Settings in New Zealand and Beyond

Social studies programmes should be planned so that all students gain knowledge and understandings about events, places, and people of significance to New Zealand, in the past and present. As well as learning about New Zealand, students will study communities and societies in places beyond New Zealand. Settings in the Pacific, Europe, and Asia have been emphasised because of their particular significance to New Zealand. These settings must be included in a school's social studies programme. Teachers may also use other relevant and appropriate settings in their programmes.

New Zealand ++ the Pacific ++ Europe ++ Asia ++ other settings ++ global settings

New Zealand

It is important that all New Zealand students understand their own society and environment and develop a sense of belonging to their community and their nation. All students of social studies will investigate and come to understand particular aspects of New Zealand society as they work towards the achievement objectives of the curriculum.

The Pacific

New Zealand has close relationships, interactions, and historical links with its South Pacific neighbours. Students will develop understandings of the societies, cultures, and environments of Tagata Pasifika. New Zealand also has close relationships, interactions, and historical links with Australia. Students will develop understandings of the societies, cultures, and environments of Australia.

Europe

New Zealand has close relationships, interactions, and historical links with the British Isles and other parts of Europe. Students will develop understandings of the societies, cultures, and environments of British and other European societies.

Asia

New Zealand has close relationships, interactions, and historical links with many Asian countries. Students will develop understandings of the societies, cultures, and environments of South and East Asia.

Other Settings

New Zealand has close relationships with many other parts of the world. Studies may include examples from North America, the Middle East, Africa, or other places.

Global Settings

New Zealand's society, economy, environment, and national identity have been and continue to be shaped by events and processes that affect the world as a whole. Students will develop understandings of international organisations and global issues that affect New Zealand, of the roles and responsibilities that New Zealanders have within such international organisations as the United Nations and the Commonwealth, and of the ways in which New Zealand continues to be involved in international issues.