Alecis Dela Cruz - Year 13 History 2017
Why did you choose to study History?
Since I entered year 9 social studies, I realized how much I enjoyed learning and researching about different topics. As time went by, I became more fond of the subjects. Hence, I chose geography as one of my subjects in year 11. But, my interest in the social science field was not pleased by just studying one social science. Thus, I decided to attempt history in year 12. During that year, I found enjoyment and interest in the topics we studied which eventually led me to year 13 history. What do you enjoy about History? History was a very intriguing subject as we learnt different historical events throughout the years. We tend to have a vast variety of events discussed – both global and national history. Although different topics were studied in the year, we were guided very well by the teachers |
who gave us access to very detailed information regarding the topic enabled us students to excel and become easily capable of obtaining excellent marks. Furthermore, the constant guidance of the teachers made us students comfortable to ask for any help we may need thus making the subject as a whole easier to cope with, understand and enjoyable.
What is one of your highlights or favourite memories from studying History at Pakuranga College?
The highlight of studying history in Pakuranga College would have to be the research portfolios. Although, it required a lot of effort and time, it gave me a sense of independence in my learning as we had to find the information ourselves and were given quite a lot of freedom in the sources we used and our time. The feeling of independence in my opinion is very important as the results from this work was based off of the amount of work you put in, patience and your time management skills. It allowed me to realise new things about my skills – where I excel and where I lacked in terms of my learning. Moreover, I especially enjoyed the year 13 research portfolios as we got to choose our own topics which interested us the most. In which I chose to research about the Korean War – which has always fascinated me as it is still quite relevant in today’s society. This is an example of how history continuously affects our present society which we are sometimes ignorant about. Hence, I felt like my learning became a lot more enjoyable due to this internal assessment.
What would you say to students thinking about studying History?
If you have the passion to learn how our society came to how it is today, History would be perfect for you. This subjects allows students to become more knowledgeable about the world and our country. Not only does history teach us about the information and facts of the past, it also enables students to enhance many learning and social skills which will definitely be useful in the future. These skills include; research skills, critical thinking skills, communication skills and presentation skills. Thus, this subject is definitely worth taking.
What are you doing this year and what would you like to become in the future?
This year, I will be studying Bachelor of Law part 1 conjoint with bachelor of arts with a double major in Geography and Japanese. I will be working towards getting into the second part of bachelor of Law and continue this course to eventually become a lawyer.
What is one of your highlights or favourite memories from studying History at Pakuranga College?
The highlight of studying history in Pakuranga College would have to be the research portfolios. Although, it required a lot of effort and time, it gave me a sense of independence in my learning as we had to find the information ourselves and were given quite a lot of freedom in the sources we used and our time. The feeling of independence in my opinion is very important as the results from this work was based off of the amount of work you put in, patience and your time management skills. It allowed me to realise new things about my skills – where I excel and where I lacked in terms of my learning. Moreover, I especially enjoyed the year 13 research portfolios as we got to choose our own topics which interested us the most. In which I chose to research about the Korean War – which has always fascinated me as it is still quite relevant in today’s society. This is an example of how history continuously affects our present society which we are sometimes ignorant about. Hence, I felt like my learning became a lot more enjoyable due to this internal assessment.
What would you say to students thinking about studying History?
If you have the passion to learn how our society came to how it is today, History would be perfect for you. This subjects allows students to become more knowledgeable about the world and our country. Not only does history teach us about the information and facts of the past, it also enables students to enhance many learning and social skills which will definitely be useful in the future. These skills include; research skills, critical thinking skills, communication skills and presentation skills. Thus, this subject is definitely worth taking.
What are you doing this year and what would you like to become in the future?
This year, I will be studying Bachelor of Law part 1 conjoint with bachelor of arts with a double major in Geography and Japanese. I will be working towards getting into the second part of bachelor of Law and continue this course to eventually become a lawyer.
Kazuma Nakano - Year 13 History 2016
Why did you choose to study History?
Ever since a young age I have always loved the Social Sciences - honestly, the current events, mapping and historical trivia quizzes were the highlights of primary school! Therefore I wanted to pursue more knowledge in this area. In addition to Geography which I have taken since Level 1, I decided to pick up History in Level 3. “The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future” - Theodore Roosevelt. I was interested to learn about historical issues and how you can apply the lessons learnt to solve today’s problems.
Ever since a young age I have always loved the Social Sciences - honestly, the current events, mapping and historical trivia quizzes were the highlights of primary school! Therefore I wanted to pursue more knowledge in this area. In addition to Geography which I have taken since Level 1, I decided to pick up History in Level 3. “The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future” - Theodore Roosevelt. I was interested to learn about historical issues and how you can apply the lessons learnt to solve today’s problems.
![Picture](/uploads/8/5/7/9/85792866/editor/kazuma-nakano-2017-pic.png?1496467833)
What do you enjoy about History?
I think History is about the relationships between different groups of people in the past. Today, we live in a world so united: unprecedented, in terms of the globalization of economies and multiculturalism. Yet divided, our world sees great discrimination and inequalities. I enjoyed looking into the causes of catastrophic events such as The Great Depression, Prohibition, and The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima, and analysing the interaction between groups/individuals leading up to the crisis. Thereafter, linking the historical context to our modern world was what I found most interesting.
What is one of your highlights or favourite memories from studying History at Pakuranga College?
While I decided to study history with the aim of developing my understanding of historic and modern issues, my highlight has been the privileged interactions I have had with the people around me.
Many of the lessons run by Mr. Davison and Ms. Locke were discussion based, and I really enjoyed how people in the class had such differing opinions to others. I believe history made me experience first-hand how there are always multiple ways to look at an issue, and understanding the ideas of others allows you to truly understand yourself.
Why do you want to study History at University, where do you think it will take you?
I will be studying a social sciences course named “Japan in East Asia” at the University of Tokyo, later this year. This course takes a look at the history, culture, politics, economics and international relations of Japan and countries in the East Asian continent.
I hope that by studying the social issues facing my homeland with diverse students, I can help make Japan a better country for my friends and family back home. One of my goals is to become a politician or diplomat working in the international arena. I would also like to become someone who can share the joys of Japanese culture to the rest of the world.
Why would you recommend that students should choose to study History?
Regardless of the career path you wish to follow, I think it is important to recognise how big of a role History can have on your future. Outside of all the stimulating case studies, you also receive the opportunity to develop your critical thinking, communication, and academic writing skills. History is also a great opportunity to discover yourself. Learning about so many noble (and not so noble) individuals and comparing their values to your own was personally very eye-opening. So no matter your interests, I urge you all to seriously consider History during subject selections later this year!
I think History is about the relationships between different groups of people in the past. Today, we live in a world so united: unprecedented, in terms of the globalization of economies and multiculturalism. Yet divided, our world sees great discrimination and inequalities. I enjoyed looking into the causes of catastrophic events such as The Great Depression, Prohibition, and The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima, and analysing the interaction between groups/individuals leading up to the crisis. Thereafter, linking the historical context to our modern world was what I found most interesting.
What is one of your highlights or favourite memories from studying History at Pakuranga College?
While I decided to study history with the aim of developing my understanding of historic and modern issues, my highlight has been the privileged interactions I have had with the people around me.
Many of the lessons run by Mr. Davison and Ms. Locke were discussion based, and I really enjoyed how people in the class had such differing opinions to others. I believe history made me experience first-hand how there are always multiple ways to look at an issue, and understanding the ideas of others allows you to truly understand yourself.
Why do you want to study History at University, where do you think it will take you?
I will be studying a social sciences course named “Japan in East Asia” at the University of Tokyo, later this year. This course takes a look at the history, culture, politics, economics and international relations of Japan and countries in the East Asian continent.
I hope that by studying the social issues facing my homeland with diverse students, I can help make Japan a better country for my friends and family back home. One of my goals is to become a politician or diplomat working in the international arena. I would also like to become someone who can share the joys of Japanese culture to the rest of the world.
Why would you recommend that students should choose to study History?
Regardless of the career path you wish to follow, I think it is important to recognise how big of a role History can have on your future. Outside of all the stimulating case studies, you also receive the opportunity to develop your critical thinking, communication, and academic writing skills. History is also a great opportunity to discover yourself. Learning about so many noble (and not so noble) individuals and comparing their values to your own was personally very eye-opening. So no matter your interests, I urge you all to seriously consider History during subject selections later this year!
Anapapa Latu - Y13 History & Classics Student 2016
Why did you choose to study History and Classics?
Personally I didn’t like History when I was younger but as I grew up I started to understand History and then later Classics. What inspired me to take these two subjects was my dad because he himself is a historian and just by seeing him write up thesis' and papers makes me want to do the same. I've always wanted to be like my dad. To be as knowledgeable like him and to know all the sources on Pacific History. What do you enjoy about History and Classics? I enjoy the fact that I am surrounded by people that have the same interests as me. I enjoy learning about the many ideologies that Greek philosophers had and how they still relate to the modern world. I also enjoy classics because I can relate it to my belief in God and I have come to a realisation that the classical Ancient Greek, Roman world connects to the Bible. I enjoy being in Miss Pedersens class because her way of interpreting notes makes me want to learn more, also I find her class is very enjoyable. |
For History I really enjoy learning about War in general as well as the Civil Rights. I really enjoyed the 3.1 internal we did this year because it gave us the opportunity to explore and choose our own research topic as well as let us learn more than we already knew about a certain topic. I also enjoyed the Second Wave of Feminism section we did last year.
What is one of your highlights or favourite memories from studying History and Classics at Pakuranga College?
From Year 11 right through to Year 13 I can honestly say my highlight throughout this journey was basically just meeting people with the same interest. I like being able to speak confidently in class in History and Classics because I don’t normally like to talk in class discussions or presentations in other classes. Also having Ms Siljeur as a teacher from yr 11 through to year 13. I can't thank her enough for sharing her knowledge with me and the class. For Classics, because It has become one of my favourite classes I have ever taken throughout my whole 5 years of high school.
Why do you want to study History and Classics at University, where do you think it will take you?
I have applied to study at Auckland University. Firstly, I just want to continue studying these two courses as they are both my favourite and because I want to accomplish my goal of doing something similar to my dad. Second I've decided to become a History, Classics teacher and also this could led me into pursuing my writing in a more permanent career as well as maybe turning Pacific history into films.
Why would you recommend that students should choose to study History and Classics?
I recommend students should take these two subjects because you never know what you like until you've experienced it once. Like myself I didn’t like history, I thought I was more of a media studies kind of person until I took history in year 11 and it turns out I really like it. Students should take history and classics because we need to know the past in order to create a better future for ourselves and for the generation after ours. The teachers who teach History and Classics are incredible and amazing teachers as well as mentors in these classes, They make class much more enjoyable for the students.
What is one of your highlights or favourite memories from studying History and Classics at Pakuranga College?
From Year 11 right through to Year 13 I can honestly say my highlight throughout this journey was basically just meeting people with the same interest. I like being able to speak confidently in class in History and Classics because I don’t normally like to talk in class discussions or presentations in other classes. Also having Ms Siljeur as a teacher from yr 11 through to year 13. I can't thank her enough for sharing her knowledge with me and the class. For Classics, because It has become one of my favourite classes I have ever taken throughout my whole 5 years of high school.
Why do you want to study History and Classics at University, where do you think it will take you?
I have applied to study at Auckland University. Firstly, I just want to continue studying these two courses as they are both my favourite and because I want to accomplish my goal of doing something similar to my dad. Second I've decided to become a History, Classics teacher and also this could led me into pursuing my writing in a more permanent career as well as maybe turning Pacific history into films.
Why would you recommend that students should choose to study History and Classics?
I recommend students should take these two subjects because you never know what you like until you've experienced it once. Like myself I didn’t like history, I thought I was more of a media studies kind of person until I took history in year 11 and it turns out I really like it. Students should take history and classics because we need to know the past in order to create a better future for ourselves and for the generation after ours. The teachers who teach History and Classics are incredible and amazing teachers as well as mentors in these classes, They make class much more enjoyable for the students.