Human Society and It's Environment (HSIE)
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
· French
· Studies of Religion.
The HSIE KLA focuses on providing a broad range of learning experiences where students develop a deep knowledge and understanding of humanity at a local, national and international level. Learning programs promote civics and citizenship, cultural tolerance and social equity.
Courses offered in HSIE KLA:
Information
Mandatory Stage 4 and 5 Geography
Geography is the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. Through the study of Geography, students are encouraged to question why the world is the way it is, reflect on their relationships with and responsibilities for the world and propose actions designed to shape a socially just and sustainable future. Areas studied include Stage 4 - Landscapes and Landforms, Place and Liveability, Water in the World and Interconnections and Stage 5 – Sustainable Biomes, Changing Places, Environmental Change and Management and Human Wellbeing
Mandatory
Stage 4 and 5
History
The aim of History is to stimulate students’ interest in and enjoyment of exploring the past, to develop a critical understanding of the past and its impact on the present, to develop the critical skills of historical inquiry and to enable students to participate as active, informed and responsible citizens. Areas studied include Stage 4 – Investigating the past, Mediterranean World, The Asian World, The Western and Islamic World, The Asian Pacific World and Expanding Contacts and Stage 5 – Making a Better World, Making a Nation, Australians at War, Rights and Freedoms, Globalising World and the Holocaust.
Stage 5 Commerce
The aim of Commerce is to enable students to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to research and develop solutions to consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, and employment issues in order to make informed and responsible decisions as individuals and as part of the community. Areas studied include Consumers and Financial Decisions, Economic and Business Environment, Employment and Work Futures, Law, Society and Political Involvement, Planning a business, Travel, Towards Independence and Law in Action
Stage 6
Aboriginal Studies
Aboriginal Studies develops students’ knowledge and understanding about the historical and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal peoples and the concept of ‘shared histories’ with a view to enabling students to be active and informed citizens in promoting a just society for all Australians. Areas studied include Aboriginality and the land, Heritage and Identity, Research and Inquiry Methods, Indigenous and International Community Comparison, Social Justice and Human Rights, Aboriginal health and education and a major project
The study of Ancient History enables students to develop knowledge and understanding of the ancient world, historical skills, and values and attitudes essential to an appreciation of the ancient world. Areas studied includes Investigating Ancient History, Features of Ancient Societies, Historical Investigation, Cities of Vesuvius, Ancient Societies (Sparta), Personalities in their Times (Hatsheput), Historical Periods (Greek World)
Business Studies aims to develop knowledge, understanding, skills and values which enable students to make judgements about the performance of businesses in a dynamic business environment. Areas studied include Introduction to Business, Business Management, Business Planning, Business Operations, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Business Growth and Global Business Environment
Stage 6 Geography
The study of Geography in Stage 6 enables students to develop knowledge and understanding of natural and human processes, how they interact and affect each other, and how places and environments can be managed for sustainability and be able to apply geographical inquiry skills and tools, including fieldwork. Areas studied include Biophysical Interactions, Global Challenges, Geographical Skills, Sustainability, Environmental Change and Management, Human Wellbeing and Geographical Research Methods.
Legal Studies develops students’ knowledge, understanding and critical thinking skills in relation to the legal system and its effectiveness in promoting a just and fair society, with a view to empowering students to participate effectively as responsible citizens at the local, national and international level. Areas studied includes The Legal System, The individual and the law, Law in Practice, Crime, Human Rights, Family and World Order
Decline and Fall the of Romanov Dynasty, Tibets's Survival in the Modern world, the World at the beginning of the Twentieth Century,WW1 1914-1919, Germany 1918-1939, Albert Speer and International Studies in Peace and Conflict.
Stage 6
Extension History
What is history?, Elizabeth 1 and the History Project.
Stage 6 Society and Culture
The aim of Society and Culture is for students to achieve social and cultural literacy by developing their knowledge and understanding about societies and culture, developing their social and cultural research skills. Areas studied include The Social and Cultural World, Personal and Social Identity, Intercultural Communication, Continuity and Change, Popular Culture, Social Inclusion and Exclusion and a Personal Interest Project.
Experiential Learning opportunities:
· Australian Business Week
· Writing Democracy Challenge
· Community partnerships and fieldwork with Booderee National Park
· ASX Share Market Game
· Stage 6 Sydney experience
· Various subject excursions including the Nowra Court House, Jewish Museum, Australian War Memorial
· Geography and History Competitions
· Australian War Memorial ANZAC competition
Strategies to further enhance literacy:
· Inclusion of literacy skills in all HSIE subjects
· Extensive use of Google Classrooms
· Provision of assessment schedule and course handbook
· Development of glossaries for all units of work.
· Assessment tasks requiring students to present orally and read widely from different genres.
· Provision of research scaffolds and marking guidelines for all assessment tasks
· Communication of assessment tasks, research resources via the Student Portal