Course Overview: In Year 9 Social Studies, you will explore how people, places, and societies have changed over time and continue to shape the world we live in today. You will investigate important local, national, and global issues, while developing an understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand’s place in an increasingly connected world.

Throughout the course, you will examine topics such as government, human rights, citizenship, and the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. You will consider different perspectives, ask challenging questions, and explore ideas about fairness, power, identity, and decision-making.

Equipment/Stationery: 1B8 and BYOD

Recommended Prior Learning: Open Entry

Assessment Information: Students will complete assessments during the course.

Next Steps: Students will progress to Year 10 Social Studies

Course Overview: Year 10 Social Studies builds on the knowledge and skills developed in Year 9 by challenging students to think more critically about the issues shaping Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider world. Students investigate contemporary and historical events, examining how decisions made by individuals, communities, and governments influence society.

The course explores themes such as identity, citizenship, social justice, sustainability, and the impact of change on people and places. Students deepen their understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and consider the rights, responsibilities, and perspectives of different groups within society.

Throughout the year, students strengthen their ability to analyse evidence, evaluate different viewpoints, draw well-reasoned conclusions, and communicate informed opinions. These skills provide a strong foundation for success in senior Social Sciences subjects, including History, Geography, and Commerce.

Equipment/Stationery: 1B8 and BYOD

Recommended Prior Learning: Open entry - Compulsory

Assessment Information: Students will complete assessments during the course.

Next Steps: Students can progress to a Year 11 Social Science course

Course Overview: This half-year optional course develops a foundational understanding of what it takes to operate a successful business, exploring why enterprises are established, the different types of business structures, and the vital role of innovation and marketing. Ākonga will examine interactions among businesses, people, and the community, as well as employer-employee relationships. The course also introduces the core principles of sound financial management to build essential economic literacy.

Equipment/Stationery: See stationery list.

Recommended Prior Learning: Open Entry

Assessment Information: Students will complete assessments during the course.

Next Steps: Students can progress to Year 10 Business Studies or Year 10 Commerce, optional courses designed to further advance practical financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and economic reasoning.

Course Overview: Want to know how you can make your dollars go further during a cost of living crisis? Are you making the best financial decisions for your future? This fun and interactive half-year optional course is for you! Students will explore savings, borrowing, budgeting, retirement planning and insurance. In addition, there is an emphasis on students learning about current economic events that affect our lives. This is a half-year option 

Equipment/Stationery: See stationery list.

Recommended Prior Learning: Open Entry

Assessment Information: Students will complete assessments during the course.

Next Steps: Students can progress to Year 10 Commerce or Year 10 Business Studies, optional courses that further develop practical financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and economic reasoning.

Course Overview: Ever wondered how Steve Jobs came up with the Apple brand? Or why products are targeted at particular groups of people? Students will research and analyse the concepts of Marketing and develop a product for sale to a targeted market. Students will gain an understanding of how businesses develop desirable products through market research and innovation. Students will look into the world of e-commerce and design an e-catalogue. This is a half-year option course.

Equipment/Stationery: See stationery list.

Recommended Prior Learning: Open Entry

Assessment Information: Assessment parameters centre on market research processes and e-catalogue configuration.

Next Steps: Students can progress to Commerce - Business Studies or any Social Science 100 course.

Course Overview: Want to know how to make your hard-earned money work harder for you and better ways to deal with the cost of living? Students will learn financial literacy and Accounting skills related to budgeting, saving, investing, and other money tools. Learn basic economics and recent New Zealand economic events through fun holiday travel ideas, and learn how to handle risk and reward to better plan for your financial future. This is a half-year option course.

Equipment/Stationery: See stationery list.

Recommended Prior Learning: Designed for those who want to manage their money independently.

Assessment Information: Financial literacy and accounting framework benchmarking.

Next Steps: Students can progress to Level 1 Commerce or any Social Sciences 100 course.

Course Overview: This half-year course explores the interaction between people and the environment, focusing on natural disasters and human migration. Our first unit will delve into the fascinating geography of natural disasters, uncovering their causes and impacts on different regions. In the second unit, students will investigate how these environmental events drive human migration and shape communities worldwide. Through case studies and interactive projects, students will gain insight into the challenges and responses of affected populations.

Equipment/Stationery: See stationery list.

Recommended Prior Learning: Open Entry

Assessment Information: Students will complete two assessments during the course.

Next Steps: Students can progress to Geography or any other Social Sciences 100 course.