Social Studies teaches about people in different times and places, and how they interact with each other and their environments. Students explore how societies work and how they themselves can participate and take action as critical, informed, and responsible citizens.
You could say that from the very beginning, God has influenced Social Studies. God created people in His image (Genesis 1:26) and gave us unique characteristics. Through Noah's sons (Genesis 10) and the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:5-9), he gave us different cultures and languages. All people are important enough to God that He sent His only son to die for us (John 3:16). God gave us responsibility to care for our environment (Genesis 1:26, 28-30) and for other people (1 John 3:17-18).
Social Studies in the junior years of Secondary School leads to Geography, History and Classical Studies in later years.
Year 8
In Year 8, students explore topics such as Ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, Pacific Islands, Natural Disasters, Te Ao o Te Maori, Kiwi Identity and Current Events.
Year 9
Some of the topics Year 9 students learn about are: New Zealand Government, New Zealand Immigration, Ancient Greece, East Asia, Changes in Technology, Conservation and Current Events.
Year 10
Year 10 Social Studies starts to prepare students for NCEA by teaching some of the skills used in History and Geography. Year 10 students have the opportunity to sit a NCEA Geography Achievement Standard for 3 NCEA Credits.
Some of the topics Year 10 Social Studies students cover include: Ancient Rome, Israel, Human Rights, People and Climate, Treaty of Waitangi and Current Events.
