Geography; History, New Zealand Studies; Social Studies

Year 10 Social Studies - 10SST

A compulsory core subject that encourages students to examine their place as a citizen of New Zealand and a global citizen.

Year 10 New Zealand Studies - 10NZS

This half-year course gives students a snap shot of different aspects of our country, mixing some geography and history with many opportunities to get outside the school gate to reinforce our learning.  The short course allows us the chance to catch glimpses of the Land, People and Events.

The course will cover five themes:
1. The Natural Landscape and the People Living There
2.  Whanganui and South Taranaki - land wars and development of towns
3. 19th Century Life - a regional case study
4.  Facing Up To Disasters
5.  Seeing our Past Through NZ film.

The course will involve three one day journeys to each of Napier, South Taranaki and Wellington, with shorter days out around the Manawatu.  For a look at the 2021 programme, log into Stratus - Departments - Year 10 Social Studies - New Zealand Studies - Course Outline 2021.

Geography at PNBHS

In a world increasingly interconnected and shaped by global challenges, the importance of studying Geography at school cannot be underestimated, especially for teenage boys. Geography serves as a gateway to understanding the diverse and dynamic planet we inhabit, offering a unique lens through which they can explore and engage with their surroundings.

Geography equips young minds with a broad range of skills and knowledge that extends far beyond maps and place names. By studying Geography, teenage boys develop an appreciation for the relationships between physical landscapes, human societies, and the environment.

Geography nurtures essential skills for the future. It encourages problem-solving, spatial thinking, and decision-making, empowering boys to tackle real-world challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and resource management. Through geographic inquiry and fieldwork, they develop a curiosity-driven mindset, honing their research and investigative skills.

Level One Geography - 11GEO
This course will cover a variety of Natural and cultural Geography, both in New Zealand and globally. We will start with an introduction to Geography including Geographic skills (Mapping, graphing, grid referencing, use of concepts), then cover Research of weather patterns and collecting data, use of GIS, Contemporary issues affecting New Zealand and the world, global population issues, use of different resources and the effects of these and a detailed study of New Zealand’s tectonic plates and earthquakes. We will cover one internal and one external assessment.

Level One Recommended Prior Achievement Level: Open entry.

Total credits: 8
Subject Costs: $25 + small field trip costs

History at PNBHS

Studying History is essential as it helps us understand the past's impact on our interconnected world today. In History class, you won't just memorize dates and names. Instead, you'll gain valuable skills like critical thinking and empathy. Through historical research and analysis, you'll learn how to investigate and interpret events from the past.

History isn't just about the past; it also prepares you for the future. By studying the successes and failures of different people and groups, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions and positively contribute to society. Exploring History will also open your eyes to the diversity of human experiences across cultures and time. You'll develop a global perspective and learn to respect and understand different traditions. You’ll also learn about the history of Aotearoa and develop an understanding of its rich heritage. Through studying the struggles and achievements of our ancestors, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural tapestry that makes our nation unique.

Join us in the exciting journey through time and discover the stories that have shaped our world and find inspiration for building a better future.

Level 1 History - 11HIST

People in Protest
Discover the power of activism and social change in our engaging course, "People in Protest" This thought-provoking subject revolves around the central question: What is social justice, and how have people in the past taken actions to protect their rights? Students will have the opportunity to think deeply about, and debate, ideas and issues about why and how people have protested in the past. Contexts for possible study include the Black Civil Rights Movement in America, Parihaka and the Dawn Raids and the Polynesian Panthers. As students delve into these pivotal moments in history, they will gain valuable knowledge, skills, and experience in understanding diverse perspectives. By recognising how differing viewpoints can lead to conflict and spark protest, our students will be better equipped to navigate complex social issues in the world today.

Credits:10
Cost: $15 

Level Two Geography - 12GEO

This course will extend the geographic knowledge gained in Level 1. The course covers the Natural environment of the Manawatu, including practical fieldwork and research about rivers in the area. We also cover the use 1080 as a geographic issue in New Zealand, the patterns of rainforests in the world, the levels of global development with a case study on development in Tanzania, as well as continuing the use of geographic skills and concepts.

Students will sit three internal and two external assessments.

Level Two Prerequisites: Reasonable ability in English OR 4 credits in Level 1 Geography.
OR Open access for students who are currently in the Year 10 accelerate classes.

Total credits: 21
Subject Costs: $25 + small field trip costs

Level Two History - 12HIST
Cold War Conflicts

This course on the Cold War and the use of disinformation not only offers a rich historical understanding of one of the most important geopolitical events of the 20th century, but also highlights the continued relevance of these issues in today's world. By studying the strategies used during the Cold War, students will gain insights into contemporary disinformation campaigns, propaganda techniques, and the ways in which they are used to manipulate public opinion and shape political discourse. In addition, students will explore the ongoing impact of the Cold War on international relations and learn about the challenges and opportunities presented by the changing political landscape in today's world. This course examines some significant historical events in the 20th century including; the Cuban Missile Crisis, the assassination of John F Kennedy and the Vietnam War. Although these events will be studied in an international context, emphasis will also be placed on New Zealand's role in these conflicts. Through a critical examination of these issues, students will gain a better understanding of the role of disinformation and propaganda in shaping global politics, and develop the skills needed to analyse and critically evaluate information in the modern age.

Credits: 19
Cost: $15 

Level Three Geography - 13GEO

Level three Geography takes more of a New Zealand focus, with topics such as the Development of Tourism in Rotorua and the physical features of the Tongariro National Park and the ways in which people use this sustainably. We still look at some global contexts such as the global issue of water scarcity and other contemporary global issues for the skills-based paper. There are multiple opportunities to get out and conduct fieldwork for research and attend field trips to consolidate what has been learned in class.

Level Three Prerequisites: Reasonable ability in English OR 12 or more credits in Level 2 Geography.
OR Open access for students who are currently in the Year 12 accelerate classes.

Total credits: 19

Subject Costs: $25 + cost of Rotorua field trip

Level Three History - 13HIST

This course provides a comprehensive examination of the history of racism, covering a range of key topics including colonization, slavery, and the Holocaust. The course explores the ways in which racial ideologies and prejudices have been used to justify the exploitation and oppression of various racial and ethnic groups throughout history. Starting with the early modern period and the rise of European colonialism, students will study the development of slavery as a system of exploitation and its impact on different parts of the world, including the Americas and Africa. The course will examine the key ideologies and practices of colonialism, including the slave trade and the exploitation of colonized peoples and their lands. The course will also delve into the historical experience of racial and ethnic minorities in Europe and North America, including the Holocaust. The course aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of the origins and evolution of racism, and the ways in which it has shaped the course of world history. Through a combination of discussions, primary source analysis, and other interactive learning activities, students will gain critical perspectives on the history of racism and its ongoing impact on society.

Credits: 20
Cost: $15