What are the social sciences about?

Unuhia te rito o te harakeke kei whea te kōmako e kō?

Whakatairangitia – rere ki uta, rere ki tai;

Ui mai koe ki ahau he aha te mea nui o te ao,

Māku e kī atu he tangata, he tangata, he tangata!

The social sciences learning area is about how societies work and how people can participate as critical, active, informed, and responsible citizens. Contexts are drawn from the past, present, and future and from places within and beyond New Zealand.

Focus for Learners

Students will learn about the fundamental processes of how society and their environments are formed, organised and function; taking in the studies of some historical accounts, significant points and reflections, students will also be able to inquire and discuss how cultural values, traditions and customs form distinct features of a variety of ethnicities, and why they function the way they do.

Tamariki will:

● Understand cultural history and the significance to cultural values and beliefs

● Develop knowledge in how societies operate

● Inquire, interpret and communicate in the study of social trends and behaviour

● Work towards developing literacy in social studies and it’s science

● Participate in social contexts that enable broadening of knowledge in its application in social studies.

Programme of Learning

● Learning programmes will provide learning opportunities in the development and application of social skills and knowledge

● Learning programmes will run thematically with Kaupapa Ako that are planned to ensure a variety of learning contexts are explored

● Learning and teaching programmes will be planned to meet the needs of all learners

● Learning programmes will include opportunities to explore, reflect, integrate and participate with visiting specialists in the learning context.

Assessment and Evaluation

This should be carried out by both the kaiako and tamaiti to assess and evaluate:

• Pupil achievement and growth

• Changes in children’s interests and attitudes

• The effectiveness of the programme

• Pupil potential

• AO’s covered will be tracked over time.