Social Sciences

Geography

Castle Hill Alpine Adventures

At the end of February, the Level 2 Geography class went on a day trip to explore Alpine Zonation in the Castle Hill area. We made sure to stop for some much-needed pies and caffine, fruit and snacks for morning tea at the Sheffield store, and then made our way to Castle Hill and Mistletoe Flat.

Students worked in teams to observe the natural environment around them, and gather data to answer a research question about patterns in the landscape. The day was sunny, and our ākonga were great Te Aratai College ambassadors. We walked over 11km, and after the day hike we stopped at Castle Hill for a team photo, then returned home.

History

Level 3 History Trip To Akaroa

On the 7th and 8th of March, the Level 3 History class headed off to Akaroa to explore and learn more about the local history of Banks Peninsula. Students were gathering information to help them with their first assessment of the year, as well as allowing them to see the places we had been learning about in class. Our trip included visiting places of historical significance from the musket wars and early European settlement.

The first day of our trip saw us leaving Christchurch bright and not-so-early with two vans of excited learners. Our first stop was to complete the Ōnawe Peninsula Walkway with a couple of stops to take photos and stretch some legs. With minor grumbling about the walk, ākonga made their way up the peninsula walk to see first-hand how the location has been used in the past. After a picnic lunch, we made our way to the Akaroa Museum for a talk from the curator and the opportunity to explore the museum and gather information for their assessment that can be hard to find. As it was a hot day, most students then enjoyed a quick swim in the pool at the accommodation before we had our dinner.

Day two was another full day. This time our locations included Ōnuku, Takapūneke, and Greens Point in the morning. From there, we headed off to our final stop at Okains Bay for another picnic lunch before visiting the amazing museum and its collection of local history. Then it was back to kura with significantly quieter vans.

Wigram Airforce Museum And Archive Visit

On Thursday the 29th of August, the Level 3 History class was off to the Wigram Airforce Museum. The trip is designed to enhance their understanding of the Pacific War and New Zealand's significant role in this conflict, which they can use for their assessments.

On arrival, students were welcomed to the museum by the education team and given a brief introduction to the museum and what it offers before being given an educational talk. During this talk, ākonga learnt about the Pacific War and New Zealand’s role within this timeframe.

Following the talk, ākonga were given the opportunity to visit the archives and see some cool primary sources that are stored there. The students examined historical documents, photographs, and artefacts, gaining a tangible connection to the past. This hands-on experience brought the events of the war to life, making them more relatable and impactful.

The students finished the trip with an exploration of the museum itself before grabbing an ice cream from the cafe on their way out the door.

Tourism

Year 13 Tourism Trip To Queenstown

On the 7th of May, 22 Year 13 students headed down to Queenstown with Ms PK and Mr Kyle for four days of tourist experiences and learning. Some of the highlights of the trip included going ziplining and being shown around Millbrock Estate, gold panning and going on the luge. We enjoyed having the opportunity to make connections at the Tourism College, and hearing about the different courses and pathways on offer for any of us who were interested in pursuing further study in the tourism industry.

Business Studies

Year 9 Market Days In April

Week 10 was the first of the Year 9 market days. It was great to see the curriculum coming alive in the school quad. Staff members Nicole Eastick and Lucas Davidson, prepared our young people to action business finesse, confidence and pride in their stalls. These are assessments working towards academic, team and individual assessment. The second market day was at the end of term 2.

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