In human society and its environment (HSIE), the subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10, where students study specific historical and geographical concepts and skills.
In HSIE, students explore varied subjects in human society and its environment to learn about history, geography, people, societies and culture.
Students 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
- Ancient History Life Skills
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Geography
- History Extension
- Legal Studies
- Modern History
- Modern History Life Skills
- Society and Culture
- Studies of Religion.
HISTORY
Year 7
World History commences with students taking on the roles of various historians. Using the archaeological tool of a toothpick students learn the complexities of excavating chocolate chips from cookies to differentiating between primary and secondary sources. Students also undertake at least two in depth studies of ancient civilisations. Ancient Egypt and the process of mummification is always popular.
Year 8
In the second part of the Stage 4 course students continue to study life during ancient times. Medieval Europe, the Renaissance and Colonisation make up the topics for this subject. During these units students are asked to design and build a castle or weaponry and create an interactive PowerPoint of an ancient civilisation.
GEOGRAPHY
Year 7
Geography involves two components, skills work and class work.
During skills work students learn about place geography, BOLTS, grid and area reference, contour lines and weather maps. Students also learn how to interpret graphs and tables.
Class work focuses on identifying the difference between physical and cultural environments. Students identify a variety of global habitats and world heritage sites.
Year 8
Globalisation is the central topic discussed during Year 8 Geography. Students learn about the impact technology has had and is continuing to have in our lives. Students learn about the United Nations, the roles of NGO's and threatened habitats. Whilst studying these topics students continue to develop their knowledge base of skills.
STAGE 5 GEOGRAPHY
Stage 5 Geography is all about Australian Geography. The topics studied over the two years include;
- Investigating Australia's Physical Environment
During this topic students study Place Geography and complete a comprehensive study on Australia's Natural Hazards
- Changing Australian Communities
Students identify with different types of communities and discover the reasons for change within these communities.
- Issues in Australian Environments
This unit requires classes to select a focus study. Due to our location at The Rock it is most appropriate to study issues that affect our local environment. For this reason the focus study researched in class is 'Land and Water Management.' During this unit students go on an excursion to the Riverina Environmental Education Centre to complete fieldwork which explores the effects of salinity.
- Australia in its Regional and Global Context
Migration, defence, aid, tourism are links that Australia has with other nations. Students identify these nations and other future implications for the Australian future. These include an aging population, a shortage of skilled workers and urban development.