Level 3 Commerce
Subject Description
Teacher in Charge: Ms S. Lamond, Mr N. Tully.
Commerce at level 3 NCEA will allow students to complete an in depth study of microeconomic concepts (Theory behind business, particularly Marketing). This involves free market economics including a study of Supply and Demand including Elasticity, Allocative Efficiency, Marginal Analysis and Market Failure.
Specific topics of interest could include the housing supply and house prices, supermarkets and abuse of market power. Environmental economics and inequality will also be covered.
Motivated students can continue with a more practical Business Studies course or complete the YES programme by carrying out a business activity, including completing a marketing plan and a full business plan.
Economics and Business are both approved subjects* for University Entrance and can lead to further study in Commerce, Politics, Arts, Law and many other fields or may just be taken for interest.
*See assessment information, 14 credits needs to be gained from Economics or Business not both.
To assist with course planning please indicate if your preference is to focus on Economics or Business.
Recommended Prior Learning
None.
Previous study at Levels 1-2 is helpful but not essential.
While successful study of year 12 Commerce is not crucial for Scholarship, it will help.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
If doing level 3 Economics:
An exercise book/refill/clear file for notes and practice exercises. A ruler and calculator.
Economics Workbook used in class: Level 3 Economics LWB by Philip Jellyman $28-30
If doing Level 3 Business:
An exercise book/refill for notes and practice exercises & a personal laptop.
Start up capital. Students are likely to need to contribute personal funds to their business group. Other sources of finance can be via fundraising, loans, or seed funding applications.
YES Fee: For groups that wish to be involved in the Young Enterprise Scheme there is a $35 fee per student. This is an optional activity. YES also has a tax on end of year company profit.
EOTC: 1-2 Half day field trips to a local business/organization. Cost: Bus/Train fare
Pathway
Level 3 Commerce provides a solid background for students who want to study or work in the fields of Business, Finance, Economics and Accounting or further study in Humanities or Science.
Economics particularly links well for those wanting to go into fields such as Public Policy, Politics, Law, Education, Engineering, Social Welfare, Law enforcement amongst others.
Business Studies can also lead into students starting their own business and/or leading and carrying specific projects for non profit organisations.
Assessment Information
Students will complete between 14-20 Level 3 Economics or by negotiation 9-16 Level 3 Business Credits or a combination of Business and Economics credits.To use this course for University Entrance, students will need to achieve 14 credits from either Level 3 Economics or Business Studies.
This course is eligible for subject endorsement.
Scholarship Economics is an option for students who desire acceleration. To assist with Scholarship preparation there is the option to complete ECON 199, a university paper from Canterbury University. This is funded by the STAR program and is subject to meeting entry requirements. Interested students should speak to Mr Tully and Ms Meulenbroeks.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
This course is eligible for subject endorsement.
This course is approved for University Entrance.
External
NZQA Info
Business Studies 3.1 - Demonstrate understanding of how internal factors interact within a business that operates in a global context
NZQA Info
Business Studies 3.4 - Develop a marketing plan for a new or existing product
NZQA Info
Business Studies 3.6 - Carry out, with consultation, an innovative and sustainable business activity
NZQA Info
Economics 3.1 - Demonstrate understanding of the efficiency of market equilibrium
NZQA Info
Economics 3.2 - Demonstrate understanding of the efficiency of different market structures using marginal analysis
NZQA Info
Economics 3.3 - Demonstrate understanding of micro-economic concepts
NZQA Info
Economics 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of government interventions where the market fails to deliver efficient or equitable outcomes
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 37
Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.
Useful Links
Disclaimer
All subject selections are provisional only and are subject to:
- meeting any course entry requirements
- minimum class sizes
- the availability of teaching staff
and the final decision is at the discretion of the Head of Learning Area for that subject.