Social Studies in the New Zealand Curriculum is one of seven curriculum statements covering the essential learning areas of the New Zealand curriculum.
Through social studies, students are encouraged to investigate social issues, make decisions, work as part of a group, and understand their identity, history, land and society.
ERO evaluated the quality of teaching of social studies at Year 4 and Year 8 in 153 schools during Term 4, 2005.
ERO has also published a report that describes good practice in this area: The Teaching of Social Studies: Good Practice (2007).