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Senior Social Sciences

Classical Studies - Year 11, 11CS

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesLeads toTo discuss contact
This course is based on the civilisations of ancient Greece and Rome. You will explore stories from Greek and Roman mythology and study other aspects of these civilisations to understand their cultures and their influence on our culture. Specific areas covered include: individuals, places and events such as the story of the Trojan war or the assassination of Julius Caesar; artistic endeavours such as the literature and art depicting heroes and their feats, like Theseus and the Minotaur or Perseus and Medusa; interactions including beliefs, ideologies and values with a focus on Classical marriage and death rituals. You will become familiar with the use of a range of primary sources which will develop your ability to research, interpret and analyse and on which you will create structured arguments. There will be a range of assessments, including assignment work, one formal and an extended individual research project.NoneYear 12 Classical StudiesMr Adams

Classical Studies – Year 12, 12CS

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesLeads toQualification availableTo discuss contact
This course is based on the civilisations of ancient Greece and Rome. You will explore stories from Greek and Roman myth and study other aspects of these civilisations to understand their cultures and their influence on our culture. Specific topics covered include: the classic Greek tragedies Oedipus the King and Antigone; Roman socio-political life where you will learn about living conditions, education, slavery, the position of women, and Roman entertainments; the events surrounding the eruption of Mt Vesuvius and its aftermath. And Greek sculpture which deals with developments in the depiction of the human body and the depictions of stories from Greek myth and literature. You will become familiar with the use of a range of primary sources which will develop your ability to research, interpret and analyse and on which you will create structured arguments.A mixture of internal and external assessment will be offered in this courseNCEA Level 1 LiteracyYear 13 Classical StudiesNCEA Level 2Mr Adams

Classical Studies – Year 13, 13CS

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesLeads toQualification availableTo discuss contact
This course is based on the civilisations of ancient Greece and Rome. You will look at a range of contexts and topics include; an exploration of the ideas and values associated with Virgil’s famous story, The Aeneid, which relates the fate of the hero Aeneas and the defeated Trojans, and how this epic influenced contemporary and later societies; Greek Vase Painting, including study of the techniques, materials, designs and stories painted on vases; and the life of Alexander the Great, one of the world’s most influential leaders, his achievements and legacy. You will become familiar with the use of a range of primary sources which will develop your ability to research, interpret and analyse and on which you will create structured arguments.A mixture of internal and external assessment will be offered in this courseAt least 8 credits in Level 2 English or Classical Studies or similar; or by negotiation with the Head of Department.Tertiary studyNCEA Level 3Mr Adams

History – Year 11, 11HI

DescriptionAssessmentLeads toTo discuss contact
This subject is organised around key themes of protest and challenge; imperialism, nationalism and war; and religion, politics and society. In Year 11 you will study a range of different contexts and case studies. You will examine issues where groups have demanded change in NZ society; contexts of revolution from the Industrial Revolution to the Iranian revolution and contexts around the globe such as Cambodia, East Timor and Armenia where societies have experienced massive change. You will develop a range of skills such as examining historical perspectives, writing well-organised essays, analysing evidence, effective research and learning about cause and effect.This course will be assessed through a variety of individual and group activities. Year 12 HistoryMs Brightwell

History – Year 12, 12HI

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesLeads toQualification availableTo discuss contact
This subject is organised around key themes of protest and challenge; imperialism, nationalism and war; and religion, politics and society. In Year 12 you will explore some of the significant challenges to authority and tradition which occurred during the modern era. You will examine significant historical events of the twentieth century which may include topics such as the Cold War, various contexts of uprisings against colonial rule such as in Sāmoa, Haiti, Indochina and Aotearoa, and a topic of your own choosing. You will develop a range of skills such as exploring historical relationships, examining historical perspectives, writing clear and logical essays, analysing evidence and learning how to carry out effective research.A mixture of internal and external assessment will be offered in this course.nilYear 13 HistoryNCEA Level 2Ms Brightwell

History – Year 13, 13HI

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesLeads toQualification availableTo discuss contact
This subject is organised around the key theme of colonization and looking at local history. In Year 13 you will study significant historical developments including: driving forces and philosophies behind Britain’s exploration and colonisation of the new world (for example in India, Australia, the Pacific, and Aotearoa). You will also explore local history which could include visiting various local historical sites such as Matiu Island, Petone Foreshore, Bolton Street Cemetery, Pukehau and Te Aro Pā. You will also develop a range of skills such as examining historical perspectives, exploring different sides of contested events, writing convincing and logical essays, analysing evidence and learning how to carry out effective research.A mixture of internal and external assessment will be offered in this coursenilTertiary studyNCEA Level 3Ms Brightwell

Geography – Year 11, 11GE

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesVoluntary contributionLeads toTo discuss contact
In this course you will study extreme natural events, in particular Tsunami with the Indian Ocean tsunami as a primary case study. This topic will also include emergency management planning and response. Demographics in New Zealand will cover population distribution, diversity, migration, change and sustainability. You will learn to apply a range of geographic skills; mapping, graphing, visuals, statistics, perceptions and geographic concepts to a geographic environment. Geographic research will involve collecting data on the Wairarapa field trip which will be presented, analysed and evaluated. Patterns and distribution of global phenomena will be described. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be introduced and ArcGIS software applied to solve a geographic problem. Sustainability of a resource use will be investigated.This course will be assessed through a variety of individual and group activities. Nil$200 for the three day Wairarapa residential field trip at CastlepointYear 12 GeographyMr Walker

Geography – Year 12, 12GE

DescriptioonAssessmentPre-requisitesVoluntary contributionLeads toQualification availableTo discuss contact
In this course you will study the natural environment of the Tongariro volcanic centre, analyse patterns of urban geography, apply a range of geographic skills; mapping, graphing, visuals, statistics, perceptions and geographic concepts to a variety of environments. You will collect data on the Tongariro field trip, present and analyse it, then evaluate the research process. You will also analyse the patterns produced by a global topic and study Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and use the ArcGIS software.A mixture of internal and external assessment will be offered in this coursenil$400 for the four day Tongariro field trip. Students need to be aware that this field trip is physically challenging involving completing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.Year 13 GeographyNCEA Level 2Mr Walker

Geography – Year 13, 13GE

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesVoluntary contributionQualification availableTo discuss contact
In this course you will study the interacting natural processes of Wellington’s South coast and the cultural process of tourism with Rotorua as the case study. You will apply the geographic skills of mapping, graphing, visuals, statistics, perceptions and geographic concepts to a variety of environments. Data from the Wellington South coast field trip in Term One will be collected for research; this will be presented and analysed then the whole research process evaluated. Decision making will be completed for a contemporary geographic issue and the patterns produced by a global topic will be analysed. The case studies for these will be given by the teacher or can be chosen by the student with consultation.A mixture of internal and external assessment will be offered in this coursenil$30 for Wellington south coast field trip.NCEA Level 3Mr Walker

Sociology – Environment & Activism – Year 11, 11SS

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesVoluntary contributionLeads toTo discuss contact
Sociology is focused on studying social behaviours and societies. You will examine how our society functions both within and beyond Aotearoa and explore your place in it through discussion and action. In this course we will analyse a variety of current social issues, activism and intersectionality, as well as how we use animals in our society. We will explore a variety of human relationships and societal responses to events and issues with our key concepts of human rights and social justice. This course will develop your ability to construct an argument and support your position, to research and investigate, engage in meaningful social action and to identify different views, values and perspectives.This course will be assessed through a variety of individual and group activities. Nil$30 for Wellington Zoo TripYear 12 Sociology, History, GeographyMs Crowhen

Sociology – Year 12, 12SS

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesLeads toQualification availableTo discuss contact
Sociology is focused on studying social behaviours and societies. You will examine how our society functions both within and beyond Aotearoa and explore your place in it through discussion and action. In this course we will examine societal constructs and current topics such as indigenous activism, social media, the opioid epidemic and sexuality, as well as investigate topical current events centred around global politics. We will explore a variety of human relationships and societal responses to events and issues with our key concepts of rights and responsibilities. This course will develop your ability to construct an argument and support your position, to research and investigate, engage in meaningful social action and to identify different views, values and perspectives.This course will be internally-assessed.NilYear 13 Sociology, History, Geography, Philosophy & BeliefsNCEA Level 2Ms Crowhen

Sociology – Year 13, 13SS

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesLeads toQualification availableTo discuss contact
Sociology is focused on studying social behaviours and societies. You will examine how our society functions both within and beyond Aotearoa and explore your place in it through discussion and action. In this course we will examine aspects of criminology and broader views on crime and institutional racism and its impacts across a range of contexts. We will explore a variety of human relationships and societal responses to events and issues with our key concepts of ideology and policy. This course will develop your ability to construct an argument and support your position, to research and investigate, engage in meaningful social action and to identify different views, values and perspectives.This course will be internally assessed.NilTertiary studyNCEA Level 3Ms Crowhen

Philosophy & Beliefs – Year 13, 13PB

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesLeads toQualification availableTo discuss contact
This course explores ultimate questions about reality, current ethical issues, and the nature of religion in Aotearoa through philosophical, evidence-based and spiritual lenses. We will explore questions such as: do we have free will? What is the nature of consciousness? Are we living in the Matrix? Do gods exist? What is knowledge? What is morality and how can we apply this to everyday ethical decisions? The course will both challenge and affirm the ways that different world views seek to answer key questions about existence and the world. The course will also develop your logical reasoning skills and your ability to develop strong well-structured arguments, drawing on a range of evidence. This course will be internally-assessed and is an approved UE coursenilTertiary StudyNCEA Level 3Ms Beccard

Accounting and Financial skills in Action – Year 11, 11AC

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesVoluntary contributionLeads toQualification availableTo discuss contact
Accounting and Financial Skills in Action will enable you to learn the basics of Accounting and use financial skills in your everyday life. In this course we will learn by doing. You will make a financial decision for your whānau and design an investment portfolio for future wellbeing. You will learn how to run small business accounts and prepare financial statements for business and not-for-profit community organisations, such as voluntary groups, Iwi and clubs. In groups, you will set up a small club and run the accounts for a club activity. The knowledge and skills learnt in the activities will empower you to be more confident with money and make financial decisions that will help you and your whānau, now and in the future. Young Enterprise is a co-curricular activity you may choose to do. You will be able to use Accounting and Financial Skills in Action class time to contribute your financial skills in a Young Enterprise business. This course will help to lay foundations for further study in Year 12 Accounting and beyond in Business or Commerce as well as provide you with practical life-long skills for future citizenship, employment or self employment. A range of assessments including completion of tasks and activities, assignment work and self assessment.NilNil Year 12 Accounting Mr Morar

Accounting – Year 12, 12AC

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesVoluntary contributionLeads toQualification availableTo discuss contact
This course builds on the foundations laid in Year 11 Accounting by exploring accounting processes, reporting and decision-making in more depth. We will learn practical skills used in accounting and business. This includes learning to use accounting software technology (“Xero”) to process financial transactions. We will learn about the sharemarket and creating opporunities for you to invest should you choose to, using Sharesies. We will investigate accounting systems businesses operate, such as Inventory, where you will identify strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations. Our context will be small to medium businesses with skills also applicable to not-for-profit organisations. This course will prepare you for further study in Accounting, Business or Commerce as well as practical skills for future employment or self employment. A mixture of internal and external assessment will be offered in this courseLevel 1 Accounting or if you are new to Accounting, by negotiation with the Head of Department. $28 for write-on workbookYear 13 AccountingNCEA Level 2Mr Morar

Accounting – Year 13, 13AC

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesVoluntary contributionQualification availableTo discuss contact
After studying Accounting for sole proprietors at Levels 1 and 2, Accounting at Level 3 moves onto a wider range of organisations and firms. For example, you will learn how to set up partnerships and companies, and work out profit sharing arrangements in partnerships and companies. In the unit on management decision-making you will learn to apply management accounting tools such as cash budgets and cost- volume-profit. You will also analyse an Annual Report for a company listed on the NZ stock exchange and decide whether or not to buy shares in it. As part of this, you will look at the social and environment responsibility of your chosen company. You may even decide to buy shares in the company yourself! This course will develop skills used for further study in Commerce, Accounting, Law, Engineering or employment or self employment. A mixture of internal and external assessment will be offered in this courseLevel 2 Accounting or by negotiation with the Head of Department. $29 for write on workbookNCEA Level 3Mr Morar

Economics in Society – Year 11, 11EC

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesVoluntary contributionLeads toQualification availableTo discuss contact
Economics in Society will introduce you to the basics of Economics and how the economy relates to you and your whānau. This knowledge enables you to better understand the decisions of consumers, producers, the government, the impact on society and how to guide a business through the ups and downs of the economic world. Through a range of interactive activities, we will explore what drives consumer demand for goods and services and how producer’s make decisions about sustainable resource use and how businesses decide on what and how to produce. We will discover how supply and demand determine prices and the role that government and iwi play in providing public goods and services. You will develop skills in basic forecasting and give business and policy advice for the benefit of your communities and wider society. Young Enterprise is a co-curricular activity you can choose to take part in. You will be able to use Economics in Society class time to contribute your economics and forecasting skills in a Young Enterprise business. Economics in Society will help you to lay the foundations for further study in Year 12 Economics and beyond in Commerce, Law or Politics and/or provide practical skills for everyday life and citizenship. A range of assessments including completion of tasks and activities, assignment work and self assessment.NilNilYear 12 EconomicsMr Morar

Economics – Year 12, 12EC

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesVoluntary contributionLeads toQualification availableTo discuss contact
Level 2 Economics builds on level 1 to understand the macroeconomic world or how ‘the economy’ operates as a whole. We will cover a range of economic models and concepts which enable us to understand the causes of current issues, such as the cost of living crisis, climate change, inequality, AI technology, economic growth and employment and their impacts. We will analyse the effectiveness of a range of suggested government policies for addressing these issues and improving living standards in society. Throughout this learning, we will frequently watch the news, and have discussions/debates around current issues and policies proposed in parliament which affect consumers, producers and the environment. We then use this learning to complete a project where you will investigate an issue of particular interest to you, the causes and impacts of it, before designing and arguing for two government policies to address this issue. This course will prepare you for further study in Economics, Commerce, Business, Law, Politics and help you to think more critically about issues and participate more confidently as a well informed citizen in society, for example when voting or expressing your opinion. A mixture of internal and external assessment will be offered in this courseNil$24 for write on workbookYear 13 EconomicsNCEA Level 2Mr Morar

Economics – Year 13, 13EC

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesVoluntary contributionLeads toQualification availableTo discuss contact
Year 13 Economics is concerned with “How societies work and how people participate as critical, active, informed, and responsible citizens." You will develop knowledge and skills to participate in, and contribute to local and global communities in which you live and work. We will use economic thinking to critically evaluate the sustainability of social, cultural, political, and environmental practices. You will apply micro-economic analysis to a chosen industry or product of your interest, for example: dance, music, gaming, sustainable clothing, sporting goods or a consumer good or service. The emphasis is on applying economic concepts through graphical representations. We will explore issues where the market has failed, and how the Government responds to balance private wishes with wishes of society using taxes and subsidies for example. You will "advise" the Government on how to resolve a market failure of your choice, for example: vaping, social media, sugary food, petrol cars/EV's, public transport or vaccinations. This course will help you to be prepared for futher study in Economics, Commerce, Law, Arts or Politics as well as the knowledge to becoming a better informed citizen. A mix of internal and external standards will be offered. Level 1 or 2 Economics; or if new to Economics you must be also studying Year 13 Mathematics and English, History or Geography, Sociology or similar; or by negotiation with the Head of Department. $35 for write on workbookTertiary studyNCEA Level 3Mr Morar

Media Studies - for entertainment – Year 11, 11MDE

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesSpecialist equipmentLeads toQualification availableTo discuss contact
“Cinema is a mirror by which we often see ourselves” – Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. In Media Studies - for entertainment, you will explore the relationship between commercial media and their audiences. You’ll learn about the history of moving image entertainment - in Aotearoa and globally - and examine the ways media industries create content to generate profit. You’ll explore key media concepts, including representation, audience theory and genre. As a media producer, you’ll create your own moving image products, such as advertisements, music video, and other short form content. You will learn practical production skills, including visual and audio recording, and editing on professional software. In Media Studies - for entertainment, you will work collaboratively and creatively to realise your vision and impact an audience. Assessment will include written work and project-based learning: media design and creative media production.NoneYear 12 Media StudiesMs Cook

Media Studies - journalism – Year 11, 11MDJ

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesSpecialist equipmentLeads toQualification availableTo discuss contact
“Don’t hate the media. Become the media.” In Media Studies with journalism, you will investigate the role journalism plays in society. You’ll learn media theory, exploring key concepts related to media journalism, and examine the relationship between media, democracy and social activism. You will think critically about journalistic ethics and develop your ‘news sense’ - your ability to identify what’s newsworthy and how to engage with an audience. As a media producer, you’ll create the news: short and feature articles, digital content, and visual media. You will learn practical production skills, such as written text formatting, visual and audio recording, and how to edit on professional software. You’ll tell local stories: stories about what matters to you and our community. In Media Studies with journalism, you will learn to effectively communicate through a variety of media forms to raise awareness and advocate for change. Assessment will include written work and project-based learning: media design and creative media production.NoneYear 12 Media StudiesMs Cook

Media Studies – Year 12, 12MD

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesSpecialist equipmentLeads toQualification availableTo discuss contact
Documentaries appear to tell “The Truth”… but now does the need to create a compelling narrative and engage the audience shape the way the information is presented? In Year 12 we look at how documentaries are structured to tell a story. You’ll design and plan your own documentary, and then produce one, with the opportunity to develop and craft this to a high standard. Our exam topic focuses on how American family sitcoms have changed since their inception to keep the audience interested, which offers a scope for critical understanding of this media form in a range of contexts.Three internal and one external standardYear 11 Media Studies; or by negotiation with the Head of Department.Earbuds/headphones.Year 13 Media StudiesNCEA Level 2Ms Cook

Media Studies – Year 13, 13MD

DescriptionAssessmentPre-requisitesSpecialist equipmentLeads toQualification availableTo discuss contact
Analyse films, design your own film, make your own film. You’ll choose a film genre (Horror? Mockumentary? Rom-com?) and create a character and storyline that will appeal to young people. Taking inspiration from existing films, you’ll shape this into a detailed plan, then film and edit it. This year we also do “readings” of films – comparing how for example, a marxist perspective of a film differs from a feminist reading of the same film. There is one external for this subject and it is about a film genre.Three internal standards and one external standard.Year 12 Media Studies; or by negotiation with the Head of Department.SD card, USB stick (8GB+) for video footage. Headphones.Tertiary study, short courses or employmentNCEA Level 3Ms Cook