‘Learn by Enjoying the Doing’.

The Social Science Department continued its ‘Five-year-plan’ of restructuring and redevelopment within its motto of ‘Learn by Enjoying the Doing’.

One of the key goals for the year was to start improving the ‘physical image’ of the Social Science Hub (upstairs Mt Sion). This involved the tidying up and additions of framed pictures and large display boards in the corridors. Some of these boards have been brought to life by Dan Ryan, and it is planned that the rest of these boards get the same treatment in 2022, with each faculty presenting one board each. Classrooms have also been brought to life - I totally believe that providing warm, tidy, visually stimulating classrooms that have ownership by teachers, improves attitudes to learning and teaching. This continued redevelopment is also on the plan for 2022.

Some highlights of this year included the developing of History in the school. The introduction of a Year 9 and a Year 10 History option was well received, and both these classes were at full capacity for both semesters. Year 13 History was taken by 23 boys and both these junior and senior history options showed that there were some keen historians out there and a need to provide for them. The Year 11 Geographers enjoyed a trip into town to conduct primary research into a proposed business. The Year 13 Geographers and Historians spent 3 days in Akaroa studying both the early history as well as conducting primary research into the impacts of COVID on the region. 13 Business Studies class learned new ways of marketing and selling within the different levels of COVID-19, and the senior Business Class learnt about planning, producing, marketing, and selling products with a small-scale product launch at school. Overall, I would like to say a huge thankyou to the teaching and support team for their enthusiasm and energy in encouraging their students to enjoy the Social Sciences.

In 2022, we continue to look at developing the aesthetic and functional aspects of the department. Level One NCEA is bringing about exciting new changes and we welcome this opportunity to continue developing key aspects of the curriculum in line with the interests and strengths of our teaching staff, changing global actions and events, and the needs of our young men as its centre point.