Level 1 Pacific Studies

Course Description

This course studies history from an indigenous Pasifika perspective. It will also investigate other linked events around the world such as The U.S. Civil Rights Movement. This course is intended to encourage and enable Pacific students to engage with and affirm their traditional cultures and values while relating them to the world around them. 

Non-Pacific students are also welcome to take this course, as it highlights indigenous New Zealand history not widely known or taught in schools. Therefore, parts of Tangata Whenua history will also be explored. 

Students will investigate and draw conclusions of an aspect of Pacific society. Students will also communicate understanding of a variety of Pacific cultures through planned presentations and research with direction.   

Students who are interested in learning Samoan language will also have an opportunity to do NCEA Level 1 Samoan within this course. There is also the opportunity to gain other Pasifika language credits so fluent speakers of any Pasifika language are also encouraged to join. Language credits will only be offered if a student shows a certain level of proficiency in their language. Students can also present information through building skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing and cultural learning via performance. 

Topics covered include: Dawn Raids, Polynesian Panthers, Parihaka, Black Civil Rights, Current Social Issues, Martin Luther King, Slavery in the South Pacific, Navigation & Migration, Village life, suppressed Pasifika History, Family relationships and values, Matai system, Myths and legends, Performing arts, the evolution of Pasifika Culture & Identity, along with trade in a Pacific context. 

Recommendation for subject entry 

Preferably Year 10 Pacific Studies or strong achievement in Social Studies.  Fluency in any Pasifika Language is also encouraged, as Pasifika Language units are also offered.  

Assessment

• 17165 v5 (5 Credits) Draw a Conclusion After an Investigation into an Aspect of Pacific Change and Development with Direction. 

• 17162 v6 (5 Credits) Draw a conclusion after an investigation into an aspect of Pacific indigenous knowledge with direction. 

• 92025 History 1.2 (5 Credits) Demonstrate understanding of the significance of a historical event. 

Current language units: 

• 92033 Gagana Samoa 1.2 (5 Credits) Communicate in Gagana Samoa in relation to a cultural context. 

• 92037 Lea Faka Tonga 1.2 (5 Credits) Communicate in Lea Faka Tonga in relation to a cultural context. 

Total credits on offer: 25

Next steps

This course leads to Level 2 Pacific Studies. This course will also complement History.