Curriculum > Subjects

Social Sciences

Social Sciences | Business Studies | Information Management

Social Sciences
Teacher In Charge:	Mrs D Reid
Subject Progression:	Yr 9	Yr 10	Yr 11	Yr 12	Yr 13
Social Studies
Geography
History (Mrs S Hopkins)
Classical Studies (Mrs S Hopkins)
Maori Studies (Mr K Rei)
Tourism

The Social Sciences include Social Studies at Year 9 and 10, Geography at Year 11, 12 and 13,Classical Studies at year 13, Maori Studies at year 9, and Tourism combined Year 12 and 13.

The two year Social Studies course aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding of their own community, nation and the world, past present and future. Students apply inquiry skills to investigate current social issues.

The Geography course focuses on people and their natural environment. Each year level builds on the knowledge and skills of the previous, but it is possible to take geography at any year level. The course also focuses on skills and contemporary local and global issues. GIS computer software and fieldtrips are important learning and teaching tools.

History offers an understanding of human activities in the past in the context of change through time. It enables students to understand their heritage and that of their community, society and nation. Students are challenged to think about continuity and change, similarities and differences, causes and effect. Students learn that events require explanations, change is complex, the truth is often difficult to establish and opinions should be supported by firm evidence and coherent argument. Through the study of history, students will develop their skills of research, argument, analysis and the presentation of ideas visually, orally and particularly through essay. At Hawera High School students can study history at Years 11, 12 and 13, and  seniors can begin their study at any level.

Classical Studies is a multidisciplinary course designed to provide a study of the civilisations of Classical Greece and Rome without the study of classical languages. Students develop their understanding of other peoples and the historical importance of classical civilisation in the cultural tradition of Western Europe and contemporary New Zealand culture. Classical Studies covers three disciplines: History, Art History and Philosophy. Through these disciplines students develop their skills in examination and analysis, information processing and the presentation of arguments, supported by evidence. In particular Classical Studies develops the skills of essay writing and the use of academic conventions providing a solid basis for university study.

Maori Studies is a compulsory subject for all Year 9 students.

Tourism is a career based course. Students achieve the New Zealand Certificate in Tourism Level Two and work from workbooks produced by AtttO, the NZ Tourism and Travel Industry Training Organisation. This course is an excellent start to a career in tourism and travel and also includes customer service skills.

Business Studies
Teacher In Charge:	Mr K Elgar
Subject Progression:	Yr 9	Yr 10	Yr 11	Yr 12	Yr 13
Accounting
Economics

Subjects covered are:
• Accounting
• Economics
These subjects are all option choices. Students enrolling in Accounting and Economics require basic numeracy and literacy skills. Accounting provides an understanding of accounting systems, its role in business and relevance to community groups and individuals. Economics identifies the groups that participate in the New Zealand economy and how they interact. All courses provide skills which are transferable to other curriculum areas. They also form the basis for further study and a wide range of business and other career opportunities.

Information Management
Teacher In Charge:	Mrs C Chapman
Subject Progression:	Yr 9	Yr 10	Yr 11	Yr 12	Yr 13
Text & Information Management

Information Management enables students to become proficient users of the Microsoft suite of applications which are industry standards: Word, Excel, Publisher and Powerpoint. Students also develop design skills and language skills with the aim of maximising the readability of every document they produce. Automatic response (touch typing) is taught in Years 10 and 11. Entry to Information Management is open but students from the previous level will generally have greater success. Those students entering the subject at senior level with no previous experience at the lower levels are advised to spend extra time developing their keyboard and data entry skills to enable them to maintain a reasonable output.

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