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.
Geography for Years 9 to 12
The aim of geography is to develop student's knowledge, understanding, skills values and attitudes essential to an appreciation of geographical phenomena and to prepare students for informed and active citizenship in a changing world.
Objectives
Through the study of geography, students will develop knowledge and understanding about:
- the nature and human characteristics of environments
- how culture and experience influence people's perceptions of places and geographical issues
- the nature and human processes that form and transform the features and pattern of the earth's surface
- the characteristics and spatial distribution of environments on the earth's surface
- how people and communities modify, and are affected by, the natural environment
- how to apply geographical knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for active and informed citizenship.
Students will develop skills in:
- acquiring geographical information
- processing geographical information
- communicating geographical information
- participating as active and informed citizens.
Students will develop interests in, and informed and responsible attitudes towards, people, cultures, societies and environments, with a commitment to:
- ecological sustainability
- a just society
- intercultural understanding
- informed and active citizenship
- lifelong learning.