Year 10 Commerce

Year 10 Commerce is an engaging half-year course designed to equip students with essential life skills in managing money, understanding the world of business and how the economy works. The course aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum and covers important economic and business principles, including Māori business principles and practices. Our lessons will be interactive and practical, with opportunities to engage in business simulations, case studies, and hands-on activities.

Term One: An Introduction to Business and the Economy 

Ever wondered how companies make decisions, what influences the prices of goods, or how businesses connect with their customers? This term, we'll explore the exciting world of business, marketing, and the fundamental forces that shape our economy. We'll also delve into key business features, learn about entrepreneurial characteristics from inspiring New Zealand business heroes, and develop problem-solving skills for real-world business challenges. Assessment for this term is a Group Project, where you'll collaborate to apply your business and economic understanding. Topics include:

• The economic problem: scarcity, opportunity costs, and decision-making

  Circular flow model (households, producers, and government)

• How businesses operate in the New Zealand economy

• Interdependence in economic systems

• New Zealand exports and the role of trade

• Business risks: financial, operational, and strategic

• Globalisation and its impact on NZ businesses

• The role of government in the economy
  
  

Term Two: Māori Economy and Social Enterprises

We'll explore how businesses can be a powerful force for social good and cultural sustainability. We'll dive into the world of Te Ōhanga Māori, learning about the unique principles that guide Māori business and contribute to economic sustainability. Students wills investigate the growing movement of social enterprises, businesses with a mission to create positive community impact, and analyse the inspiring stories of NZ social enterprises. We'll also cover the fundamentals of marketing, from understanding your target audience to developing a powerful brand. Using the success story of Rocket Lab, we'll see how innovation and technology drive modern business. Your assessments will involve a research and presentation on a Māori business or social enterprise, followed by a business proposal and pitch competition where you'll develop and present a marketing plan for your own business idea.

Topics include:

• Te Ōhanga Māori: Māori business principles and economic sustainability
• Social enterprises and their impact on communities
• How sustainability and cultural values shape decision-making
• Introduction to marketing: target audiences, pricing, and branding
• Innovation and technology in business

Year 10 Commerce provides a practical and relevant foundation for future studies in Year 11 Commerce, and Y12/13 Economics preparing students to make informed decisions in their personal and professional lives.