L2 Business

NCEA Level 2 Business (2BUS)

In this course, you’ll take your business knowledge to the next level by exploring how real organisations operate, make decisions, and respond to challenges. You’ll work on exciting, hands-on projects where you get to plan, create, and run a business activity, using creative ideas and practical skills to make it a success.

You’ll investigate how businesses solve problems, manage resources, and work with different stakeholders, while learning to use tools and strategies that real companies rely on. Through AS90846, you’ll carry out a business activity in a simulated or real market. AS90847 will see you examining how a large New Zealand business responds to opportunities and issues, and in AS90848 you’ll explore the external factors — like laws, technology, and the economy — that shape business decisions.

Whether you’re aiming for a career in business, marketing, finance, management, or just want to understand how organisations work, this course will build skills in teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making — all essential in any future pathway.

By the end of the year, you won’t just have studied business — you’ll have done business.

Curriculum Skills and Key Competencies

Thinking: Students develop critical and creative thinking by investigating how motivation theories are applied in real business settings (AS90847). They analyse how businesses use motivation strategies to improve employee performance and solve workplace challenges. This requires evaluating evidence, identifying cause and effect, and making informed conclusions. In AS90846 and AS90848, students plan and run a business activity, analysing market research data and making decisions that require strategic and logical thinking. 

Using Language, Symbols, and Texts: Students communicate complex business concepts clearly, using appropriate business terminology and formats. For AS90847, they explain motivation theories and how they are applied within organisations through a written business report. In AS90848, they create a business plan that incorporates business terminology and language. Developing these skills enhances literacy, numeracy, and professional communication vital for success in any career.

Managing Self: By planning and executing a business activity in AS90848, students develop skills in time management, organisation, and adaptability. They learn to set realistic goals, manage resources, and respond flexibly to challenges, showing resilience and self-motivation—traits essential for success in further education and the workforce. Additionally, AS90843 requires independent preparation for an external exam, where students demonstrate their understanding of business environments and concepts under timed conditions. Balancing coursework and exam study builds resilience, discipline, and effective study habits. These self-management skills are essential for success in further education, apprenticeships, and the workplace.

Relating to Others: Students work collaboratively during their business activity, sharing ideas, negotiating roles, and resolving conflicts. In AS90847, they study how motivation affects people in teams and organisations, deepening their understanding of interpersonal dynamics. These experiences improve communication, empathy, and teamwork skills—key to effective relationships in any context.

Participating and Contributing: Students actively engage with their school and wider community by planning and running a business activity with a community focus, a key requirement of AS90848. This hands-on experience helps them understand the real-world impact of business decisions on people and places around them. Through this involvement, students develop teamwork, leadership, and social responsibility. They learn how businesses contribute economically and socially, fostering a sense of belonging and civic awareness that encourages them to be thoughtful and active contributors to their communities now and in the future.

Careers and Pathways

• Progresses to Year 13 Business Studies
• Builds credits towards NCEA Level 2 and supports achievement of University Entrance Literacy requirements.
• Aligns with Vocational Pathways including Service Industries, Manufacturing & Technology, and Creative Industries.
• Prepares students for tertiary study in business-related degrees or diplomas.
• Develops skills useful for apprenticeships, trades, and small business ownership.
• Opens career pathways in retail, marketing, finance, event management, entrepreneurship, banking, government policy, economics, financial advisors, marketing,  human resources, and accounting.