Social Studies

Social Studies at Hamilton Girls' High School

The importance of Social Studies

Ui mai koe ki ahau he aha te mea nui o te ao, Maku e ki atu he tangata, he tangata, he tangata!
Ask me what is the greatest thing in the world, I will reply - It is people, it is people, it is people!

Year 9

Social Studies is the study of society and how cultures, societies and environments interact.

You will learn more about New Zealand, from political parties to "skaties".

You will learn how to interview people, research on the computers and in the library.

Discussion and debate are an important part of social studies and issues and current events are examined.

Year 10

Topics for Year 10 are:

  • Social Studies
  • Environmental
  • Geography (optional)

Year 11, 12 and 13

Social Studies now continues in years 11, 12 and 13 if you are a keen Social Studies Student!

Other subjects that stem from Social Studies that are offered in the senior school include:

  • Geography
  • Tourism
  • History
  • Economics

Student Voices

"I really like finding out about different places.  I never knew what life was like in Saudi Arabia, but after our Government Unit I realized I had learnt a lot!"

" The book about a girl who had to leave Cambodia to come to New Zealand was great.  She lost her house and everything and her brother died, but it was amazing to hear about what she went through "

"We do lots of discussion and that's good.  We even sent letters to the paper about the new dog laws"

" I liked the time we made up political parties and gave speeches.  I had to count the votes, just like they do in a real election.  We even had proper voting forms and our class was a polling booth!"