NCEA L1 Social Studies case studies
NCEA L1 Social Studies · Put your knowledge to work in context.
Social Studies is one of the subjects offered within NCEA Level 1 at New Zealand secondary schools, listed by NZQA under the Social Sciences New Zealand Curriculum learning area. NZQA describes the subject simply: "Social Studies is about people - who they are, what they do, how they change, and what happens to them." Level 1 Social Studies is built from achievement standards, and NZQA publishes a dedicated Level 1 standards page where you can find those standards. Assessment is both internal and external - the subject page states it supports "internal and external assessment (exams)" - so your grade will draw on work assessed in school as well as any external assessment. NZQA also flags "Changes to Social Studies" and provides "Sample resources for 92049 for external assessment in 2025", so check the current standards and sample material rather than relying on older resources. The NCEA L1 Social Studies case studies are 5 cases and about 2,338 words.
1Short-term rental cap in Whakapū Point
Whakapū Point is a coastal town of 4,200 people. In the last census, 38% of dwellings were short-term rentals (Airbnb and Bookabach), up from 12% five years ago.
533 words, about 3 min2Hair policy at Kōwhai College
Kōwhai College has 1,100 students: 38% Māori, 21% Pasifika, and 9% Asian. The board is reviewing its uniform and appearance policy after complaints from local employers that students look 'untidy' at work placements.
445 words, about 2 min3Emergency housing on Te Puke o Arataki reserve
Arataki is a town of 9,000. The council spends $1.4 million a year putting 12 families in motels because there is no transitional housing.
470 words, about 2 min4Bell-to-bell phone ban at Kotare College
Kotare College has 900 students. A board review found 34% of Year 9 students reported being cyberbullied in the last year, 12 fights were filmed and shared last term, and teachers say phones disrupt learning.
459 words, about 2 min5Pokie funding at Te Rito Food Bank
Te Rito Food Bank serves a town of 15,000. Demand has risen from 250 to 400 households a week in two years.
431 words, about 2 min