L2SOC/PS

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.

Career Pathways

Credit Information

You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.

Total Credits Available: 19
Internal Assessed Credits: 15
External Assessed Credits: 4
Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91279 v2
NZQA Info

Social Studies 2.1 - Demonstrate understanding of conflict(s) arising from different cultural beliefs and ideas


Level: 2
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91282 v2
NZQA Info

Social Studies 2.4 - Describe personal involvement in a social action related to rights and responsibilities


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 5
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91283 v2
NZQA Info

Social Studies 2.5 - Describe a social action that enables communities and/or nations to meet responsibilities and exercise rights


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91844 v1
NZQA Info

Psychology 2.1 - Examine different psychological approaches used to explain a behaviour


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 6
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 6r
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 19
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 10
Total Numeracy Credits: 0

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