10 Social Sciences
10SSC Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mrs J. Struthers
Recommended Prior LearningYear 9 Social Sciences
Social Sciences
Learning in the Social Sciences helps students to thrive in the diverse communities and environments of Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. This includes understanding the mutual responsibilities to Te Tiriti o Waitangi of tangata whenua and tauiwi as they live together. Learning in the Social Sciences develops skills in conceptual thinking, research, exploring perspectives and critical and creative thinking to take social action. Ākonga will draw on understandings of the past, to make sense of the present and inform future decisions and actions.
There is wide scope in the Social Sciences to learn in a range of contexts that suit students and allow them to bring their own diverse experiences and understandings of the world into the classroom.
Course Overview
Term 1
Our Treaty
Students build on prior learning about Te Tiriti o Waitangi to focus on what this has meant for New Zealand today, in particular promises of rangatiratanga, mana motuhake and self-determination. Students will gain an understanding of the Waitangi Tribunal and case study examples of how settlements have provided an opportunity for reconciliation.
Term 2
Systems of Government
Students will develop an understanding of systems of government, how they differ and how they affect people's lives. We will study New Zealand's system of government in detail and compare this with another contemporary system of government.
During the Term each class goes on a day visit to a guided tour of the District Court, old High Court and Supreme Court followed by a tour of parts of Parliament House and observing question time from the public gallery.
Term 3
Human Rights
Students will explore what human rights are, where they came from and understand how when people participate and assert their human rights they can persuade organisations and the state to respond.
Term 4
Earth Rights
The changing nature of place and environment creates both challenges and opportunities for environmental justice.
Assessment Policy & Procedures
Pathway
NCEA Level 1 Geography 101, NCEA Level 1 History 101, NCEA Level 1 Psychology 101
Social Studies leads to Social Science subjects in the senior school. Senior Social Science subjects are: Classics, Geography, History, Legal Studies, Psychology, Tourism. Skills developed in the Social Sciences are transferrable and applicable across many other subjects.
Contributions and Equipment/StationeryComputer, A4 exercise book, pens, pencils, glue stick and scissors.
Pathway Tags
Policy analyst, lawyer, manager, academic, tour guide, travel agent, psychologist, town planner