Year 9 - 11 Social Sciences
Year 9 - 11 Social Sciences
Compulsory Course
This course is designed to introduce students to aspects of our nation's history and our relationship with the wider world.
The course begins with a study of New Zealand at War, continues with a study of famous New Zealanders, and concludes with a comparative colonialism study which contrasts the New Zealand experience with examples overseas. A brief civics unit will also coincide with the elections.
This course will also introduce historical concepts, including cause and consequence, differing perspectives, sources of evidence, and the ethical dimension.
Recommended Prior Learning: Open Entry.
Contact Teacher: Stephen Tester
Possible next steps: Year 10 History, Geography, or Commerce.
Find more details in our Course outline 2025
A semester course (one of three options which the students must choose two of)
Year 10 History builds on students' knowledge from Year 9 and is designed to foster a love of history while preparing students for Year 11 History, NCEA, and beyond.
Students will cover a range of topics, most likely be drawn from the following:
-The Rise of Hitler
-The Rise and Fall of Al Capone
-The Russian Revolution and Stalin's Russia.
Recommended Prior Learning: Open Entry.
Contact Teacher: Stephen Tester
Possible next steps: Year 11 History.
Find more details in our Course outline 2025
Compulsory full year course
Year 10 History builds on students' knowledge from Year 9 and is designed to foster a love of history while preparing students for Year 11 History, NCEA and beyond.
Students will cover a range of topics, most likely be drawn from the following:
-Sinking of the Titanic
-Japan's Attack on Pearl Harbour
-Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
-Assassination of JFK
-Cold War
-US Civil War
-The French Revolution
Recommended Prior Learning: Open Entry.
Contact Teacher: Stephen Tester
Possible next steps: Year 12 History or Classical Studies
Find more details in our Course outline 2025
A semester course (one of three options which the students must choose two of)
Geography is the study of places, what makes them special, what happens within them, the connections among them, and the processes that have made them. Geographers specialise in studying the interactions between social and natural processes, the landscapes and social forms produced by these relationships, and how and why the places they make differ across space and time. Geographers have a deep interest in how our world is changing and how societies might intervene to make better futures.
Goals
With climate change upon us, environmental crises, growing inequalities in New Zealand and around the world, along with the increasing threat of global conflict, the subject of Geography has never been more important. Through purposeful study of Geography, the goal for students is to be well placed to make sense of the changes happening in our world. In addition to that you will develop geographical understandings that can lead to a diverse range of well paid and in-demand Geography career options.
By the end of this course you will:
Have a good general knowledge of both New Zealand and world geography.
Have developed a wide range of geographic skills (including navigation skills).
Be familiar with basic geographic concepts.
Be very well placed to study Geography at Year 11.
The Year 10 Geography topics are:
Mapping New Zealand & the world.
Orienteering on the waterfront and Matairangi Mt Victoria.
Human Geography: global study of gangs.
Physical Geography: landforms.
Geography in the news.
Geography jobs and careers.
Recommended Prior Learning: Open Entry.
Contact Teacher: Craig Blacklock
Possible next steps: Year 11 Geography
Find more details in our Course outline 2026
Course information
Geography is the study of places, what makes them special, what happens within them, the connections among them, and the processes that have made them. Geographers specialise in studying the interactions between social and natural processes, the landscapes and social forms produced by these relationships, and how and why the places they make differ across space and time. Geographers have a deep interest in how our world is changing and how societies might intervene to make better futures.
Goals
With climate change upon us, environmental crises, growing inequalities in New Zealand and around the world, along with the increasing threat of global conflict, the subject of Geography has never been more important. Through purposeful study of Geography, the goal for students is to be well placed to make sense of the changes happening in our world. In addition to that you will develop geographical understandings that can lead to a diverse range of well paid and in-demand Geography career options.
During Y11 Geography you will:
learn to think spatially and use maps, visual images and new technologies to obtain, present and analyse information,
learn how to make your own country,
understand how globalization affects us all,
know how Wellington's landscape was created and modified over time,
learn how rivers and beaches are created and modified over time
understand the population distribution of NZ & USA,
know how to apply skills & concepts (including orienteering),
learn more about well paid and in-demand Geography jobs and careers,
gain a sound knowledge of current events.
Recommended Prior Learning: Open Entry.
Contact Teacher: Craig Blacklock
Possible next steps: NCEA L2 Geography
Find more details in our Course outline 2026
A semester course (one of three options which the students must choose two of)
Year 10 Commerce is a two-term course that immerses students in the world of business and accounting through an online retail clothing simulation. By taking on real-world roles, students gain hands-on experience in key areas of commerce, including financial decision-making, marketing to a target audience, managing staff and inventory, and overseeing cash flow. Throughout the course, students regularly reflect on their performance, evaluate outcomes, and develop strategies for improvement, building practical skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Recommended Prior Learning: Open Entry
Contact Teacher: Rebecca Peacock Powell
Possible next steps: 11 Commerce and 11 Accounting
Find more details in our Course outline 2025
Full year course
Economics and Business play a crucial role in tackling inequalities and navigating the challenges of our rapidly evolving society. The Year 11 Commerce course combines key concepts from both disciplines, offering students an understanding of how the world of money and markets operates. Through a hands-on approach, students work collaboratively to develop a product, which they then promote and sell at the Runathon Market Day, an exciting opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world setting. Alongside this, students examine economic decision-making, consumer behaviour, government policies, market dynamics, and the functioning of the economy, all within a uniquely New Zealand context.
Recommended Prior Learning: Open Entry.
Contact Teacher: Rebecca Peacock Powell
Possible next steps: Level 2 Business Studies or Level 2 Economics
Find more details in our Course outline 2025
Optional full year course
Accounting knowledge is required across many sectors of society and in various jobs. Accounting at college is not just about learning how to become an accountant, as all students will encounter financial reports during their lives. These may involve running their own business, working in a business, or owning shares in a publicly listed company.
Students will cover a range of topics, most likely drawn from the following:
The conceptual basis of accounting (Introduction)
processing of financial transactions
Preparation of financial statements for small businesses
Preparation of financial information for a community organisation’s annual general meeting.
analysis, interpretation and the making of recommendations to interested users
Recommended Prior Learning: Open Entry.
Contact Teacher: Mark Gunkel
Possible next steps: Year 12 Accounting
Please find more details in our Course outline 2025