The subjects offered under commerce department is Business Studies and Accounting.

• NCEA subjects – Business Studies, Accounting, and Economics
• Year 9 and 10 optional class per term – Financial literacy and Start-up business program.

Business Studies

Business studies is about enhancing of a culture of enterprise in New Zealand and sustaining and improving economic and community well-being. The learning journey in business is very engaging, and enables students to explore enterprise culture and understand the important role of business in society and economy.

It creates opportunity for students to run real business through Young Enterprise Scheme and support from business people, including teachers, mentors and University Alumni. Students are able to participate in the following during their journey of exploring entrepreneurship;

• present their business pitch to panel of judges who are successful entrepreneurs in New Zealand at AUT campus.
• Participate in all YES challenges (innovative idea, pitch, promotions and sales challenges).
• Conduct Market days and nights at various locations and also through online selling platforms.
• Review, Reflect, and carry on with their business activity.

Students learn to work in groups collaboratively while adopting qualities of taking initiative, becoming resilient and perseverant with a ‘can do’ attitude and gaining skills of problem solving, communicating, time management, team building, leadership and decision making  which leads them in gaining lifelong experiences.

Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme has recognised students’ success in business by awarding South Auckland Regional Awards in Star-up Company of the Year Award in 2017 and Excellence in Product Development Award in 2018.

Business studies is mostly about enterprise, sustainability, kaititakitanga, rangariratanga globalisation and citizenship. It can be integrated in subjects such as digital technology and technology.

https://seniorsecondary.tki.org.nz/Social-sciences/Business-studies.

Accounting

Students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare and maintain financial record, manage financial affairs, act with integrity and contribute to the wider community. They also get to experience using accounting software such as MYOB in recording and processing accounting information. This gives the accounting learners greater insight of real work experience in accounting.

Learning accounting enables young generation to become responsible citizens and contribute to the well-being of New Zealand by valuing confidentiality, integrity, accountability, reliability, relevance and sustainability.

https://seniorsecondary.tki.org.nz/Social-sciences/Accounting 

Years 9 and 10

Financial literacy

Allows students to explore the financial affairs of individual and how to make financial decisions.

Students will gain knowledge, skills and experience to:

• Understand how economic decision-making affects individuals and society.
• Understand why individuals/households require a system for managing personal finances.

Curriculum links
Accounting NCEA level 1.

Business Start-up Program

Business Start-up Program is the perfect way for students to learn how to run a small business. The programme aligns with Business Studies NCEA level 2

Through Start­-Up, students will:

• Work together to create a new product or service
• Learn about business planning, product development, marketing and financial management
• Sell their product or service at a school market day

Curriculum links
The programme aligns with Business Studies NCEA level 2 and 3

NCEA level 1

Accounting

Pre-Requisite: Students need two years of secondary education with instructions in English Language.

Course content: Level 1 Accounting course includes processing of transactions and preparation of financial reports for decision making by small business organisations.

Students may choose to do standards up to 18 credits only. The programme allows students to get course endorsement.

NCEA level 2

Business Studies

Pre-Requisite: N/A.

Course content: Level 2 Business Studies course include market research of new or existing product carrying out business planning, production and marketing.

Students may choose to do standards up to 16 credits only. The programme allows students to get course endorsement.

Accounting

Pre-Requisite: 12 credits achieved at level one accounting.

Course content: Level 2 Accounting course includes processing of transactions and preparation of financial reports for decision making by small business organisations.

Students may choose to do standards up to 18 credits only. The programme allows students to get course endorsement.

NCEA level 3

Business Studies

Pre-Requisite: 12 credits achieved at level two Business Studies

Course content: Level 3 Business Studies course includes:

• Make a marketing plan on existing or new product or service.
• Carry out innovative and sustainable business activity through consultation.
• Response to external factors by businesses operating in global context.

Students may choose to do standards up to 18 credits only. The programme allows students to get course endorsement.

Accounting

Pre-Requisite: 12 credits achieved at level two Accounting or no Accounting background.

Course content: Level 3 Accounting course includes processing of transactions and preparation of budgets and financial reports for decision making by partnership and companies. Students may choose to do standards up to 18 credits only. The programme allows students to get course endorsement.