At Mountainview High School, Social Sciences and Media Studies provide students with opportunities to explore people, place, history, and society while developing strong critical thinking, research, and communication skills.
In the Junior School (Years 9 and 10), Social Studies is a core subject that helps students understand who we are, how societies function, and how we are connected locally and globally. Learning is brought to life through meaningful contexts and field trips to places such as Ōpihi rock art, Caroline Bay, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Tekapō, Queenstown, Akaroa, and the Central Otago Goldfields, helping students make real-world connections to their learning.
In Year 11, Social Studies branches into specialist subjects including Geography, History, and Commerce, with further pathways in Tourism at senior levels.
Geography explores the relationship between people and the environment. Students study natural processes, sustainability, global issues, and how human activity shapes and is shaped by the world around us. Fieldwork and spatial thinking are key components of learning.
History investigates the past to better understand the present and future. Students explore significant events, societies, and movements, both in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally, developing skills in evidence analysis, interpretation, and historical thinking.
Commerce focuses on how individuals, businesses, and economies operate. Students learn about financial literacy, economic systems, decision-making, and enterprise, building practical skills for everyday life and future careers.
Tourism provides a real-world, applied context where students explore New Zealand’s tourism industry, destinations, and visitor experiences. Learning includes sustainability, cultural awareness, and the economic importance of tourism, with opportunities to connect classroom learning to local and national contexts.
Media Studies (Levels 2 and 3) examines the powerful and evolving relationship between media and audiences. Students analyse media representations and messages while also creating their own media products, including film, photography, poster design, and audio production. This subject develops creativity, critical thinking, and technical media skills for the modern world.