Social Sciences
The Department of Social Sciences at Māngere College inspires our students to observe, interpret and understand the world around them and their place in it.
Our learning area is about ‘how societies work and how people can participate as critical, active, informed, and responsible citizens. Our contexts are varied and involve navigating Te Ao Māori, Pasifika world views and analysis of global issues and events.
Within our department, we aspire to promote life-long learning and develop skills that will assist learners no matter what pathway they choose. All students in Year 9 and 10 take Social Studies as a course and in Years 11, 12, and 13 this branches off into our specialist subjects of History, Geography, and Sustainability.
Social Studies
In Years 9 and 10 students learn a range of skills that will assist in future pathways. Our courses focus on inquiry and decision-making.
Year 9 our main theme is Tūrangawaewae - A Place to Stand. Where do we locate ourselves and what is our identity?
In Year 10, our main theme is being a Global Citizen. How can we prepare ourselves to respond to global challenges?
History
In Year 11 History we have a focus on Aotearoa in the Pacific.
In Year 12 our focus is on Aotearoa and our place in the world.
In Year 13 our focus is on inquiry through curiosity. Students will select historical topics that inspire them to become active citizens.
Geography
In Year 11 History we focus on our place in Māngere and where this fits in with the wider world.
In Year 12 we learn about our place in Tāmaki Makaurau and how global processes have shaped this.
In Year 13 our focus is on inquiry through curiosity. Students will select global topics that inspire them to develop agency to respond to future challenges.
Sustainability
Through our Sustainability course, students will work alongside community partners, to help design solutions for a more sustainable future. A key theme is showing kaitiakitanga of the cultural and ecological heritage of our local landmarks - our moana - Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa and our maunga - Māngere Mountain Te Pane o Mataoho.