Years 9 – 10
Social Sciences and Religious Education (SRE)
Our learning in Social Sciences is integrated with Religious Education (SRE), allowing us to take the values of our faith and the Charism of RNDM and practically apply them by using contexts related to ourselves and our community. Our learning concentrates on making links between our faith, identity, people and place.
Years 11 – 13
Our Social Science subjects are summarised below. More detailed information can be found in the Social Sciences section of SchoolPoint – our online interactive course selection tool.
| Pathway | Year 11
(Level 1) | Year 12
(Level 2) | Year 13
(Level 3) |
|---|
Human Worlds
Te Ao Tangata
History | Geography | Social Studies
Human Worlds explores how people shape, and are shaped by, place, time, and society - helping students understand the past, the present, and global connections. | Social Sciences | Geography History Classical Studies Social Studies Psychology | Geography History Classical Studies Psychology |
Pathways
Ngā Huarahi Mahi Tourism | Pathways | Child Development Pathways is a learning area focused on real-world readiness, offering courses like Tourism, Child Development, and Gateway that equip students with practical skills, industry knowledge, and future-focused opportunities. | | Tourism Pathways Child Development and Education | Tourism Child Development and Education |
The Exchange
Te Tauhokohoko Economics | Business Studies | Accounting
The Exchange dives into how money, enterprise, and decision-making affect people, business, and the economy: equipping students with real-world skills and financial understanding. | Commerce | Accounting Business Studies Economics | Accounting Business Studies Economics |
LEVEL 1
Social Science
Explore people, places, and the power of connection.
Level 1 Social Science is a rich blend of Geography, History, and Social Studies. Students explore how people shape – and are shaped by – place, time, and society. This subject is all about real-world learning: think volcano walks, local histories, community change-making, and discovering how Aotearoa connects with the world.
This is hands-on learning that matters, with stories you won’t forget and opportunities to take real action. It’s the perfect start to the Human Worlds / Te Ao Tangata pathway.
Commerce
Enterprising minds welcome!
Commerce is an exciting mix of Accounting, Economics, and Business Studies. It’s where ideas meet action and you get to explore how money, business, and decision-making shape everyday life.
Keen to create your first start-up? Collaborate with friends, meet local entrepreneurs, and go behind the scenes at real businesses. Students gain financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills that will serve you for life. This is the beginning of The Exchange / Te Tauhokohoko pathway – where big ideas start small.
LEVEL 2
Social Studies
Understand society. Shape the future.
Social Studies explores how communities respond to challenges like social inequality, climate change, and cultural identity. Students get to shape the course content, diving into issues they care about and leading inquiry-based projects. If you’re passionate about people, justice, and the environment, this course empowers you to make a difference.
Pathways
Plan your future, your way.
Our Level 2 Pathways course is designed to set you up for success beyond school – whether you’re heading into work, further training, or study. Learn practical skills like how to write a standout CV, apply for jobs, and understand workplace health and safety.
You’ll also explore career options that match your interests, talents, and goals.
This course uses Unit Standards and does not involve external work placements. STAR-funded short courses are also offered to broaden your skills and experiences.
LEVEL 2 & 3
Accounting
Turn numbers into knowledge.
Accounting teaches students how to translate transactions into powerful decision-making tools. They’ll explore concepts such as income, expenses, assets, and liabilities, and apply them to individuals, businesses, and community groups. This is more than spreadsheets; it’s about real-world thinking and future-focused skills.
Business Studies
Start something real.
In Business, students investigate what makes big businesses tick – from leadership styles and motivation to mergers and acquisitions and ethics. You’ll join the Young Enterprise Scheme, building your own business with mentorship and national competitions. Get ready to be challenged, inspired, and entrepreneurial.
Economics
Why do people make the choices they do?
Economics helps students understand how people, producers, and governments make decisions, and what those decisions mean for the wider economy. They’ll learn about markets, pricing, and resource allocation in a fast-changing world. It’s a great subject for anyone interested in current events, money, or global challenges.
Classical Studies
Ancient wisdom for today’s world.
Travel back to ancient Greece and Rome to explore history, literature, myth and art – including the legendary Trojan War and jaw-dropping Roman architecture. Classical Studies offers deep insight into how ancient civilisations still shape the modern world. This subject is perfect for curious thinkers with an interest in storytelling, philosophy, and culture – and a great stepping stone to a Bachelor of Arts.
Psychology
Why do we think, feel, and behave the way we do?
Psychology is the science of human behaviour. You’ll study different psychological perspectives, conduct experiments, and apply what you learn to real-life situations. This course is great for those who enjoy thinking critically, working collaboratively, and understanding people on a deeper level.
Geography
Explore the world and your place in it.
Geography gives students the tools to make sense of natural and cultural environments – from earthquakes to dairying, tourism to sustainability. They’ll do hands-on fieldwork, use maps and data, and tackle real-world issues like population growth and resource use. Explore how people and places are interconnected and why this matters.
History
Dig into the past to understand the present.
History is all about big questions and bold stories – like the lead-up to World War II, the 1930s Great Depression, and the Black Civil Rights Movement. Students learn to research, evaluate sources, and understand cause and consequence. This is a subject for thinkers, storytellers, and future leaders.
Tourism
Discover the world of opportunity.
Tourism is offered in Years 12 and 13 and opens doors to one of New Zealand’s biggest industries – with around 10% of jobs linked to tourism and hospitality.
Students will gain NCEA credits (unit standards) while learning about destinations, customer service, travel trends, and the role tourism plays in Aotearoa and beyond.
This course also sets students up for tertiary study, with pathways into diplomas and degrees in tourism, travel, or hospitality management – helping you take the next step towards an exciting global career.
Child Development & Education
Inspiring Young Minds. Start here.
If students love working with children and see a future in Early Childhood or Primary Education, this is the course for you.
They’ll gain insights into how young children grow, learn, and develop – and learn skills that are essential for working in caring, educational environments.
This course is assessed through Unit Standards in partnership with Plunket, giving students a real-world foundation for future study or employment in childcare and education.
More detailed information can be found on SchoolPoint – our online interactive course selection tool.