Human society and its environment

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. 

Junior School

In HSIE, both 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 History , Years 7 and 8  students will study ancient civilizations and medieval societies in Europe, South America and Asia. In Year 9 and 10  the pivotal events of the Twentieth Century, in Australia and across the world, are the focus. Junior Geography focuses on contemporary geographical challenges to Australia and the world, students will explore the interactions between humans and their environment. Topics include water scarcity, migration, food security and landforms & landscapes.

A range of elective courses are offered in years 9 and 10, students can choose 1 to 4 of these electives in Stage 5 and they will contribute to their formal ROSA qualification.

People, Events and Civilizations A (Elective History)

This elective provides students with the opportunity to further develop their historical skills through ancient, medieval and modern topics and thematic studies. This course focus is on world history and the contribution of past societies to our understanding of the present.  Students will complete a range of  units which may include: mythology, mysteries-such as the sinking of the Titanic, and Stonehenge. Students explore themes throughout history like crime and punishment or heroes and hooligans of the world.

People, Events and Civilizations B (Elective History)

This course continues to develop students history skills through the exploration of themes like conspiracy theories and events that changed the world. They explore the issue of how History is constructed through an examination of film and museums and archaeological sites.

Commerce and Law A

This course provides the knowledge, skills, understanding and values that allow people to make informed decisions about consumer, business, financial, legal and political issues. It looks at your consumer rights, how to run a business, the law and participating in our political system. The topics covered are: Consumer and Financial Decisions; Law, Society and Political Involvement; Running a Business; and Travel OR Promoting and Selling. 

Commerce and Business B

This course provides the knowledge, skills, understanding and values that allow people to make informed decisions about consumer, legal, financial, economic, business, and employment issues. It looks at buying and selling, your rights, getting a job and interactions with the law. The topics covered are: The Economic and Business Environment; Employment and Work Futures; Law in Action; and Investing OR Our Economy OR Towards Independence.

GLOBAL EXPLORATIONS

Global Explorations A

Globe Ex emphasises the physical, social, cultural and political influences on people, places and environments. It aims to build an holistic understanding of the world. In this course, students investigate many areas of the world, both human and physical and they learn to question why the world is the way it is. The wellbeing of societies and environments depend on the quality of interactions between people and the natural world. Topics are: Oceanography; Physical and human variations within a continent; and Geopolitics.

Global Explorations B

Globe Ex emphasises the physical, social, cultural and political influences on people, places and environments. It aims to build an holistic understanding of the world. In this course, students investigate many areas of the world, both human and physical and they learn to question why the world is the way it is. The wellbeing of societies and environments depend on the quality of interactions between people and the natural world. Topics are: Physical Geography; Global Citizenship OR Development Geography; and Investigating Asia OR Land use economics.

Senior School

In the senior school, students have a wide range of subjects to choose from, delivered by experienced teachers who are passionate about their subject. Subjects include :

Ancient History, where students explore ancient societies, methods of warfare, major events, influential people and the archaeology of ancient sites. This course focuses on the development of Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Eastern civilizations.

Modern History, where students will explore forces that influenced events of the Twentieth Century from imperialism, nationalism, militarism, socialism and the concept of power and authority. These ideas will be examined in case studies from Australia, Europe, Africa and Asia focusing on events that shapes the world we live in today.

Extension History, a one unit extension course which researches historiographical issues in the writing of history and current issues and debates impacting on interpretations of history today. Students will undertake their own Independent research task on a subject of their own choice.

Society and Culture introduces students to the disciplines of psychology, sociology and anthropology. The Personal Interest Project, worth 40% of the HSC, teaches students valuable research skills.

Studies of Religion is where students are able to explore the nature and impact of the major religions in our world today: Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism and Hinduism.

Legal Studies in which students develop and understanding of legal concepts and the way law functions in our society. Students learn through case studies an focus on crime, human rights, families and world order.

Business Studies allows students to be introduced to the theoretical and practical aspects of business and management through case studies.

Senior Geography is an opportunity for students investigate the opportunities for human activities, the constraints placed upon them and the impact of these activities.

Economics assists students to comprehend the background and implications of contemporary economic issues.

Aboriginal Studies encourages students explore the structure, history, beliefs and religions of Aboriginal Australians. They will also explore issues impacting on these communities today and form comparisons and contrasts with other indigenous communities across the world, such as the Inuit of North America. This subject encourages strong relationships with the local indigenous community.

^{Studies of Religion students visit mosques and temples of the various religions studied.}