Learning Areas

Languages

Commerce

ECONOMICS

The aim of teaching Economics is to give the students the knowledge and skills, including impacting to learn the ability to explain and analyze economic issues and arguments. Students who do Economics learn the ability to evaluate economic information and organize, present and communicate ideas and judgments clearly.

The subject provides a sound foundation of economic ideas and prepares students to have a good understanding of modern day economic issues at micro level and macro level in any economy. Economics is introduced at year 11 and the students cover the NCEA Level 1 Economics. The subject is offered from year 11 to year 13.

ACCOUNTING

The Accounting syllabus allows students to gain skills that include; an ability to apply accounting concepts, principles and practices; an understanding of the role of accounting as an information system for monitoring, problem-solving and decision making and the place of accounting in changing economic, social and technological environments; an ability to examine and evaluate accounting policies and practices critically and analytically; improved skills of communication, analysis, interpretation and presentation of both qualitative and quantitative accounting information.

Accounting is introduced in year 11. The subject is offered up to year 13 scholarship level. Accounting graduates are amongst the highest paid in New Zealand.

FINANCIAL CAPABILITY

Financial capability is an issue for everyone. An ageing population will mean some new challenges and greater pressure on the public purse.

We believe the role of private provision, which simply means the amount we need to provide for ourselves out of our own savings, will increase.

The future holds some very real challenges for our children and our grandchildren.

They are our future retirees and the time for them to start thinking about saving for retirement is now. For many people getting to retirement in good shape is about ‘little and long’. We’d like wealth to happen ‘big and fast’, but it very rarely does. It’s worth noting that ‘little and long’ is not a very appealing idea for our active consumers of today.

We are working hard to build everyone's financial capability so that they reach their 60s with choices.

We have an increased focus on low income and vulnerable New Zealanders, who risk reaching retirement with little or nothing.

In our mission to build financial capability and ensure New Zealanders are prepared for retirement, we are working to deploy some best-practice behavioural economics by considering questions like:

• How do social norms affect behaviour?
• How do we mitigate people's present bias, where today seems more important than tomorrow?
• And what do we do about the mentality of scarcity that robs people of their ability to plan for the long term? 

The subject is compulsory for year 11 and 12 as they do it for one term worth 6 credits. It is offered full class in year 13 worth 18 credits.

BUSINESS STUDIES

Business Studies is a foundation subject introduces student to Accounting and Economics. It is taught from year 9 up to year 10. The subject prepares students for the NCEA which are introduced at year 11.The Business Studies syllabus is designed to allow students to have a good knowledge and understanding of the nature and scope of the modern business environment, and the role business plays in society.

The subjects introduces students to economic, environmental, ethical, governmental, legal, social and technological issues, and encourages a critical understanding of organizations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value. The subject helps to develop the candidates’ skills in using financial, marketing and management information in a practical business setting.

It also allows students to develop the ability to examine the management of organizations and, in particular, the process of strategic management and decision-making in the context of a dynamic external environment.

English

Through the study of English, literature and language enrich lives and help form connections.  The study, use and enjoyment of language and literature in a variety of text forms enables us to  access the thoughts and perspectives of others, to walk in different worlds, to develop empathy and to make linguistic and cultural connections.

All courses of English at Wesley College offer students the opportunity to:
1. Engage with and enjoy language in all its varieties.
2. Understand, respond to, and use oral, written and visual language effectively in a range of contexts.
3. Develop control over the processes associated with using and responding to English language purposefully and effectively through, reading, writing speaking, listening, viewing and presenting.
4. Develop an understanding of the grammar and conventions of English.
5. Respond personally to and think critically about a range of texts, including literary texts.
6. Use language skills to identify information needs, find, use, and communicate information.
7. Acquire the necessary standards to meet both Level 1 NCEA and the University Entrance Literacy requirements.

Life & Faith

Life & Faith Learning Area

Maori

Maori Learning Area

Mathematics

Mathematics learning area.

Music

Music education at Wesley College enables students to experience and learn a wide range of skills from composing pieces of music, to learning about notes and theory to performing in front of and audience as a soloist or as a member of a group. In the senior school you are able to compete in different competitions around the South Auckland region as well as develop a love and passion for music. 

In order for you to take music at Wesley College in the senior school you need to be able to demonstrate the following skills:

-Performing in front of an audience.

-Write and compose music.

-Be willing to enter competitions.

-Practice your chosen instrument and be a part of an ensemble or group.

-Have a passion for learning and trying new things.

In music you will learn how to:

-Perform in front of an audience well

-Write and compose your own music

-Learn how to read music

-Research a music topic.

If there are any questions come and see Mrs du Plessis for clarification.

Health and Physical Education

What is the health and physical education learning area about?
The health and physical education learning area is about taking action to enhance well-being. It encompasses three different but related subjects – health studies , physical education, and home economics Students learn that well-being is a combination of the physical, mental and emotional, and social and spiritual aspects of people’s lives. They learn to think critically and to make meaning of the world around them by exploring health-related and movement contexts. They learn how to bring about sustainable health-enhancing change for individuals, communities, and society.

Health Studies (Health Education and Food and Nutrition)

Health studies is about holistic understanding of Hauora and other indigenous knowledge regarding wellbeing. Students will develop and apply practical skills to enhance whakawhanaungatanga through personal, interpersonal and societal perspectives. Students will explore the principles of social justice of fairness and inclusivity in order to promote a healthier society in Aotearoa, across a wide range of cultures

Physical Education 

In physical education, movement is essential to Hauora. Participating in movement through different concepts can enrich the lives of self and others. Through movement, we develop diverse capability on one's physical, social and emotional well-being. Students will explore and understand how the body works on ways to maintain and enrich physical experiences.

Outdoor Education

In outdoor education, students will learn and apply practical skills needed to participate in outdoor activities throughout the school year. They will develop skills and leadership capabilities within the environment through a range of experiences such as tramping, camping and outdoor adventure activities. They will be challenged both physically, mentally and emotional during the course. They will participate in activities within the local environment. 

Why study health and physical education?

Through learning and by accepting challenges in health-related and movement contexts, students reflect on the nature of well-being and how to promote it. As they develop resilience and a sense of personal and social responsibility, they are increasingly able to take responsibility for themselves and contribute to the well-being of those around them, of their communities, of their environments (including natural environments), and of the wider society. This learning area makes a significant contribution to the well-being of students beyond the classroom, particularly when it is supported by school policies and procedures and by the actions of all people in the school community.

Science

Science is a way of investigating, understanding, and explaining our natural, physical world and the wider universe. It involves generating and testing ideas, gathering evidence – including by making observations, carrying out investigations and modelling, and communicating and debating with others – in order to develop scientific knowledge, understanding, and explanations. Scientific progress comes from logical, systematic work and from creative insight, built on a foundation of respect for evidence. Different cultures and periods of history have contributed to the development of science.

Social Sciences

Social Studies

Social Studies Learning Area

Technology

Technology is intervention by design. It uses intellectual and practical resources to create technological outcomes, which expand human possibilities by addressing needs and realising opportunities.

At Wesley College, all students will do one term of Year 9 Digital Technology and one term of Year 10 Digital Technology.

At Year 11, students can select either Digital Technology or Hard Materials Technology as a full year option.

Visual & Performing Arts

Visual and Performing Arts Learning Area