Social Sciences

Social Sciences Learning Area

Te ao tangata, or Social Sciences, fosters students' curiosity about people, societies, and places, while promoting engagement with societal issues. The discipline equips students with knowledge and skills in social, cultural, economic, and political domains, empowering them to become critically informed, ethical, and empathetic citizens. This ethos aligns with Aotearoa New Zealand's values and responsibilities embodied in Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi).

 

A central focus is on Aotearoa New Zealand's histories, examining how Māori and other communities have influenced the nation's past. The subject also expands globally, teaching students research skills, decision-making, and the ability to understand diverse perspectives. Through data interpretation and critical thinking, students develop literacy and numeracy skills, gaining deeper insights into societal issues and challenges like human rights, inequity, and sustainability. This understanding equips students to take informed, positive actions in response to local, national, and global challenges.