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.
The following subjects are offered in HSIE:
Stage 4
For years 7 and 8 students study 1 semester of History and 1 semester of Geography each year.
In History we travel through the Ancient and Medieval worlds. Become an Egyptian king, a Greek hoplite, a medieval knight or a Japanese samurai. Then you complete a study of the devastating effects of colonization on the Aztecs of Central America. Finish with an in-depth investigation into the realm of the 'vicious Vikings'. Along the way you will develop your skills as a historian searching for clues to solve the mysteries!
In Geography we introduce students to geographical concepts through the study unit “Investigating Our World” where they learn about the interaction of human and physical elements in a global context. Students learn important geographical skills such as mapping and latitude and longitude. They then undertake a case studies of Deserts as an example of a Global Environment and global issues such as access to fresh water and global inequalities.
Stage 5 – Mandatory Courses
Geography
All Year 9 and 10 students must complete one of the Geography courses in each year.
9GEO Geography – Sustainable Biomes and Changing Places must be completed in Year 9.
10GEO Geography – Environmental Change and Management and Human Wellbeing must be completed in Year 10.
History
All Year 9 and 10 students must select one of the Australian History courses in each year.
9HIS Australian History – The Making of the Modern World must be completed in Year 9.
10HIS Australian History – The Modern World and Australia must be completed in Year 10.
Stage 5 – Elective Courses
In Stage 5 we also offer a number of elective courses that enable students to expand their learning of other areas of HSIE that are not covered in the mandatory History and Geography courses.
History Electives
- Making History – Medieval
- Archaeology: Digging up the Past
- Life in the Classical World
- Technology of Warfare
- History’s Mysteries
- History on Screen
- The People History Forgot
- Big History
Geography Electives
- Disasters
- Global Issues
Commerce Electives
- Smart Spending and Earning
- Markets and the Legal System
- Running A Business
- Independence and Travel
- Law in Action
- The Economy and Investing
International Studies
Aboriginal Studies
**offered as an accelerated HSC course for year 10 students completing their HSC in year 11**
Stage 6
These courses are offered for Year 11 Preliminary and Year 12 HSC:
- Aboriginal Studies
- Ancient History
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Geography
- History Extension (year 12 only)
- Legal Studies
- Modern History
- Society and Culture
- Studies of Religion II
- Work Studies