Social Sciences

Introduction

Social Studies is a core subject taken by all Year 9 and 10 students.

Year 9
This is a full-year course.

There are three topics within the course:

• The Ancient World - This topic looks at how the ideas and actions of people in the past have had a significant impact on people’s lives. Students also investigate how people know about ancient civilisations today. Students study these things by looking at specific ancient civilisations such as the Roman and Greek civilisations.
• New Zealand Geography - a study of locations, migration patterns, climate and resource use in NZ.
• Pacific Challenges – This topic examines environmental changes and impacts, with a specific focus on our region.

In addition, students learn about current events and special events such as the General Election, the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games are learnt about in the years they occur.

Year 10
This is a full-year course.

There are four topics within the course:

• War and Peace - This topic looks at human rights, World War I, World War II, the United Nations and other peace groups.
• Ko Aotearoa tēnei - This enables students to look at our origins as a nation, the Treaty of Waitangi, and how cultural interactions impact on cultures and society.
• Rich World, Poor World - This looks at economic and social indicators of development such as GDP, mortality rates, etc. Students investigate inequality by looking at more economically developed countries and comparing them to less economically developed countries.
• Who's the Boss? - This topic looks at different types of Government, past and present, including NZ's government, Communism, totalitarianism, the USA, local government and the ways these governments affect peoples lives.

In addition, students learn about current events and special events such as the General Election and the Olympic and Commonwealth Games are learnt about in the years they occur. All Year 10 classes complete a Careers module at the end-of-the year.  

Future
 Junior Social Studies leads on to the following subjects at Level 1, 2 and 3 in the senior school:

• Geography
• History
• Economics
• Travel and Tourism
• Classical Studies