In human society and its environment (HSIE), both subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
Students learn specific historical and geographical concepts and skills in history and geography. They also have an opportunity to learn more about people and the societies and environments in which they live through elective subjects in Years 7 to 10 (Stages 4 to 5).
A large number of individual subjects make up the key learning area of HSIE in which students:
- research, gather and analyse information
- question and make judgements
- write for a variety of purposes.
In Year 11 and 12, students can choose from a range of HSIE courses. These include:
- Aboriginal Studies
- Ancient History
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Geography
- History Extension
- Legal Studies
- Modern History
- Society and Culture
- Studies of Religion.
The humanities and social sciences are the study of human behaviour and interaction in social, cultural, environmental, economic and political contexts. The humanities and social sciences have a historical and contemporary focus, from personal to global contexts, and consider challenges for the future.
Stage 4 HSIE - Years 7-8
Geography - In years 7 and 8, students learn about global geography. Geography is the study of the world and its peoples. It is concerned with the ways in which people are coping with their changing environment. This school attempts to give students a wide range of geographical skills and experiences. Mapping skills, fieldwork and documentary films are just some of the means by which Australian and International Geography is studied. A knowledge of current affairs is encouraged, gradually building up an understanding of world affairs.
History - In Year 7 History we look at what History is and examine some Ancient Civilizations. In year 8 we explore the time of Castles and the impact of European colonisation on indigenous peoples. History studies include the use of a wide range of sources, including videos, charts, the internet, diagrams and texts and will involve research, model making, and a variety of class activities. History is the story of people in the past. It helps us to understand why we are like we are today.
Stage 5 HSIE - Years 9-10
Geography - In years 9 and 10, students learn Australian geography and geographical citizenship and civics. These topics expand on the student’s knowledge and understanding of their home country and its links with the rest of the world.
- Topics studied in Year 9 Geography include:
- Investigating Australia’s Identity
- Physical and Political geography of Australia
- Australia and its neighbours
- Unique characteristics of Australia
- Australian communities
- Changing Australian Environments
- Case study of a community and its environment
- Effects of people on the physical environment
- Effects of the physical environment on people
- Changing Australian community
- Topics studied in Year 10 Geography include:
- Issues in the Australian Environment
- Two case studies of important environmental issues
- Field work task
- Australia and its Regional and Global Context
- Geography of the Asia Pacific region
- Regional and global trends and links
- Australia’s future
- Strategies for a better future
History - In years 9 and 10 students learn about Australia and the world in the Twentieth Century.
- Topics studied in Year 9 History include:
- Australia to 1914
- World War 1
- Between the wars – the roaring twenties and the great depression
- World War 2
- Topics studied in Year 10 History include:
- The Vietnam War
- Changing rights and freedoms of Aborigines and Migrants
- The 1960’s
- People Power
Stage 6 HSIE - Years 11-12
- Ancient History - The Preliminary course is structured to provide students with opportunities to investigate past people, groups, events, institutions, societies and historical sites from the sources available, by applying the methods used by historians and archaeologists.
The HSC course provides the opportunity for students to investigate in depth the range and nature of archaeological and written sources that provide evidence for a life in Pompeii and Herculaneum. They also study the key features and sources of an ancient society, historical period and ancient personality.
- Modern History - The Preliminary course is structured to provide students with opportunities to investigate the role of key features, issues, individuals, groups, events and concepts from the C19th to the present using the methods of historical inquiry.
The HSC course provides the opportunity for students to investigate in depth a source-based study of World War I. They also study key features and issues in the history of ONE country during the C20th, ONE personality and ONE international study in peace and conflict.
- Aboriginal Studies - The Preliminary course focuses on Aboriginal peoples’ relationship to the Land, Aboriginal heritage and identity, and an historical examination of colonialism, racism and prejudice from pre-contact times to the 1960s. The course also includes the development of skills in culturally appropriate research and inquiry methods. It involves local community case studies.
The HSC course provides for in depth study of legislation, policy, judicial processes and current events from the 1960s. During the course, students will undertake consultation with the local Aboriginal community and will study national and international Indigenous communities. Students apply research and inquiry methods through the completion of a major project.
- Business Studies - Business Studies investigates the role, operation and management of businesses within our society. Factors in the establishment, operation and management of a small business are integral to this course. Students investigate the role of global business and its impact on Australian business. Students develop research and independent learning skills in addition to analytical and problem-solving competencies through their studies.
- Geography - The Preliminary course investigates biophysical and human geography and develops students’ knowledge and understanding about the spatial and ecological dimensions of geography. Enquiry methodologies are used to investigate the unique characteristics of our world through fieldwork, geographical skills and the study of contemporary geographical issues.
The HSC course enables students to appreciate geographical perspectives about the contemporary world. There are specific studies about biophysical and human processes, interactions and trends. Fieldwork and a variety of case studies combine with an assessment of the geographers’ contribution to understanding our environment and demonstrates the relevance of geographical study.
- Legal Studies - The Preliminary course investigates biophysical and human geography and develops students’ knowledge and understanding about the spatial and ecological dimensions of geography. Enquiry methodologies are used to investigate the unique characteristics of our world through fieldwork, geographical skills and the study of contemporary geographical issues.
The HSC course enables students to appreciate geographical perspectives about the contemporary world. There are specific studies about biophysical and human processes, interactions and trends. Fieldwork and a variety of case studies combine with an assessment of the geographers’ contribution to understanding our environment and demonstrates the relevance of geographical study.