The goal of Social Studies at Nelson College is to create informed citizens. Students learn valuing, communication, research, interpretation and reasoning skills. Social Studies provides a skills and knowledge base that leads on to subjects such as Environmental Geography, History and Classics. Current events are studied throughout the year.
Year 9 topics: Identity: Nelson College and New Zealanders at War. Future Decisions: Future Problem Solving. Government: New Zealand, Nazi Germany and Communist Russia. Mobility: Immigrant groups.
Year 10 topics: Identity: World leaders. Economic World: Careers and money. Cultures: Civil Rights in America, South Africa and New Zealand. Sustainability: Resources and abuse.
Head of Department: Simon Powrie

History is offered from Years 10 to 13. You can enter history at any level without having studied it before. Studying history provides students with an understanding of how our world today fits in with what has come before. You will learn details about significant and interesting events that have happened and the perspectives of different people involved in them. You will learn to interpret the causes and consequences of events that have shaped our world. Each course covers aspects of history from New Zealand and around the world. Our courses develop skills in analysis and communication catering for the needs of different learner abilities. Nelson College history is a popular option choice and has provided opportunities for students to succeed at school and beyond.
Head of Department: Blair Simpson

Studying Classics (the ancient Greek and Roman world) helps students who aspire to careers in law, military, pharmacy, politics, medicine, science, policing, teaching, art, philosophy; and can be generally useful to any student who wants to portray themselves as an educated and cultured person. Additionally, because so much of the Classical period was defined by wars and political infighting, studying this area means a significant focus on battles, battle strategy and a variety of conflict strategies. Beyond that there are also access points for art and literature – Greek and Roman societies being the basis for much of Western art, poetry and fiction. Students use sources to build up a picture of the Roman and Greek world and making links to features of modern society. Classics courses are popular with students and enthusiasm naturally creates success. Every year students are offered a chance for first hand contact with ancient artifacts through a field trip to a university within New Zealand. A number of students have been successful in Scholarship in Classics in recent years, making students more competitive in university admission. Classics can be taken from Y10 to Y13. Entry is possible at any level.
Teacher in Charge: Stuart Roxburgh 

Environmental Geography is all about applying scientific knowledge to managing natural and man made environments in an effort to make our standard of living more sustainable. The emphasis is on exploring the challenges and gaining knowledge in areas such as bio-diversity, sustainability, interdependence and resource management. Field trips and environmental action are key components of the subject, and include native plant propagation, tree planting, visits to related industrial sites, and guest speakers.
Environmental Geography encourages students to investigate contemporary environmental issues and consider possible solutions, as well as the various perspectives of different groups of people. It inspires students to help shape a better future and recognise their responsibilities to other people, the environment and the long term sustainability of the planet.
Head of Department: Ken Ross