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
- 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.
The following courses are offered to students in this KLA:
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Mandatory Stage 4 and 5 Geography |
The interrelationships between the natural and human environments, mans impact and sustainable management strategies for the future. Global Change and Organisations, Issues relating to Australian physical and human environments, Australia's Regional and Global Links |
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Mandatory Stage 4 and 5 History |
Investigation of what is history, Ancient Rome, Medieval Society, Federation, WW1 and WW11,the Vietnam War, People, Place and Politics and a decade study of the '70's'. |
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Stage 5 Commerce |
Personal finance, running a business, consumer choice |
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Stage 6 Aboriginal Studies |
Land, heritage and identity,colonialism racism and prejudice, social justice, and a Major Project. The local case study is Wreck Bay. |
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Stage 6 |
Preliminary: Investigating the past, Tutankhaman's tomb, The Trojan War, The celts and Mythology. HSC: Pompeii and Herculaneum, New Kingdom Egypt, Hatsheput and The Persian Wars. |
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Stage 6 |
The Nature and Functions of a Business, Establishing a Business, Developing a Business Plan, Business Management and Change, Financial Planning and Management, Employment Relations and Global Business |
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Stage 6 |
Biophysical interactions, Global Challenges, Development Geography, Cultural Integration, Senior Geography Project, Ecosystems, Urban Places and Economic Activity |
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Stage 6 |
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. |
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Stage 6 |
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. |
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Stage 6 |
What is history?, Elizabeth 1 and the History Project.
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Stage 6 |
The Social and Cultural World, Personal and Social Identity, Intercultural Communication, Social and Cultural Continuity and Change, Vietnam, Personal Interest Project, Equality and Difference and Popular Culture |
Experiential Learning opportunities:
Young Australia Achievement Business Program
Community partnerships and fieldwork with Booderee National Park
The Australian Stock Exchange Competition
Fieldwork in Sydney CBD, Coolangatta Estate, Budderoo National Park, Jewish Museum, Sydney Museum, Observatory Hill, Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community, Australian War Memorial, Lady Denman Museum, Maritime Museum
Geography and History Competition
Australian War Memorial ANZAC competition
Mock Trial
Medieval Day
The Envirothon
Sydney Financial Literacy Competition
Study Skills and Lecture days for Stage 6
. School Certificate tutorials
Interactive learning through technology
Guest speakers
Strategies to further enhance literacy:
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- 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