Commerce

Accounting

The study of this subject would be beneficial to those students wishing to specialise in Accountancy or to pursue a career in any area relating to commerce and/or the business world. The subject gives the student a practical knowledge of both the general principles of business finance as well as personal accounting.

Economics

Economics is about weighing up costs versus benefits in order to make better decisions. The study of Economics complements an interest in business, politics, international affairs, inequality or environmental issues. It is a wide ranging subject and as a result is relevant to a wide range of fields. The skills of Economics are transferable to other fields so studying Economics will enhance your general study and employment prospects.

Business Studies

Students will gain a great deal of practical experience and theoretical knowledge of all aspects of business including business planning, management, production, marketing and finance. A desire to participate fully (including activities outside of school hours) and work with other students is necessary if students are to achieve success.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The aims of the Accounting programme are to promote knowledge and understanding of accounting as a financial language
for:

• individuals
• community organisations and
• businesses

To achieve these aims, the student will:

• examine, understand and apply the assumptions on which accounting is based
• process financial data into meaningful information for small businesses
• prepare financial reports which meet user needs for small businesses and clubs
• analyse and interpret financial reports

COURSE DESCRIPTION
The course aims to develop an understanding of why and how people as individuals and groups choose to make the best use of their scarce resources in the context of the NZ economy.

The course is divided into three sections:

• Consumers’ Decisions
• Producers’ Decisions
• The Market

Students will develop their thinking, investigative, analytical and decision-making skills.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course looks at the processing of accounting information of a Sole Trader Business. It looks at the day-to-day recording of information through to final records such as Income Statements and Statements of Financial Position. The course also looks at Accounting Systems that are operated for the efficient use and control of Accounts Receivable. Also the students will gain practical experience in the use of an accounting software package to process accounting information.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course aims to develop an understanding of a number of key economic issues that arise from market forces in the
context of the NZ economy: Unemployment, Trade, Economic Growth and Inflation. These issues and government policy
alternatives are explored through the use of economic models.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course gives students an understanding of what a business does and of the skills necessary for efficient decision making in business. This is achieved by the setting up, running and liquidation of a business through the Young Enterprise Scheme along with learning and applying business theory to a case study business of the student’s choice.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course concentrates on the accounting processes for the preparation of Partnership and Company reports. This includes such topics as Cash flow planning and budgeting and job costing.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course takes an analytical approach to economic theory and is divided into three sections.

• Resource Allocation via the Market System—how the market works to provide the optimum allocation of resources.
• Resource Allocation via the Public Sector—where the market fails and the role of Government.
• Aggregate Economic Activity and Policy—the impact of Government action on an economy-wide basis.

* There may be a possibility for the top students to study a stage one University paper through Canterbury University. The study would be concurrent and would involve extra costs. See Mr Redmond for more information.