Liger Leadership Academy logo

Liger Leadership Academy

Otago

Liger Leadership Academy Curriculum

20 subjects available for 2026/2027.

Subjects for Year 11 Students

12 Biology

12BIO

Are you fascinated by the intricate workings of living organisms? Do you dream of unravelling the mysteries of life and making a difference in the world? Then dive deep into the world of Biology! This course will delve into the fascinating world of living things, exploring their diversity, function, and interactions with the environment. 

Through a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical investigation, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental biological concepts that shape us and our world. Year 12 Biology builds students’ understanding of biological concepts to prepare them for further study, along with highlighting real-life applications in various career options. Biology is also a Year 13 subject and can be studied further at University through Zoology, Botany, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Health Sciences and Applied Science. 

12 Calculus

12CAL

This course lays the groundwork for calculus by developing essential skills in algebra, graphs, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, and mathematical reasoning. By mastering these fundamentals, you'll be well-prepared to tackle calculus in Year 13 and unlock its applications in engineering, physics, computer science, and data analysis. You'll develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, setting yourself up for success in these exciting fields.


12 Chemistry

12CHE

Ever wondered what matter is truly made of?  This course delves into the composition, structure, and reactions of all things around us.  Explore the building blocks of the universe, from elements and molecules to their fascinating interactions. This course embarks on a captivating journey through the world of chemical reactions and their impact on our lives. 

Throughout the course, you'll develop strong laboratory skills, analyse real-world applications of chemistry, and showcase your understanding through internal and external assessments.

12 Communications

12COM

Welcome to Year 12 English! This course aims to develop your critical reading, writing, and thinking skills; build your confidence in crafting written work across a range of styles and purposes; and foster your love of reading and an ability to engage deeply with texts. 

Key learning experiences include: 

  • Engaging with diverse literary and visual texts, including films, novels, and poetry.
  • Crafting and refining written pieces with a focus on clarity, originality, and structure.
  • Independent reading tailored to individual interests, followed by reflective and analytical responses.
  • Collaborative learning through group discussions, workshops, and feedback sessions.

12 Entrepreneurship

12ENT

This course provides a hands-on introduction to launching and running your own business. By competing in the Young Enterprise Scheme, you'll develop a product or service, create a business plan, gain practical experience, and build a network of contacts. Ideal for those considering business ownership, marketing, management, or self-employment.

12 Outdoor Leadership

12OUT

This course transforms the Wakatipu Basin into your learning environment. Through the Wednesday outdoor sessions, you will participate in activities like rock climbing, hiking, and developing alpine skills. You can then choose to complete Level 2 NCEA Outdoor Education assessments focused on essential leadership competencies such as risk management and understanding effective leadership styles. 

12 Physics

12PHY

Ever wondered how things move, why light behaves the way it does or how forces shape our world?  This course is your launchpad to explore the fundamental laws of the universe, from mechanics and electricity to light and sound equipping you with a deep understanding of the physical world.  

Throughout the course, you'll develop strong problem-solving skills, analyse real-world applications of physics, and showcase your understanding through internal and external assessments.

12 SAIL - 1

SAIL121

SAIL (student-directed Al learning) empowers students to take ownership of their learning by choosing the pace, place, and level in Essential subjects. With Al-supported pathways, learners develop independence while receiving guidance to ensure progress and success.

Options can include:  

Te Kura (NZ Correspondence school) Senior Secondary Subjects

Te Kura offers the full range of NZ curriculum subjects through flexible distance learning. This is an ideal choice if you want to study a subject not offered at school or if you thrive in a self-paced environment.

Net.nz - Programmes

Net.nz connects students from schools all over Aotearoa into one virtual classroom. If you want to learn a specialist subject with a live teacher and classmates but it isn't available here, Net.nz is the solution.

Gateway programmes - including BCITO and SIT

Gateway blends school study with hands-on work experience. This pathway is designed for students who are focused on a specific career or trade and want to get a head start in the industry.

To select this option, we encourage students to explore suitable courses through these providers and discuss their selection with Andrew beforehand. This will ensure alignment with NCEA requirements as well as making sure the course is a good fit for your future pathway.

12 SAIL - 2

SAIL2

SAIL (student-directed Al learning) empowers students to take ownership of their learning by choosing the pace, place, and level in Essential subjects. With Al-supported pathways, learners develop independence while receiving guidance to ensure progress and success.

Options can include:  

Te Kura (NZ Correspondence school) Senior Secondary Subjects

Te Kura offers the full range of NZ curriculum subjects through flexible distance learning. This is an ideal choice if you want to study a subject not offered at school or if you thrive in a self-paced environment.

Net.nz - Programmes

Net.nz connects students from schools all over Aotearoa into one virtual classroom. If you want to learn a specialist subject with a live teacher and classmates but it isn't available here, Net.nz is the solution.

Gateway programmes - including BCITO and SIT

Gateway blends school study with hands-on work experience. This pathway is designed for students who are focused on a specific career or trade and want to get a head start in the industry.

To select this option, we encourage students to explore suitable courses through these providers and discuss their selection with Andrew beforehand. This will ensure alignment with NCEA requirements as well as making sure the course is a good fit for your future pathway.

12 Statistics

12STA

This course develops students' ability to analyse and interpret data, model real-world situations, and make informed decisions using statistical methods and software. Students will design and conduct a series of statistical investigations, communicating their findings effectively. Statistics is a valuable skill set that can help you make informed decisions and drive innovation in various industries. By understanding patterns and trends, students will be able to contribute to data-driven decision-making and problem-solving in future careers.

13 Outdoor Leadership

13OUT

This course transforms the Wakatipu Basin into your learning environment. Through the Wednesday outdoor sessions, you will participate in activities like rock climbing, hiking, and developing alpine skills. You can then choose to complete Level 3 NCEA Outdoor Education assessments focused on essential leadership competencies such as risk management and understanding effective leadership styles. 

Subjects for Year 12 Students

13 Biology

13BIO

Ready to master the sophisticated processes of life? This advanced course builds directly on your Year 12 knowledge, delving into the cutting-edge of biology. Through a blend of rigorous theory and advanced practical investigations, you will explore complex topics like gene expression, human evolution, and the intricate responses of plants and animals, sharpening the analytical skills required for higher-level science.

Year 13 Biology is specifically designed to prepare you for the demands of tertiary study. It is a recommended subject for students aiming for university courses and careers in Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Biotechnology, Genetics, Environmental Science, and Neuroscience, equipping you with the foundational knowledge needed to succeed in these demanding fields.

Learners will choose between EITHER  91602 3.2 - Integrate biological knowledge to develop an informed response to a socio-scientific issue (3 credits - Internal) OR 91607 3.7 - Demonstrate understanding of human manipulations of genetic transfer and its biological implications (3 credits - Internal)


13 Calculus

13CAL

The Year 13 Level 3 Calculus course provides students with rigorous and advanced mathematical study, preparing them for tertiary pathways in mathematics, engineering, science, economics, and related disciplines. The course develops strong analytical, algebraic, and problem-solving skills while emphasising logical reasoning and clear communication of solutions.

Students will undertake study in the proposed following areas:

·       Differentiation – rules, curve sketching, maxima and minima, and applications in real-world contexts.

·       Integration – antiderivatives, definite integrals, areas under curves, and applied modelling.

·       Complex numbers – algebraic and geometric representations, including solving equations with complex roots.

·       Trigonometry – advanced identities, equations, and applications to modelling periodic behaviour.

·       Conic sections – equations and properties of parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas.

Assessment is through a combination of internally and externally assessed achievement standards, providing opportunities to demonstrate both procedural fluency and conceptual understanding. Students may gain up to 24 Level 3 NCEA credits in this course if they choose to enter an additional Externally assessed standard (A.S. 91577 v2 Mathematics and Statistics 3.5 - Apply the algebra of complex numbers in solving problems).


13 Chemistry

13CHE

Ready to move from “what is matter made of?” to “why does it behave that way?” This next-level course investigates thermochemical principles and structure–property relationships, redox processes, and the use of quantitative analysis and spectroscopic evidence to explain and predict chemical change.

You’ll sharpen advanced lab techniques, design and evaluate investigations, and connect theory to real-world systems. 

13 Communications

13COM

This course puts choice at the centre of your learning while building deep comprehension and real‑world thinking.

You will learn:

- to approach novels, films, poems and articles from multiple perspectives - cultural, historical, ethical - so you can question assumptions, trace ideas, and build well-reasoned interpretations backed by evidence.

- to shape paragraphs that build momentum, and control voice and tone for any audience. You’ll argue with precise evidence, craft vivid language and imagery, edit ruthlessly, and integrate credible sources - so every piece is clear, convincing, and exam-ready.

Why take it?

You’ll practise analysing claims, spotting bias, and constructing reasoned arguments - the same skills engaged citizens use to navigate media, debate issues, and contribute thoughtfully to their communities. By the end, you’ll be a critical thinker who reads closely, writes convincingly, and speaks up with insight.


13 Entrepreneurship

13ENT

This course continues to provide a hands-on approach to launching and running your own business. By competing in the Young Enterprise Scheme, you'll develop a product or service, create a business plan, gain practical experience, and build a network of contacts. Ideal for those considering business ownership, marketing, management, or self-employment.

13 Outdoor Leadership

13OUL

This course transforms the Wakatipu Basin into your learning environment. Through the Wednesday outdoor sessions, you will participate in activities like rock climbing, hiking, and developing alpine skills. You can then choose to complete Level 3 NCEA Outdoor Education assessments focused on essential leadership competencies such as risk management and understanding effective leadership styles. This is a UE approved subject if you earn 14 or more credits.

13 Physics

13PHY

This course builds directly on the concepts you mastered in NCEA Level 2, preparing you for success in tertiary studies and beyond. A strong grasp of Level 2 Physics is essential.

Level 3 Physics is the launchpad for a wide range of exciting fields. It's either required or highly recommended for future study in engineering, medicine, architecture, aviation, data science, and more. You'll develop the advanced analytical and problem-solving skills needed to excel at university.

Learners have the opportunity to choose additional internal standards such as 91525 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of Modern Physics (3 credits - Internal) if they need.

13 SAIL - 1

13SAIL1

SAIL (student-directed Al learning) empowers students to take ownership of their learning by choosing the pace, place, and level in Essential subjects. With Al-supported pathways, learners develop independence while receiving guidance to ensure progress and success.

Options can include:  

Te Kura (NZ Correspondence school) Senior Secondary Subjects

Te Kura offers the full range of NZ curriculum subjects through flexible distance learning. This is an ideal choice if you want to study a subject not offered at school or if you thrive in a self-paced environment.

Net.nz - Programmes

Net.nz connects students from schools all over Aotearoa into one virtual classroom. If you want to learn a specialist subject with a live teacher and classmates but it isn't available here, Net.nz is the solution.

Gateway programmes - including BCITO and SIT

Gateway blends school study with hands-on work experience. This pathway is designed for students who are focused on a specific career or trade and want to get a head start in the industry.

To select this option, we encourage students to explore suitable courses through these providers and discuss their selection with Andrew beforehand. This will ensure alignment with NCEA requirements as well as making sure the course is a good fit for your future pathway.

13 SAIL - 2

13SAIL2

SAIL (student-directed Al learning) empowers students to take ownership of their learning by choosing the pace, place, and level in Essential subjects. With Al-supported pathways, learners develop independence while receiving guidance to ensure progress and success.

Options can include:  

Te Kura (NZ Correspondence school) Senior Secondary Subjects

Te Kura offers the full range of NZ curriculum subjects through flexible distance learning. This is an ideal choice if you want to study a subject not offered at school or if you thrive in a self-paced environment.

Net.nz - Programmes

Net.nz connects students from schools all over Aotearoa into one virtual classroom. If you want to learn a specialist subject with a live teacher and classmates but it isn't available here, Net.nz is the solution.

Gateway programmes - including BCITO and SIT

Gateway blends school study with hands-on work experience. This pathway is designed for students who are focused on a specific career or trade and want to get a head start in the industry.

To select this option, we encourage students to explore suitable courses through these providers and discuss their selection with Andrew beforehand. This will ensure alignment with NCEA requirements as well as making sure the course is a good fit for your future pathway.