You will find out about the history of why and how Europeans migrated to Aotearoa and why it is important for all of us as humans to tell our stories. You will learn how we all have stories which express our identity and our whakapapa. You will learn how texts are constructed for a particular purpose and audience, and about the language techniques used to convey meaning.

• 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. 

• Culture.

• Character.

• Citizenship.

• Critical Thinking.

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

• Use your creativity to develop visual and oral texts and presentations

• Extend your vocabulary, reading comprehension and writing skills 

• Prepare to sit the NCEA Literacy Corequisite Unit Standards.

We will look at a range of texts about journeys to Aotearoa, including the stories of current refugees and migrants. We will read the account of the Wreck of the Strathmore on the Crozet Islands in 1875. This ship was carrying Mrs Torley's great-grandfather and his brother on their journey from Scotland to Aotearoa. Students will then choose an area of personal interest related to the topic to explore and research, for example, they may research their own family history, sailing ships, navigation, trading, stories of other shipwrecks, early European settlement, impact on Māori, etc. 

Migration - journeys to Aotearoa.

Wai - the dangers of journeys over water.

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.