Level 1 Pasifika Studies
1PAS Subject DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mrs M. Faitotonu, Ms J. Fry.
Recommended Prior LearningAn 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.
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.
Learning Areas:
Pathway
Level 2 Pasifika Studies, Level 3 Pasifika Studies
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.
Career PathwaysArmy Officer, Army Soldier, Historian, Flight Attendant, Counsellor, Trainer, Journalist, Interpreter, Editor, Corrections Officer, Data Entry Operator/Transcriptionist, Foreign Policy Officer, Workplace Relations Adviser, Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Importer/Exporter, Immigration Officer, Kaiwhakaako Māori, Diversional and Recreational Therapist, Actor, Art Director (Film, Television or Stage), Artistic Director, Film and Video Editor, Sound Technician, Dancer, Entertainer, Minister of Religion, Musician, Systems Administrator, Director (Film, Television, Radio or Stage), Radio Presenter, Early Childhood Teacher, Media Producer, Production Assistant (Film, Television, Radio or Stage), Model, Nanny/Child Carer, Private Teacher/Tutor, Television Presenter