Social Sciences

Course Outline 
The Social Sciences`programme aims to develop students’ knowledge, skills and understanding of different cultures, societies and environments. 
The programme includes learning about New Zealand’s peoples, cultures and groups in various times and settings. Cultures, societies and environments beyond New Zealand are also studied. 
The content of the topics studied is closely linked with the processes of inquiry, values exploration and social decision making. 
Learning experiences enable students to develop and apply skills through investigations, exploration of issues, critical thinking and working cooperatively. 
A component of the course is developing students’ awareness of current events and issues locally, nationally and globally. They are encouraged to think about the impact and consequences of these events on people and environments. 

Contexts that are explored in Terms 1 and 2 include;
- exploring the melting pot - a focus on the cultural mix in New Zealand
- World War 1.

In Terms 3 and 4 the students are the prime curriculum developers as they answer questions which reveal what is most important to them and what issues of the larger world are of interest to them. This focuses on finding the answers to authentic questions of young adolescents. 


Assessment 
Internal assessment focusing on Social Sciences processes: 
- individual and group projects 
- self and peer evaulations.