Social Science is an evolving subject which questions the very essence of who we are, where we come from and where we are going to. The Social Sciences are one of the essential learning areas of the Cook Islands curriculum, and it reflects the country’s own dynamic existence.

Download: Curriculum Social Science

Danielle Cochrane Social Science Advisor

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In the past, the people of the individual Cook Islands lived their lives largely in isolation from each other, but now there is a recognisable and flourishing national identity. How this transformation has taken place and what it means to be a Cook Islander is an essential part of the Social Science Curriculum. Social Science in the Cook Islands, 2006

Building a sense of identity, socially and economically from an early age helps to provide a feeling of security and community. It is from this secure base that Cook Island students will be able to draw on their knowledge of how a human society functions to investigate the cultures of their neighbours and others in the international community.

Students will learn that there are other ways in which societies evolve, taking in to consideration the influences of their natural environment and the different values that affect them. This will reinforce their own understanding of their culture and the choices that their society has made and will make.

The benefit of a more global understanding is significant for Cook Islands students as most are destined to travel and live in other countries and their own country is a significant tourist destination where people of many cultures come together. As the prospect of globalisation of culture and economy increases, awareness becomes the greatest means of protection for Cook Islands cultural independence.

To enable students to understand the process of change in human society they should develop the essential skills of using information, communication and problem solving.

The learning environment should emphasise the common values and attitudes of Cook Island society and encourage social and cooperative skills to be developed. These skills are expected by employers in the many social and employment opportunities that exist in working with people. The basis of these skills is a sound foundation in literacy and numeracy which are currently a major focus in education.

By the end of Year 10 students should be sufficiently prepared to undertake more advanced studies in the specialist Social Science disciplines of Geography, History and Economics and Social Studies as part of the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.

The following Vocabulary Study is adapted from Cook Islands Year 9 Social Science Unit 4.3 Social Organisation and Identity National Identity Resource Booklet.

A worthwhile staff professional development activity might be to read it with your staff, discuss the question for each term in relation to your school and then to consider whether your actual practices, policies and rules reflect this.