Year 9 Ao Tangata (Social Studies)

Tikanga-ā-Iwi (Social Studies) at SCC is the study of contemporary society.  We examine politics, human rights, social issues and movements, governments, and culture. Our intent is to approach these issues critically and we examine a range of different values and perspectives on these issues.  We have found our students love to discuss such current issues and events and to unpack what may sit behind them.  At all times we are careful to respect our duty of care for both our learners and our subjects.

As an overview of our programme there are a few themes that guide what we teach at Year 9. Overarching both junior levels is Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Whanaungatanga. At Year 9 we focus most on Kaitiakitanga; environmentally but also culturally and socially.  We begin every year at Year 9 learning about the history of Aotearoa from Polynesian settlement (Pacific navigation, early Māori social structures etc) and cover events up until the creation of Te Tiriti in 1840. This is continued in our Year 10 programme as we cover 1840 up to today.

Social Science competencies and ways of working
In the Social Sciences, ākonga explore human society and citizenship. To do this, ākonga:

• ask questions, gather information and ideas, examine current issues
• reflect and evaluate understanding and responses
• explore and analyse peoples’ values and perspectives
• consider ways people make decisions and participate in social actions.

Possible topics at Year 9 Tikanga-ā-Iwi

• Kai me te ahurea (Kai and Culture) 
• Kaitiakitanga
• Current Events
• Identity
• Government
• Mana wāhine
• Social Issues and Activism