“Outsiders” equips you with a powerful lens to understand the world around you. You'll gain insights into human behaviour, social structures, and the complexities of modern life. This course challenges you to think critically about societal issues and empowers you to become an informed, engaged citizen. 

Gain a deeper understanding of global conflicts and social justice issues and their far-reaching consequences. This course offers a unique perspective on history and current events, fostering empathy and critical thinking about complex social issues. The topic also covers aspects of women’s rights, rights of the child, gender and sexuality, LGBTQIA+ rights, disability rights; rights and responsibilities of consumers, employers and employees; raising awareness about a current issue on the Amnesty International NZ website or fundraising for a charity or pressure group.

• 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. 

• Critical analysis of historical and contemporary sources as well as social and legal issues

• Empathetic understanding of diverse experiences

• Research and presentation skills

• Ethical reasoning and global awareness

• Debate and argumentation techniques as well as Mock Trials

• Understanding of legal processes and terminology

• Character

• Citizenship

• Critical Thinking

• Culture

We'll explore historical and current social justice issues through real-world examples, including:

• Homelessness in Aotearoa New Zealand

• Religious diversity and beliefs worldwide

• Racism and discrimination in historical and contemporary contexts

• Environmental justice and sustainability

• Global human rights issues (e.g. terrorism, women's rights)

• New Zealand legal and political systems

• Civil and criminal law

• Discrimination and prejudice

• Consumer, employment, and age-related laws

• Migration - culture and identity & government and organisation

Immerse yourself in a tapestry of human experiences through:

• Gripping novels that transport you to conflicts and war-torn worlds (“The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton)

• Powerful films that bring untold stories to life

• Soul-stirring poetry that captures the essence of conflict

• Haunting song lyrics that echo the voices of the past

• Firsthand accounts that reveal history's hidden truths

Year 9 Humanities leads on to Y10 Humanities and then 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.