Social Sciences

“May you live in interesting times” is an age-old Chinese curse. The Social Studies department has once again lived in interesting times, where history is not only taught about but is also being made at the same time. We have experienced the second year of a global pandemic, a town wide tsunami evacuation, as well as the usual challenges of a school year. But, despite these events, Social Studies has grown and prospered. We now have an incredibly diverse range of subjects - History, Sociology, Economics, Classics, and Geography which all have strong numbers in the Senior School. Our department has been lucky to acquire two new teachers this year. Owen Roper has joined us from Melville High School and is teaching Geography and Social Studies. He brings a wealth of experience and an unbridled enthusiasm for Australian sports teams. Our other new addition is Trish Lawrence, joining us as a new teacher with a wealth of experience in the private sector from Air New Zealand. She teaches History and Commerce and has fitted into the team extremely smoothly. Our Geography trips have taken our students far and wide. Level 2 and 3 Geography students and Ms Bonne were able to tick off a quintessential New Zealand experience as they completed the Tongariro crossing, taking in unique and breathtaking landscapes. Level 1 Geography responded to events close to home, and were able to meet journalists, town planners and other members of the community as they travelled around Whakatāne reflecting on the evacuation in Term One. They used the information collected to come up with a plan for next time (hopefully well into the future). On a personal level, Sam Robinson has welcomed his second child into his family, with his new son, Lucas. Jarrod Braddock is leading through example (as an Economics teacher) by moving onto the property ladder with his first house. Rebecca Chandler got engaged, but, unfortunately, this has led her to take a job in Pukekohe to be closer to her fiance.

From the whole department, thank you to Ella Eruera, the true MVP of the department. She has supported the department to be more organised, clean and tidy than ever before. Thank you, Ella.