This course requires 2 options.
Level 1 Pasifika Studies
Although next year timetables are yet to be finalised, course selection is now finished. Any changes to student courses will now take place in January.
Subject Description
Teacher in Charge: Mrs M. Faitotonu, Ms J. Fry.
Mālō e lelei, Talofa lava, Taloha ni, Kia orana, Kam n bane n Mauri, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Namaste, Ni sa bula and warm Pacific greetings
Pasifika Studies aims to develop students' understanding of different Pacific cultures. Anyone can join this course, whether you have Pasifika heritage or not. The first topic of the year is Dance and all students will be expected to participate in the dances prepared for Polyfest, even if you are unable to attend the event. In Terms Two and Three in 2025, you will study different aspects of indigenous, traditional knowledge. Within this theme you will develop research skills and make a presentation about a topic of your choice. Additionally, all students will all learn about Pacific languages and cultures through the activities in Pacific Language Weeks, hosting visitors, attending SPACPAC events and taking part in other local Pacific activities.
Our Pasifika Studies course works as a village: students from Years 11-13 have class together. The base assessments for everyone are
- a dance standard
- a research process standard
- a presentation standard
If you already understand Samoan, Cook Island Māori, Vagahau Niue or Lea Faka-Tonga you can also be assessed through external Achievement Standards for Listening and Reading. Achieving one of these externals enables course endoresement.
Recommended Prior Learning
An interest in Pasifika culture, both within the Pacific Islands and its impacts globally. It is not necessary to have the ability to already speak in a Pasifika language, but those who do, may have additional assessment opportunities. All languages and cultures are celebrated within this course.
Pathway
Many universities offer Pacific Studies as a course. Many jobs ask for people who have an understanding of different cultures. This subject will be useful for demonstrating your cultural competencies.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
This course is eligible for subject endorsement.
External
NZQA Info
Draw a conclusion after an investigation into an aspect of Pacific change and development with direction
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Communicate understanding of an aspect of Pacific culture through a planned presentation with direction
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Dance 1.2 - Perform dance sequences
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Gagana Samoa 1.2 - Communicate in Gagana Samoa in relation to a cultural context
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Gagana Samoa 1.3 - Demonstrate understanding of written Gagana Samoa related to everyday contexts
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Gagana Samoa 1.4 - Demonstrate understanding of spoken Gagana Samoa related to everyday contexts
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Lea Faka-Tonga 1.2 - Communicate in Lea Faka-Tonga in relation to a cultural context
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Lea Faka-Tonga 1.3 - Show understanding of written Lea Faka-Tonga related to everyday contexts
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Lea Faka-Tonga 1.4 - Demonstrate understanding of spoken Lea Faka-Tonga related to everyday contexts