Mercury Bay Area School - Senior Years Course Guide
Source: http://www.mbas.ac.nz/years/senior-years-11-13/courses
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:10
Mercury Bay Area School - Senior Years Course Guide
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Senior Years 11 – 13
Senior Years
Course Guide 2026
Here is our Course Guide for 2026 which presents programmes of learning that will allow our students to explore pathways and qualifications leading to Certificates in NCEA Levels 1, 2, and 3.
Our courses include those developed specifically for NCEA qualifications. We are desirous that every student is able to achieve to their potential, be it academic, sporting, cultural or otherwise, and the philosophy of our school is to provide a balanced all-round education to achieve this. The difficulty of trying to provide a wide range of course choices is that there are sometimes significant organisational and timetabling issues which may affect some student programmes. However, we have found over the years that by individual counselling, along with family involvement, most students are able to work out purposeful programmes of study.
It is possible to take courses at different levels in one year so that students are experiencing success at the appropriate level in each subject or course.
It is very important that students plan ahead not just into next year but further into the future. Students with a goal for tertiary or university studies need to make sure they are taking courses that will enable them to meet entry requirements. Our Course Guide allows students to track forward and identify the route to their intended or prospective course of study to ensure they have the correct course structure to meet their qualification objectives.
The purpose of this guide is to advertise the full range of courses we would like to offer, so that students, parents and caregivers can discuss them fully, and subsequently make informed and realistic decisions.
To students we say, do not miss out on the vast opportunities our school provides. It is in your interest not to leave school until you have gained the highest educational qualifications possible and you have a confirmed future pathway ahead of you. We are here to work alongside you to plan your programme of study and to guide you in the remarkable pathways that lie ahead.
2026 Courses
In 2026 students in Year 11 and 12 must select six courses to compete a full learning programme. Year 13 students must select a full learning programme of five courses and study.
Students are strongly advised to consider course choices and to plan future course pathways carefully. Students should consult learning coaches, subject teachers, their Dean and tertiary provider websites before making their final decisions. When making decisions at level 2 and above students should also consider the availability of university entrance (UE) literacy and numeracy credits in courses to ensure that that additional qualification can be awarded. UE also requires level 3 to be achieved plus a minimum of 14 credits from 3 university approved courses.
Advice on all courses is also available from the respective Heads of Faculties. This Course Guide gives details of those courses.
NCEA and University Entrance - How does it work at MBAS
Ensuring a Pathway to NCEA Literacy and Numeracy
To gain any NCEA qualification (Level 1, 2, or 3), students must achieve the
literacy and numeracy corequisite.
These standards assess the essential skills needed for success in study, work, and life.
Assessment for the corequisite begins in Year 10 through the Common Assessment Activities (CAAs) in May and September. By the start of Year 11, some students will already have achieved literacy and/or numeracy through the CAAs, while others will still be working towards them.
If you have not yet achieved
literacy and/or numeracy
, you must choose courses in 2026 that offer an
additional pathway
– approved standards that allow you to meet these requirements through your subjects, without relying solely on the CAAs.
Students need
10 literacy credits and 10 numeracy credits
(20 in total). You may gain one area (literacy or numeracy) via the CAAs and the other through the additional pathway. For literacy, you must complete all 10 credits through one pathway only – you cannot combine CAA credits with additional pathway credits. This restriction does not apply to numeracy, as the CAA numeracy standard is worth the full 10 credits.
IMPORTANT
: If you have not yet achieved the NCEA literacy or numeracy corequisite, you must select
at least two courses in 2026
that include approved literacy and/or numeracy standards – this provides an additional pathway while you continue to sit the CAAs.
Courses Offering an Additional Pathway to the
NCEA Literacy Co-Requisite
NCEA Level 1 Courses with Literacy
NCEA Level 1 Courses with Literacy
Course Name
Standard Number(s)
Subject
Reference
Standard Title
Level 1 Literacy
Credits
Assessment
Type
Business Studies
L1BUS
92930
Commerce 1.3
Demonstrate understanding of how independent financial relationships are affected by an event
5
External (Exam)
English
L1ENG
91924
English 1.1
Demonstrate understanding of how context shapes verbal language use
5
Internal
91926
English 1.2
Develop ideas in writing using stylistic and written conventions
5
Internal
91927
English 1.4
Demonstrate understanding of significant aspects of unfamiliar texts
5
External (Exam)
Geography
L1GEO
91932
Geography 1.2
Demonstrate understanding of the spatial distribution of a phenomenon and its impact on place
5
Internal
91934
Geography 1.3
Demonstrate understanding of how natural processes shape an environment
5
External (Exam)
History
L1HIS
92025
History 1.2
Demonstrate understanding of the significance of a historical context
5
Internal
92027
History 1.4
Demonstrate understanding of perspectives on a historical context
5
External (Exam)
Science
L1SCI
92022
Chemistry & Biology 1.3
Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation in relation to an identified characteristic
5
External (Exam)
Science Applied
L1SCA
91920
Science 1.1
Demonstrate understanding of a science-informed response
5
Internal
NCEA Level 2 Courses Offering Level 1 Literacy
NCEA Level 2 Courses Offering Level 1 Literacy
Course Name
Standard Number(s)
Subject
Reference
Standard Title
Level 1 Literacy
Credits
Assessment
Type
English
L2ENG
91101
English 2.4
Produce a selection of crafted and controlled writing
6
Internal
91104
English 2.7
Analyse significant connections across texts, supported by evidence
4
Internal
91107
English 2.10
Analyse aspects of visual and/or oral text(s) through close viewing and/or listening, supported by evidence
3
Internal
91100
English 2.3
Analyse significant aspects of unfamiliar written text(s) through close reading, supported by evidence
4
External (Exam)
NCEA Level 3 Courses Offering Level 1 Literacy
NCEA Level 3 Courses Offering Level 1 Literacy
Course Name
Standard Number(s)
Subject
Reference
Standard Title
Level 1 Literacy
Credits
Assessment
Type
English
L3ENG
91475
English 3.4
Produce a selection of fluent and coherent writing which develops, sustains, and structures ideas
6
Internal
91476
English 3.5
Create and deliver a fluent and coherent oral text which develops, sustains, and structures ideas
3
Internal
91480
English 3.9
Respond critically to significant aspects of visual and/or oral text(s) through close reading, supported by evidence
3
Internal
91474
English 3.3
Respond critically to significant aspects of unfamiliar written texts through close reading, supported by evidence
4
External (Exam)
Courses Offering an Additional Pathway to the
NCEA Numeracy Co-Requisite
NCEA Level 1 Courses Offering Level 1 Numeracy
NCEA Level 1
Courses Offering Level 1 Numeracy
Course
Name
Standard
Number(s)
Subject
Reference
Standard
Title
Level
1 Numeracy
Credits
Assessment
Type
Business
Studies
L1BUS
92928
Commerce
1.1
Demonstrate understanding of an
organisation's financial decision making
5
Internal
Geography
L1GEO
91933
Geography
1.2
Explore an environment using
data
5
Internal
Mathematics
General
L1MAT
91944
Mathematics
1.1
Explore data using a statistical
enquiry process
5
Internal
91945
Mathematics
1.2
Use mathematical methods to
explore problems that relate to life in Aotearoa New Zealand or the Pacific
5
Internal
91946
Mathematics
1.3
Interpret and apply mathematical
and statistical information in context
5
External
(Exam)
Mathematics
Algebraic
Methods
L1MAA
91944
Mathematics
1.1
Explore data using a statistical
enquiry process
5
Internal
91945
Mathematics
1.2
Use mathematical methods to
explore problems that relate to life in Aotearoa New Zealand or the Pacific
5
Internal
91947
Mathematics
1.4
Demonstrate mathematical
reasoning
5
External
(Exam)
NCEA Level 2 Courses Offering Level 1 Numeracy
NCEA Level 2
Courses Offering Level 1 Numeracy
Course
Name
Standard
Number(s)
Subject
Reference
Standard
Title
Numeracy
Credits
Assessment
Type
Mathematics
L2MAT
91256
Mathematics
2.1
Apply co-ordinate geometry
methods in solving problems
2
Internal
91258
Mathematics
2.3
Apply sequences and series in
solving problems
2
Internal
91260
Mathematics
2.5
Apply network methods in solving
problems
2
Internal
91263
Mathematics
2.8
Design a questionnaire
3
Internal
91264
Mathematics
2.9
Use statistical methods to make
an inference
4
Internal
91267
Mathematics
2.12
Apply probability methods in
solving problems
4
Internal
Calculus
& Algebraic Methods
L2MAC
91256
Mathematics
2.1
Apply co-ordinate geometry
methods in solving problems
2
Internal
91269
Mathematics
2.14
Apply systems of equations in
solving problems
2
Internal
91259
Mathematics
2.4
Apply trigonometric
relationships in solving problems
3
Internal
91261
Mathematics
2.6
Apply algebraic methods in
solving problems
4
External
(Exam)
91262
Mathematics
2.7
Apply calculus methods in
solving problems
5
External
(Exam)
Statistics
& Probability
Methods
L2MAS
91263
Mathematics
2.8
Design a questionnaire
3
Internal
91264
Mathematics
2.9
Use statistical methods to make
an inference
4
Internal
91266
Mathematics
2.11
Evaluate a statistically based
report
2
Internal
91267
Mathematics
2.12
Apply probability methods in
solving problems
4
External
(Exam)
91268
Mathematics
2.13
Investigate a situation
involving elements of chance using a simulation
2
Internal
NCEA Level 3 Courses Offering Level 1 Numeracy
NCEA Level 3
Courses Offering Level 1 Numeracy
Course
Name
Standard
Number(s)
Subject
Reference
Standard
Title
Numeracy
Credits
Assessment
Type
Mathematics
With Calculus
L3MAC
91575
Mathematics
and Statistics 3.3
Apply trigonometric methods in
solving problems
4
Internal
91577
Mathematics
and Statistics 3.5
Apply the algebra of complex
numbers in solving problems
5
Internal
91579
Mathematics
and Statistics 3.7
Apply integration methods in
solving problems
6
External
(Exam)
91578
Mathematics
and Statistics 3.6
Apply differentiation methods in
solving problems
6
External
(Exam)
Mathematics
With Statistics
L3MAS
91580
Mathematics
and Statistics 3.8
Investigate time series data
4
Internal
91581
Mathematics
and Statistics 3.9
Investigate bivariate
measurement data
4
Internal
91582
Mathematics
and Statistics 3.10
Use statistical methods to make
a formal inference
4
Internal
91585
Mathematics
and Statistics 3.13
Apply the algebra of complex
numbers in solving problems
4
External
(Exam)
The Arts
English
Health, Physical Education & Food
Languages
Māori
Mathematics
Science
Social Science
Technology
Vocational/Gateway Courses
Distance Learning
The two main distance learning providers are the
Te Kura
and the
Volcanics Online Learning Community.
Please consult their websites for a list of possible courses.
If there is an area of study that a student wishes to participate in but MBAS does not offer then please communicate this on the course selection form as we will explore the possibility of one of our distance learner partners providing the desired programme.
MBAS HOUSE POINTS 2026
Updated 5th March 2026
Buffalo 2111
72/100
Tainui 1892
66/100
Mercury 2142
74/100
Matahaorua 1624
57/100
Skip to main content
Senior Years 11 – 13
Senior Years
Course Guide 2026
Here is our Course Guide for 2026 which presents programmes of learning that will allow our students to explore pathways and qualifications leading to Certificates in NCEA Levels 1, 2, and 3.
Our courses include those developed specifically for NCEA qualifications. We are desirous that every student is able to achieve to their potential, be it academic, sporting, cultural or otherwise, and the philosophy of our school is to provide a balanced all-round education to achieve this. The difficulty of trying to provide a wide range of course choices is that there are sometimes significant organisational and timetabling issues which may affect some student programmes. However, we have found over the years that by individual counselling, along with family involvement, most students are able to work out purposeful programmes of study.
It is possible to take courses at different levels in one year so that students are experiencing success at the appropriate level in each subject or course.
It is very important that students plan ahead not just into next year but further into the future. Students with a goal for tertiary or university studies need to make sure they are taking courses that will enable them to meet entry requirements. Our Course Guide allows students to track forward and identify the route to their intended or prospective course of study to ensure they have the correct course structure to meet their qualification objectives.
The purpose of this guide is to advertise the full range of courses we would like to offer, so that students, parents and caregivers can discuss them fully, and subsequently make informed and realistic decisions.
To students we say, do not miss out on the vast opportunities our school provides. It is in your interest not to leave school until you have gained the highest educational qualifications possible and you have a confirmed future pathway ahead of you. We are here to work alongside you to plan your programme of study and to guide you in the remarkable pathways that lie ahead.
2026 Courses
In 2026 students in Year 11 and 12 must select six courses to compete a full learning programme. Year 13 students must select a full learning programme of five courses and study.
Students are strongly advised to consider course choices and to plan future course pathways carefully. Students should consult learning coaches, subject teachers, their Dean and tertiary provider websites before making their final decisions. When making decisions at level 2 and above students should also consider the availability of university entrance (UE) literacy and numeracy credits in courses to ensure that that additional qualification can be awarded. UE also requires level 3 to be achieved plus a minimum of 14 credits from 3 university approved courses.
Advice on all courses is also available from the respective Heads of Faculties. This Course Guide gives details of those courses.
NCEA and University Entrance - How does it work at MBAS
Ensuring a Pathway to NCEA Literacy and Numeracy
To gain any NCEA qualification (Level 1, 2, or 3), students must achieve the
literacy and numeracy corequisite.
These standards assess the essential skills needed for success in study, work, and life.
Assessment for the corequisite begins in Year 10 through the Common Assessment Activities (CAAs) in May and September. By the start of Year 11, some students will already have achieved literacy and/or numeracy through the CAAs, while others will still be working towards them.
If you have not yet achieved
literacy and/or numeracy
, you must choose courses in 2026 that offer an
additional pathway
– approved standards that allow you to meet these requirements through your subjects, without relying solely on the CAAs.
Students need
10 literacy credits and 10 numeracy credits
(20 in total). You may gain one area (literacy or numeracy) via the CAAs and the other through the additional pathway. For literacy, you must complete all 10 credits through one pathway only – you cannot combine CAA credits with additional pathway credits. This restriction does not apply to numeracy, as the CAA numeracy standard is worth the full 10 credits.
IMPORTANT
: If you have not yet achieved the NCEA literacy or numeracy corequisite, you must select
at least two courses in 2026
that include approved literacy and/or numeracy standards – this provides an additional pathway while you continue to sit the CAAs.
Courses Offering an Additional Pathway to the
NCEA Literacy Co-Requisite
NCEA Level 1 Courses with Literacy
NCEA Level 1 Courses with Literacy
Course Name
Standard Number(s)
Subject
Reference
Standard Title
Level 1 Literacy
Credits
Assessment
Type
Business Studies
L1BUS
92930
Commerce 1.3
Demonstrate understanding of how independent financial relationships are affected by an event
5
External (Exam)
English
L1ENG
91924
English 1.1
Demonstrate understanding of how context shapes verbal language use
5
Internal
91926
English 1.2
Develop ideas in writing using stylistic and written conventions
5
Internal
91927
English 1.4
Demonstrate understanding of significant aspects of unfamiliar texts
5
External (Exam)
Geography
L1GEO
91932
Geography 1.2
Demonstrate understanding of the spatial distribution of a phenomenon and its impact on place
5
Internal
91934
Geography 1.3
Demonstrate understanding of how natural processes shape an environment
5
External (Exam)
History
L1HIS
92025
History 1.2
Demonstrate understanding of the significance of a historical context
5
Internal
92027
History 1.4
Demonstrate understanding of perspectives on a historical context
5
External (Exam)
Science
L1SCI
92022
Chemistry & Biology 1.3
Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation in relation to an identified characteristic
5
External (Exam)
Science Applied
L1SCA
91920
Science 1.1
Demonstrate understanding of a science-informed response
5
Internal
NCEA Level 2 Courses Offering Level 1 Literacy
NCEA Level 2 Courses Offering Level 1 Literacy
Course Name
Standard Number(s)
Subject
Reference
Standard Title
Level 1 Literacy
Credits
Assessment
Type
English
L2ENG
91101
English 2.4
Produce a selection of crafted and controlled writing
6
Internal
91104
English 2.7
Analyse significant connections across texts, supported by evidence
4
Internal
91107
English 2.10
Analyse aspects of visual and/or oral text(s) through close viewing and/or listening, supported by evidence
3
Internal
91100
English 2.3
Analyse significant aspects of unfamiliar written text(s) through close reading, supported by evidence
4
External (Exam)
NCEA Level 3 Courses Offering Level 1 Literacy
NCEA Level 3 Courses Offering Level 1 Literacy
Course Name
Standard Number(s)
Subject
Reference
Standard Title
Level 1 Literacy
Credits
Assessment
Type
English
L3ENG
91475
English 3.4
Produce a selection of fluent and coherent writing which develops, sustains, and structures ideas
6
Internal
91476
English 3.5
Create and deliver a fluent and coherent oral text which develops, sustains, and structures ideas
3
Internal
91480
English 3.9
Respond critically to significant aspects of visual and/or oral text(s) through close reading, supported by evidence
3
Internal
91474
English 3.3
Respond critically to significant aspects of unfamiliar written texts through close reading, supported by evidence
4
External (Exam)
Courses Offering an Additional Pathway to the
NCEA Numeracy Co-Requisite
NCEA Level 1 Courses Offering Level 1 Numeracy
NCEA Level 1
Courses Offering Level 1 Numeracy
Course
Name
Standard
Number(s)
Subject
Reference
Standard
Title
Level
1 Numeracy
Credits
Assessment
Type
Business
Studies
L1BUS
92928
Commerce
1.1
Demonstrate understanding of an
organisation's financial decision making
5
Internal
Geography
L1GEO
91933
Geography
1.2
Explore an environment using
data
5
Internal
Mathematics
General
L1MAT
91944
Mathematics
1.1
Explore data using a statistical
enquiry process
5
Internal
91945
Mathematics
1.2
Use mathematical methods to
explore problems that relate to life in Aotearoa New Zealand or the Pacific
5
Internal
91946
Mathematics
1.3
Interpret and apply mathematical
and statistical information in context
5
External
(Exam)
Mathematics
Algebraic
Methods
L1MAA
91944
Mathematics
1.1
Explore data using a statistical
enquiry process
5
Internal
91945
Mathematics
1.2
Use mathematical methods to
explore problems that relate to life in Aotearoa New Zealand or the Pacific
5
Internal
91947
Mathematics
1.4
Demonstrate mathematical
reasoning
5
External
(Exam)
NCEA Level 2 Courses Offering Level 1 Numeracy
NCEA Level 2
Courses Offering Level 1 Numeracy
Course
Name
Standard
Number(s)
Subject
Reference
Standard
Title
Numeracy
Credits
Assessment
Type
Mathematics
L2MAT
91256
Mathematics
2.1
Apply co-ordinate geometry
methods in solving problems
2
Internal
91258
Mathematics
2.3
Apply sequences and series in
solving problems
2
Internal
91260
Mathematics
2.5
Apply network methods in solving
problems
2
Internal
91263
Mathematics
2.8
Design a questionnaire
3
Internal
91264
Mathematics
2.9
Use statistical methods to make
an inference
4
Internal
91267
Mathematics
2.12
Apply probability methods in
solving problems
4
Internal
Calculus
& Algebraic Methods
L2MAC
91256
Mathematics
2.1
Apply co-ordinate geometry
methods in solving problems
2
Internal
91269
Mathematics
2.14
Apply systems of equations in
solving problems
2
Internal
91259
Mathematics
2.4
Apply trigonometric
relationships in solving problems
3
Internal
91261
Mathematics
2.6
Apply algebraic methods in
solving problems
4
External
(Exam)
91262
Mathematics
2.7
Apply calculus methods in
solving problems
5
External
(Exam)
Statistics
& Probability
Methods
L2MAS
91263
Mathematics
2.8
Design a questionnaire
3
Internal
91264
Mathematics
2.9
Use statistical methods to make
an inference
4
Internal
91266
Mathematics
2.11
Evaluate a statistically based
report
2
Internal
91267
Mathematics
2.12
Apply probability methods in
solving problems
4
External
(Exam)
91268
Mathematics
2.13
Investigate a situation
involving elements of chance using a simulation
2
Internal
NCEA Level 3 Courses Offering Level 1 Numeracy
NCEA Level 3
Courses Offering Level 1 Numeracy
Course
Name
Standard
Number(s)
Subject
Reference
Standard
Title
Numeracy
Credits
Assessment
Type
Mathematics
With Calculus
L3MAC
91575
Mathematics
and Statistics 3.3
Apply trigonometric methods in
solving problems
4
Internal
91577
Mathematics
and Statistics 3.5
Apply the algebra of complex
numbers in solving problems
5
Internal
91579
Mathematics
and Statistics 3.7
Apply integration methods in
solving problems
6
External
(Exam)
91578
Mathematics
and Statistics 3.6
Apply differentiation methods in
solving problems
6
External
(Exam)
Mathematics
With Statistics
L3MAS
91580
Mathematics
and Statistics 3.8
Investigate time series data
4
Internal
91581
Mathematics
and Statistics 3.9
Investigate bivariate
measurement data
4
Internal
91582
Mathematics
and Statistics 3.10
Use statistical methods to make
a formal inference
4
Internal
91585
Mathematics
and Statistics 3.13
Apply the algebra of complex
numbers in solving problems
4
External
(Exam)
The Arts
English
Health, Physical Education & Food
Languages
Māori
Mathematics
Science
Social Science
Technology
Vocational/Gateway Courses
Distance Learning
The two main distance learning providers are the
Te Kura
and the
Volcanics Online Learning Community.
Please consult their websites for a list of possible courses.
If there is an area of study that a student wishes to participate in but MBAS does not offer then please communicate this on the course selection form as we will explore the possibility of one of our distance learner partners providing the desired programme.
MBAS HOUSE POINTS 2026
Updated 5th March 2026
Buffalo 2111
72/100
Tainui 1892
66/100
Mercury 2142
74/100
Matahaorua 1624
57/100