The Social Science department here at Dannevirke High School plays a vital role in helping our students understand the world around them by looking at local, national and global issues. We look at how our land was formed and the changes that humans make to the land. We are focused on fostering critical thinking, inquiry, and civic understanding. The Social Science department encourages students to explore the Economic world that we live in, how our land changes via natural process, how humans change the land, how societies are formed and how they are run. We look at how the past effects our future, how some things change, and some things are continuous. It is a department that builds awareness, empathy, and a sense of responsibility in students, equipping them with knowledge and skills that are valuable well beyond the classroom.
At Dannevirke High School, the Social Science curriculum is designed to engage students in a wide range of topics through subjects such as History, Commerce, Geography, and Social Studies in the junior school. From Year 9 onward, students are introduced to the four strands of our department: identity and place, continuity and change, economic decision-making, and the role of government and society. These ideas are examined in the context of both New Zealand and the wider world.
One of the strengths of our department lies in its inquiry-based approach. Students are not simply given facts to memorize—they are encouraged to ask questions, gather evidence, and make reasoned conclusions. Whether examining the impact of colonisation on indigenous cultures, the causes and consequences of global conflicts, or the way natural environments influence human settlement and activity, our students are always asked to think critically and make connections between the past and present. This approach supports deeper understanding and allows students to see relevance in what they are learning.
Dannevirke High School’s Social Science teachers are passionate and knowledgeable, providing a supportive and engaging environment for learning. They guide students through local, national and global issues with sensitivity and awareness, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected. The department values diverse perspectives and encourages our students to consider how culture, history, and social systems influence the way people live and interact. Discussions are often lively, with students often exploring complex questions around justice, equality, leadership, and sustainability.
In the senior years, our students can choose to study subjects that align with their interests or career goals. For example, History students delve into topics such as the World Wars, protest movements, and New Zealand’s unique political history. Geography students may explore urban planning, natural hazards, differing natural environments and resource management. Commerce looks at our own economy and New Zealand’s role in the global economy, using case studies that reflect our local rural area.
Field work is an important staple in our department. Our Commerce students regularly travel to businesses both small and large, Our Geography students visit our local beaches and rivers, the Tongariro National Park, Our History students are involved in the Youth United Nation forums and our Junior Social Studies students undertake local field trips to Museums and local natural environments.
Beyond the academic side of our department, The Social Science department promotes important life skills. It helps students learn to analyse primary and secondary sources; construct arguments using facts and differing perspectives, work collaboratively, and communicate effectively. These are transferable skills that prepare students for future study, work, and participation as informed citizens in a democratic society.
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