Artificial Intelligence, virtual reality and other new technologies are rapidly changing our world. Through an in-depth study of the film Ready Player One and a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, we will explore some of the possibilities, opportunities, challenges, and risks of this new technology for us - at Ōtaki College, in our community, in Aotearoa, and as global citizens.

• All Humanities courses will develop both English and Social Science skills through expanding vocabulary and learning strategies to make meaning through reading, viewing, writing, and speaking. 

• Communication: understand film techniques, from camera work and mise en scene to special effects, and how directors can manipulate these to communicate their ideas.

• Critical Thinking, Communication, research and information skills: we will research AI, VR and gaming issues, looking at a range of short texts, videos and podcasts, film, fiction and non-fiction texts.

• Collaboration, character, self-management and project management skills: students will choose an issue of personal interest to explore in greater depth.

• Work both individually and collaboratively to read texts and construct meanings from them

• Culture: consider the implications of technology for our bicultural society in Aotearoa.

• Creativity: use your creativity to develop visual texts and presentations.

• Extend your vocabulary, reading comprehension and writing skills.

• Prepare to sit the NCEA Literacy Corequisite Unit Standards.

We will look at both fictional and real-world contexts, exploring science fiction films and texts as well as factual information about new technologies.

This course leads to senior subjects such as English, Social Sciences, Media Studies, Drama, History, Geography, Classical Studies, Psychology, Legal Studies, Business Studies and others.

Ākonga are encouraged to be curious and explore their understanding of identity, the world, belonging, and connection. In doing so, they explore a wide range of perspectives and draw upon different bodies of knowledge. This helps ākonga learn in other contexts and sets them up to be life-long learners.

The knowledge, skills, and values ākonga develop through English and Social Sciences support them to participate in social, cultural, political, and economic life, and prepare them for a variety of possible career pathways beyond school.  

English Career Pathways 

Social Sciences Career Pathways

• 1 B8 exercise book

• 1 document wallet

• Pencil, pen, highlighter, eraser - to stay in class in their document wallet

• Personal headphones 

• Personal Chromebook and charger

At times - other coloured pencils, felts, glue sticks, or scissors may be needed. These can be kept at home until needed.

Texts supplied by the Humanities Faculty.