Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) is a diverse Key Learning Area (KLA) whose prime focus is to apply the theoretical aspects of education to the real world. This engages students at a variety of levels as they are able to look at contemporary issues and apply them to their studies in HSIE. There are four common assessment tasks to complete throughout each of these courses for Years 7-10 and these, along with teacher assessment for learning activities, determine a student’s grade.
Stage 4 – Year 7 Geography and Year 8 History
Global Geography: The course introduces students to basic Geographical concepts and skills which are useful in the Stage 5 Australian Geography Course. Topics studied include Natural Disasters, Global Rainforests, World Heritage, World Poverty and Globalisation. The course covers basic Geographical skills relating to map reading and interpretation, Information and Technology Skills, as well as oral and written skills throughout the different units of work. This course is an excellent foundation for Stage 6 HSC Geography.
Global History: The course covers the History of Egypt, Greece and the Middle Ages. Optional studies of the the Vikings and Japan may also be undertaken. First Contact History involves our students considering the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, contrasting their society to the First People of America such as the North American Indians or the Aztecs of South America. Students develop and enhance their skills to assess and interpret historical sources during their studies, and this course is an excellent foundation for Stage 6 Ancient and Modern History.
Stage 5 – Year 9 and Year 10 – Commerce, Geography and History
Stage 5 focuses on both Australian History and Australian Geography. Australian History covers the time period from the late 1800’s to the present day. Students cover social and economic conditions prevailing in Australia over this time including the study of the two World Wars. This foundation enables students to improve their validation and interpretation of sources and continues their development in the subject.
Australian Geography enables an inquiry into different communities within Australia, as well as addressing issues such as Global Warming and Land Degradation that influence the the environment. Students are encouraged to develop their own enquiries into the environment through Research Action Plans which form part of their assessment. Australia’s Global connections and responsibilities are also analysed. Students are well placed to study Stage 6 Geography upon completion of this course.
Commerce is a popular elective offered in Year 9 and 10. Units of work relate to the commercial world and provide students with a commercial literacy useful in their years beyond school. Additionally, Commerce is an excellent link to Stage 6 subjects such as Business Studies, Economics and Legal Studies. Units of work relating to Personal Finance, E- Commerce, Law, Consumer Choice and Travel are covered in the course. At the conclusion of Year 10 students are more connected to the commercial environment and more aware of concepts which will affect them in future.
Stage 6 – Year 11 and 12
During the final two years of schooling students have the opportunity to study a variety of HSIE courses based on their particular interests. All courses require strong literacy skills and provide a pathway for further study at University.
Subjects offered include :
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- Ancient History
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- Business Studies
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- Economics
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- Geography
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- Legal Studies
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- Modern History
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- Society and Culture
- Work Studies
