SOCIAL SCIENCE
The Social Science learning area is about how societies work and how people can participate as critical, active, informed, and responsible citizens. Contexts are drawn from the past, present, and future and from places within and beyond New Zealand.
History is about exploring the past, in order to understand the present, and shape the future. New Zealand history is seen within wider global contexts. Historians are skilled in research and source analysis that is fundamental for other subject areas.
Geography is the study of the relationship between people and their environments. Our environment is at a critical point in its history. Developing knowledge of humans and our impact on the natural world will allow you to prepare for the future.
Business Studies is about how individuals and groups of people organise, plan and act to create and develop goods and services to satisfy customers.
Psychology gives us a fascinating insight into the behaviour of others, providing an opportunity to view the human mind from a systematic and scientific perspective. We look at addictive behaviour, the nature of evil, clinical and health practices, ethics and experimentation and consider just how we, as humans, tick.
LEVEL 1
Business Studies
This course allows students to develop a deeper understanding of the economy and the study of business. Students will develop their understanding of how to communicate ideas with clarity and apply analytical and critical thinking skills through the study of:
- Consumer Demand and how this relates to what the observe
- An understanding of Economic theory and the interdependence of the different sectors
- Develop the skills to make financial and economic decisions
- Learn how businesses market their products
- Understand the function and influences on small business operations
Cost and Materials: $225 approximately for multi-day field trip (optional)
Entry Guidelines: No entry guidelines
Leads to: Level 2 Business Studies, Young Enterprise Scheme
Teacher in Charge: Ms K Burling
History
History helps students to develop their understanding about the world we live in today, by engaging with the people, places and events of the past. Students will learn about New Zealand and world history, in order to develop an understanding of the diverse society that we live in.
At Level 1, students gain an introduction to historical skills and thinking. We will explore the struggle for social justice and equality for African Americans by the American Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. We will also develop our understanding of social and political movements, through learning about Germany in World War II. We will investigate the rise of Hitler and the Nazis and the impact that this had on German society.
Students will also choose an aspect of New Zealand history to research. Through this process they will develop skills in research and evaluating sources, which are essential in many subject areas.
Through studying history, students gain skills that are useful throughout life. These include research techniques, understanding varied sources of information as well as how to articulate their ideas and make them clear to others. They learn how to ask and answer questions, evaluate evidence, and understand different perspectives.
Cost and Materials: $225 approximately for multi-day field trip with Geography and Business Studies (optional)
Entry Guidelines: No entry guidelines
Leads to: Level 2 History. History is a universal qualification.
Teacher in Charge: To be confirmed
Geography
Geography is the fascinating study of the relationship between people and their environments. Those who study Geography are better prepared to understand topics impacting our planet today. Field trips are an important part of Geography; they allow us to explore the use of space and the place in which we live.
We need geographic knowledge to better understand how humans have interacted with their environment over time; how geography has impacted settlement and population; and how geographic factors influence climate, culture, the economy, and world events. A geographic perspective enables us to analyse the past and present and to understand how to prepare for an environmentally uncertain future. If you are fascinated by the natural environment and have a genuine interest in the world around you, Geography is the subject for you.
Cost and Materials: $225 approximately for multi-day field trip with History and Business Studies (optional)
Entry Guidelines: No entry guidelines
Leads to: Level 2 Geography. Geography is a universal qualification.
Teacher in Charge: Mrs S Mills
LEVEL 2
Business Studies
This course will focus on your participation in the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) - a regional and national business competition encouraging entrepreneurship and application of business knowledge. Based on experiential learning, students will form a business and plan and create a product to take to market. This course develops a range of business skills from collaboration and planning to design and innovation. Drawing on the diversity of skills in the class, students will have an opportunity to explore and draw on a range of contexts such as technology, product analysis, design, development and manufacturing. Developed products will be marketed and sold as part of the Young Enterprise Scheme competition at the Hastings Farmers Market during Term 3.
Participation in YES opens opportunities to apply for funding, win prizes and apply for business competitions such as BizJap and Entrepreneurs in Action (weekend competitions in Wellington with other young entrepreneurs around the country).
Specific skills gained in Business - Young Enterprise:
- Entrepreneurship
- Leadership
- Marketing and product surveys
- The product design and development process
- Public speaking and communication skills
- Building your own brand and products
- Written research and report writing
- Planning
- STEM skills in Design, Product Testing and Evaluation
Entry Guidelines: No entry guidelines
Leads to: Level 3 Business and Technology courses
Teachers in Charge: Ms K Burling
Geography
Geography is a course for those who wish to understand the complex world that we live in. Students will learn about the relationships and connections between people and their natural and cultural environments. Geography teaches you how to interpret a variety of information and data. There is a focus on both local and global issues, which develops research and observation skills and gives students the ability to take action and solve problems. Geography focuses on learning inside and outside the classroom and there is no better way to learn about the world you live in by going and exploring it!
Cost and Materials: $225 approximately for multi-day field trip (optional)
Entry Guidelines: Level 1 Geography or Literacy rich subjects at Level 1 or HOD permission
Leads to: Level 3 Geography and tertiary study, careers in Engineering, Environmental Scientist, Oceanography, Policy Adviser, Town Planning, Zoologist, Ecologist, Demographer, Pilot, Armed Forces, Cartography, GIS Analyst, Education, Law, Tourist Operator, Tourism and Hospitality, Outdoor Education Instructors
Teacher in Charge: Mrs S Mills, Mr R Orr
History
This Level 2 course will help students to develop their understanding of the history of our world. We will explore important modern events including the Vietnam War. Students will gain an understanding of why the Vietnam War occurred and its significance to New Zealand and the international community. We will explore the road to independence for Vietnam, how this conflict led to an awakening of the protest movement in New Zealand and the impact of the war on both veterans and civilians.
Students will learn historical skills such as how to accurately interpret sources, assessing sources for reliability, developing judgments and structured arguments in their written work.
Entry Guidelines: At least 12 credits at Level 1 History and/or English or in an approved Level 1 Course
Leads to: Level 3 History, Level 3 Classical Studies. History and Classical Studies is useful for careers in… media and television, historical research, journalism, teaching, public relations, government and social work, law, museums, art curation, human resources, foreign affairs, libraries, archives and records management, and more...
Teacher in Charge: To be confirmed
Psychology
What Influences Our Behaviour?
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind: how it works, and how it might affect behaviour. Through the lens of Psychology you will better understand the factors that influence your own and others’ behaviour in different situations.
This year you will study:
- The underlying theories of Psychology – Biological, behavioural and cognitive approaches
- Media Psychology – Approaches to explain behaviour – Celebrity and addiction
- Abnormality/normality – Why do we obey authority?
- Clinical and Health Psychology – A study of stress and health theories
Entry Guidelines: Level 1 Literacy/Numeracy-rich subject an advantage
Leads to: Tertiary study, Social Worker, Counsellor, Police, Teacher, Life Coach, Market Researcher, Mediator, Policy Advisor, Law, Psychotherapist, Psychology
Teacher in Charge: Mr S Gardner, Mrs S Mills
LEVEL 3
Business Studies
Level 3 Business is a broad based business course that seeks to view organisations from a systems perspective. Students will engage in learning across a variety of key business disciplines. Students will gain a detailed understanding of business operations at a global level and look at a range of case studies and learn how to apply theory to real situations. Key areas of learning include:
- Human resource management
- Value chain analysis in agribusiness
- Psychology of organisations
- International relations
- Role of MFAT, MBIE and NZTI in supporting NZ business globally
- Fundamentals of organisational behaviour
- Business stategies
- Systems theory
Entry Guidelines: No entry guidelines
Leads to: Further study, Business, Commerce, Systems Analysis, Management, Law, Marketing, Innovation, Human Resource Management
Teachers in Charge: Mr S Gardner, Mrs S Mills
UE Approved
Psychology
What are the fundamental tenets of human behaviour? This course seeks to address essential elements in human behaviour and to understand our relationship with society. Students will be challenged to understand a range of behavioural models and apply these to real situations. Controversial research and the implications of socially sensitive research are examined in detail as well as internal assessments looking at significant bodies of research as well as an investigation into a field of psychology that interests you. Students will be challenged to develop their research and report writing skills to a high standard.
- The role of media in influencing crime and perceptions of risk
- Moral panics
- Do the ends justify the means?
- Obedience and compliance to authority
- Psychometric testing including both IQ and personality
- Contemporary issues in psychological research
- Ethics within psychology
- Analysing a field of psychology
- How does psychology explain human behaviour?
Entry Guidelines: Level 2 Psychology preferred
Leads to: Business, Law, Psychologist, Social Worker, Teacher, Manager
Teachers in Charge: Mr S Gardner, Mrs S Mills
UE Approved
Geography
Geography is a course for those who wish to understand the complex world that we live in. Students will learn about the relationships and connections between people and their natural and cultural environments. Geography teaches you how to interpret a variety of information and data. There is a focus on both local and global issues, which develops research and observation skills and gives students the ability to take action and solve problems. Geography focuses on learning inside and outside the classroom and there is no better way to learn about the world you live in by going and exploring it!
Cost and Materials: $225 approximately for multi-day field trip (optional)
Entry Guidelines: Level 2 Geography or Literacy/Numeracy-rich subjects at Level 2, HOD discretion
Leads to: Universal qualification that leads to all tertiary study, careers in Social Worker, Counsellor, Police, Teacher, Life Coach, Market Researcher, Mediator, Policy Advisor, Law, Engineering, Environmental Scientist, Oceanography, Policy Adviser, Town Planning, Zoologist, Ecologist, Demographer, Pilot, Armed Forces, Cartography, GIS Analyst, Education, Law, Tourist Operator, Tourism and Hospitality, Outdoor Education Instructors
Teacher in Charge: Mr R Orr, Mrs S Mills
UE Approved
History
This Level 3 course focuses on further developing skills and understanding from previous years. You will cover a combination of New Zealand and world history, developing your understanding of different historical events and their significance to our society.
Through study of the New Zealand Wars in the 19th century, you will explore the origins of conflict and inequalities that still impact on our society today. You will choose a significant event to conduct independent research on, and present your findings. You will also study the global trend of anti-semitism, from its theological origins around the 2nd century AD, through to how it resulted in the Holocaust during World War 2.
As you progress through the year, you will learn skills that are useful in all aspects of tertiary study, such as how to accurately interpret sources, assess sources for reliability, understand historical perspectives, and develop judgments and structured arguments in your written work.
Entry Guidelines: At least 12 credits in Level 2 History and/or English, or in an approved Level 2 Course
Leads to: Tertiary study. History and Classical Studies is useful for careers in… media and television, historical research, journalism, teaching, public relations, government and social work, law, museums, art curation, human resources, foreign affairs, libraries, archives and records management, and more...
Teacher in Charge: Mrs S Mills, To be advised
UE Approved
FUTURE CAREERS
Cartographer, Surveyor, Environmental Consultant, Geographical Information Systems Officer, International Aid/Development Worker, Landscape Architect, Market Researcher, Transport Planner, Heritage Manager, Conservation Officer, Museum Education, Museum/Gallery Curator, Historian, Author, Academic Librarian, Archaeologist, Archivist, Broadcast Journalist, Politician’s Assistant, Curator, Policy Analyst, Librarian, Social Researcher, Historian, Human Resource Advisor, Secondary School Teacher, Banking, Business, Consultancy, Economic and Financial Areas, Entrepreneurship, Industry, Insurance, The Legal System, Management, Marketing, Property, Share-broking, Tourism Operators, Travel Agencies, Airlines, Airport, Ferries and Cruise Ships, Hotels, Resorts, Flight Attendants (Cabin Crew), Tour Guides, Conferencing and Events, Marine Biology, Voyaging, Tourism, Science, Superyacht crew, Cruise ships, Skipper, Fishing, Conservation, Waterways, Environmental work, Health and Safety, Outdoor Education Instructor, Documentation of stories, Cultural work