The Social Sciences learning area encompasses how people participate in society and how society operates. It has significance for people in their everyday interactions as citizens and members of communities in New Zealand and the world.
Over their two years at RI, students will study topics from the four conceptual strands that provide the framework and achievement objectives for the Social Sciences.
- Identity, Culture and Organisations – society and communities and how they function
- Place and Environment – how people perceive, represent, interpret and interact with places and environments
- Continuity and Change – past events, experiences and actions and the changing ways in which these have been interpreted over time
- Economic World – the ways in which people participate in economic activities and about the consumption, production and distribution of goods and services
Learning is structured around these important conceptual understandings, using a range of approaches. The social inquiry process enables students to develop an understanding of people’s roles, actions and decisions. Contexts are drawn from the past, present and future and from places within and beyond New Zealand.
Looking at global issues, exploring different perspectives, developing student voice and keeping in touch with current events are essential elements of the Social Sciences programme.