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Course: Social agency #bringchange (NCEA L1-3 - Social Studies)

Sam Wakelin —

We now live in a globalised world, in a time where it is incredibly easy to communicate and interact with people from all different walks of life. There are many benefits to this increasing globalisation, however, there is also the potential for some challenges to arise.

When:

Semester Two

Subject Area(s)

Social Studies

NCEA L1-3

Through studying Social Studies, students will be able to develop an understanding of the way that people of different backgrounds and understandings interact with one another in the world around them and how these interactions can shape the world that we live in.

Social Studies is a subject that fosters students’ understanding of the ideologies and values that cause different groups and individuals in society to act the way that they do. Students will learn about social issues and recognise that there are always different points of view on every issue. Students will also deepen their understanding of human rights.

Students will be able to develop critical inquiry skills and investigate topics that they feel strongly about.

This course explores the concept of social agency. In particular, students will research the actions that groups and individuals plan and undertake with the goal of effecting real change in society. Students will initially study a particular social action or movement. They will research what groups or movements are trying to change in society through advocacy, raising awareness and intervention. We will look at what makes a successful social action in terms of real results. Level 2 students focus on social actions that facilitate groups and individuals to exercise rights and responsibilities, while Level 3 students focus on social actions that aim towards realising policy change.

Requirements

Students are expected to engage in contribution to collaboration spaces and to discussion during the live class time, and be open to considering different perspectives and points of view on social issues. Students are expected to be aware of contemporary social issues so they can complete their research in an informed manner.

Assessment

This is a multi-level course in which all students learn together. Students will be assessed at either Level 1, 2 or 3 depending on what best meets their needs. . This course consists of internal standards. The following Social Studies standards are used to assess this course:

AS91042 (1.4) Report on personal involvement in a social justice or human rights action (4 credits, internal)

AS91043 (1.5) Describe a social justice and human rights action (4 credits, internal)

AS91282 (2.4) Report on personal involvement in a social justice or human rights action related to rights and responsibilities (5 credits, internal)

AS91283 (2.5) Describe a social action that enables communities and/or nations to meet responsibilities and exercise rights (4 credits, internal)

AS91599 (3.4) Examine personal involvement in a social action(s) that aims to influence policy change (6 credits, internal)

AS91600 (3.5) Examine a campaign of social action(s) to influence policy change(s) (4 credits, internal)

About the teacher

Mr. Sam Wakelin taught Classics and Social Studies at Christchurch Rudolf Steiner School in 2017–2018. In his current position he teaches Technology and Social Studies at Ellesmere College.

Mr Wakelin is passionate about Social Studies, especially facilitating senior students to develop a critical awareness of contemporary social issues, so they develop a sense of personal agency to address social issues.

Career highlights for Mr. Wakelin include taking a Social Studies class on a field trip to Gloriavale Christian Community, and also inviting various guest speakers on to the online conference call to inspire the students such as School Strike 4 Climate national coordinator Sophie Handford, and prominent New Zealand activist, Simon Oosterman​.

Mr Wakelin has an MA in Classics focusing on theology in Herodotus. His other passions include oil painting, strength training, tramping, listening to podcasts, and learning bass guitar. 

Enrol now:

http://www.netnz.org/enrolment/