Level 2 Social and Psychology Studies
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Ms M. Osborne.
You will learn how societies work and how you can participate in your community as an active, informed and responsible citizen. The overall focus of Level 2 Social Studies is conflict and how it can be resolved, in both New Zealand and international contexts. This includes a consistent focus on why people believe what they do and the impact of these beliefs on communities and societies. Topics include Israel/Palestine, Ihumatoa, Women in New Zealand and how Psychology explains human behaviour.
Course Overview
Term 1
After an introduction to key concepts and skills, students will work in a group to plan and implement a social action of their choice, around an issue of their choosing. The issue will relate the status of women in New Zealand society, with the aim of raising this status.
Term 2
Initially, students will complete a unit of work from the Psychology learning area, focussing on how different psychological theories explain a human behaviour. . Following this, students will examine a campaign of social action and report on the campaign. There will be some flexibility in choice of topic.
Term 3
Terms three and four mainly focus on preparing for one external achievement standard. This involves understanding cultural conflict - either AS 91279 or AS 91281 - and will be confirmed once NZQA releases 2025 assessment specification instructions. The context for this unit will be decided in consultation with the class with the aim of matching up an area of student interest with the requirements of the achievement standard.
This is initially assessed via a practice assessment over the PNGHS school examination period late in Term three.
Term 4
The focus of this term is preparing for the NCEA examination of either AS 91279 or AS 91281. Both achievement standards involve demonstrating understanding of differing aspects of conflict.
What should I have already done?
You may have studied L1 Social Sciences or any other Social Sciences subject.
Pathway
You will develop skills that will be valuable in both your personal life and career. Senior Social Studies links to careers in diplomacy, law, journalism, research, teaching, social work, anthropology, sociology and a range of health sciences. Additionally, the ability to conduct research, understand social processes of change and to think critically about contemporary society is valuable in a wide range of other subjects and disciplines.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
External
NZQA Info
Social Studies 2.1 - Demonstrate understanding of conflict(s) arising from different cultural beliefs and ideas
NZQA Info
Social Studies 2.4 - Describe personal involvement in a social action related to rights and responsibilities
NZQA Info
Social Studies 2.5 - Describe a social action that enables communities and/or nations to meet responsibilities and exercise rights
NZQA Info
Psychology 2.1 - Examine different psychological approaches used to explain a behaviour
Pathway Tags
Film and Video Editor, Barrister, Author, Baker, Counsellor, Psychologist, Journalist, Communications Professional, Community Development Worker, Technical Writer, Legal Executive, Editor, Solicitor, Foreign Policy Officer, Radio Presenter, Driving Instructor, Early Childhood Teacher, Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Primary School Teacher, Kaiwhakaako Māori, Translator, Nanny/Child Carer, Tertiary Lecturer, Private Teacher/Tutor, Probation Officer, Youth Worker, Secondary School Teacher, Social Worker, Teacher Aide, Television Presenter, Case Manager, Career Consultant,
Disclaimer
Courses will only run based on minimum entries
Selecting a course does not guarantee entry into this course
You may apply for an exemption if you do not meet the prerequisite of a course or if the course requires this for entry
Standards offered can be altered at the discretion of the HOD of the Department
Some standards in NCEA courses might be optional depending on student strengths
Course contribution may vary slightly by the start of 2025