDER: . All Year 13 students must be undertaking a full time course of five subjects. . All students will also be involved in the Religious Education module programme. . Religious Education is the only compulsory subject at this level, but students intending to continue to tertiary study should note which subjects are on the approved subject list for university entrance. See the requirements for university entrance under NCEA. . Very few subjects can be started at Level 3. Please check the pre-­‐requisites if you intend beginning a new subject. . ALL Year 13 (Level 3) subjects have prerequisites – they are not open entry subjects. By this I mean that to continue a subject in Year 13, a student must have met (passed at least to an achieved standard) the prerequisites set for entry to the subject at Level 3. Generally, these prerequisites consist of a number of Level 2 achievement standards (probably a combination of internal and external standards). If a student has not met these standards, they will be ineligible to sit that FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE subject at Level 3. In addition to satisfactory completion of requisite standards, effort and application will also be taken into account. Prerequisites are not random, they are deemed by the Head of Department to be essential skills for the satisfactory completion of a subject at Level 3. The prerequisites are non-­‐negotiable. Students wishing to study Art, Design, Graphics or Photography for the first time will only be considered if they can display an aptitude for the subject. This may mean presenting some kind of folio or evidence of a serious approach to the subject. . Students who wish to repeat a Level 2 subject or have insufficient literacy credits for university entrance will only be permitted to do so if the Head of Department and their Year 12 Dean are satisfied that the student has been putting in a genuine effort during the year. Students who have shown little or no application in class, nor a desire to complete achievement standards, will not be permitted to repeat Level 2 subjects. . All courses are offered subject to enough students entering them to make a viable class. Every attempt is made to provide students with their selection. Occasionally this is not possible and students will be required to choose an alternative subject. . Because tertiary institutions apply different criteria to NZ Citizens, Permanent Residents and international students, all students are responsible for checking entry details with the tertiary institution they plan to attend. . Students intending university study should choose NCEA Level 3 subjects from the approved list produced by NZQA, (and listed on the next page), provided they meet the specific subject entry requirements. . Students should aim for the highest achievement possible in each standard. Year 12 results predetermine hostel accommodation offers and access to most university courses of study. Some universities also offer incentive scholarships for students who have gained merit or excellence endorsements for NCEA Level 2. . To achieve University Entrance all students (domestic and international) must meet the literacy requirements as listed on the next page. . Students should consult tertiary institutions to ensure they choose any required subjects for the courses they are interested in studying. Students are advised to access websites and published material available through the Careers department. FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE Careful choice of subjects is essential. It is difficult to make course changes in the NCEA system. In addition, the cumulative workload of specific subjects must be given careful consideration in the selection process.