Social Sciences

The Social Sciences prepare you to engage with the world. You’ll gain the most from our diverse and dynamic society by understanding its development, challenges, and shared humanity.

The Social Sciences provide students with a wide range of opportunities to broaden their experiences, develop critical skills, and become engaged, socially aware members of society.

In Years 9 and 10, all students study Junior Social Science, an integrated course that introduces elements from our senior subjects: Geography, History, Art History, Classics, Sociology, and Tourism. From Year 11, students can specialise in one or more of these disciplines based on their interests and aspirations.

The Social Science Department is highly successful across all academic pathways—from Scholarship to Unit Standards. We pride ourselves on delivering a holistic education that supports every learner in reaching their full potential and academic goals.

We also offer a wide range of education outside the classroom, recognising the value of fieldwork in bringing our subjects to life and deepening student understanding.

Our alumni go on to succeed in a variety of fields, supported by our strong track record in helping students achieve University Entrance. We believe the Social Sciences offer exceptional building blocks for a bright and informed future.

Subjects Offered:

Junior Social Science
History
Geography
Sociology
Art History
Classics
Tourism

Studying history, art history, and classics at Rangitoto College has been one of the best parts of my high school experience. I particularly enjoyed learning about a wide variety of cultures and time periods and having the freedom to extend my learning more independently through taking NZQA Scholarships in these subjects. All in all, these subjects have taught me to think critically, engage with the world around me in a more meaningful way, and have set me up well for tertiary study at Auckland University.

- Friederike Voit - 2020 Dux, NZQA Premier Scholar

Rebecca Place

Bachelor of Arts (History and Classical Studies) University of Auckland.

Rangitoto College has a long-standing tradition of success within the Social Sciences, and it has been a privilege to be part of this amazing team since beginning my teaching career at the school in 2003. The Social Science department strive to develop an awareness of societal issues that impact on people and places in the past, present and future. We actively encourage our young people to think critically about how to address these in order for them to become global citizens who are engaged with the world they live in.

BACK

Academic • Academic Departments

Academic

The Social Sciences prepare you to engage with the world. You’ll gain the most from our diverse and dynamic society by understanding its development, challenges, and shared humanity.

- Friederike Voit - 2020 Dux, NZQA Premier Scholar

Rebecca Place