L3 Business

NCEA Level 3 Business (3BUS)

In this course, you’ll dive into the exciting world of business strategy, leadership, and people management. You’ll explore how businesses respond to change, tackle complex human resource issues, and make strategic decisions that shape their success.

A key feature of this course is planning and running your own innovative business. This hands-on experience allows you to apply your learning by creating a real product or service that, if successful, can generate a small income and has the potential to grow into a thriving business with future profits.

You’ll also analyse human resource challenges like workplace conflict and motivation and evaluate marketing strategies that help businesses connect with customers in dynamic markets.

Whether you aim to launch your own business or pursue careers in management, marketing, human resources, or finance, this course equips you with practical skills and insights to succeed. By the end of the year, you won’t just understand business — you’ll be ready to lead it.

Curriculum Skills and Key Competencies

Thinking: Students develop critical and strategic thinking by analysing complex business challenges such as human resource issues and market changes. They plan and evaluate innovative business ventures, using evidence to make informed decisions and anticipate future impacts. This fosters problem-solving skills and creativity essential for leadership roles and entrepreneurial success.

Using Language, Symbols, and Texts: The course strengthens communication through writing reports, preparing presentations, and interpreting financial and marketing data. Students explain complex ideas clearly, using business terminology accurately, especially when analysing human resource problems or marketing strategies, enhancing literacy and numeracy for real-world contexts.

Managing Self: Planning and running a business requires self-discipline, goal setting, and time management. Students manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to challenges independently, building resilience and accountability—skills vital for tertiary study and the workplace. Preparing for external assessments further develops focused study habits.

Relating to Others: Collaborative projects help students develop teamwork, negotiation, and leadership skills. Understanding human resource issues deepens empathy and interpersonal awareness, preparing students to manage relationships effectively in diverse professional environments. Ākonga will also be consulting with a mentor for feedback on their business plan which allows them to develop professional communication skills and behaviours.

Participating and Contributing: Students actively engage with their school and wider community by running businesses with real impact. They learn the value of responsible business practices and develop leadership and citizenship skills by contributing economically and socially to their communities. Ākonga also learn the importance of motivating others, and how they can successfully achieve this.

Careers and Pathways

• Supports achievement of NCEA Level 3 credits, including University Entrance Literacy requirements in reading and writing through research, reports, and presentations.
• Prepares students for tertiary study such as Bachelor of Commerce, Business, Marketing, Human Resource Management, or Finance degrees at universities and polytechnics.
• Develops practical skills applicable to apprenticeships and vocational pathways, including business ownership, trades management, and service industry roles.
• Equips students for polytechnic diplomas like NZ Diploma in Business, Marketing, or Accounting, which provide industry-focused training and employment pathways.
• Provides real-world experience running an innovative business, enhancing entrepreneurial skills and employability across diverse career fields including management, marketing, and finance.