Human Society and Its Environment
Welcome to the History & Social Sciences or H.S.I.E. Faculty.
In Stage 4 (Years 7 & 8) and Stage 5 (Years 9 & 10) students study both Geography and History , while in Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12) students choose from Aboriginal Studies, Ancient History , Business Studies , Geography , Legal Studies , Modern History and Society Culture. We also offer Business Services and Retail Services.
In Years 7 – 10 the study of Geography and History is mandatory and is one of the four core key teaching areas.
Staff are young, enthusiastic and highly skilled, committed to providing learning experiences that not only develop our students to their potential , but also encourage a love of learning generally and expertise in our subjects specifically.
Staff are Supervisors of Marking & Senior Markers as well as Markers at the H.S.C., and all undertake professional learning in their areas of expertise.
Structure of the Curriculum .
In Stages 4 and 5 all students study History and Geography.
Geography allows students to develop an understanding of and an interest in the interaction of the physical and human environments. Students will develop geographic knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes in order to engage in the community as informed and active citizens.
Students learn to gather, process and communicate geographical information from a variety of primary and secondary sources. The study of Geography also provides opportunities for students to learn to use a wide range of geographical tools (such as maps, graphs, statistics, photographs and fieldwork) and includes information and communication technologies ICT.
History develops in young people an interest in and
enjoyment of exploring the past.
A study of History provides opportunities
for examining events, people and
societies from ancient, medieval and modern times, including twentieth
century Australia.
Opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of
civics and citizenship are a feature throughout the Years 7–10
History syllabus.
Students learn to apply the skills of investigating history including analysing sources and evidence and sequencing major historical events to show an understanding of continuity, change and causation. Students develop research and communication skills, including the use of I.C.T s, and examine different perspectives and interpretations to develop an understanding of a wide variety of viewpoints. Students also learn to construct a logical historical argument supported by relevant evidence and to communicate effectively about the past to different audiences. Research activities are wide ranging.
Commerce , is an elective study offered in Years 9 & 10, and is a popular course.
Commerce enables young people to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and values that form the foundation on which they can make sound decisions about consumer, financial, legal, business and employment issues. It develops in students the ability to research information, apply problem-solving strategies and evaluate options in order to make informed and responsible decisions as individuals and as part of the community.
Subjects
Stage 4 Years 7 & 8 Geography
Investigating the World – Focus:
An introduction to the discipline of Geography and the nature of geographical inquiry.- Our world
- Geographical Research
- World Heritage Site
Global environments – Focus:
The geographical processes that form and transform global environments, and human interactions within environments.- choice of at least ONE global environment e.g. deserts
Global Change Focus:
The changing nature of the world and responses to these changes.- Global inequalities
- Global organisations
- Choice of at least ONE community and the way it interacts with the selected global environment
Global Issues and the Role of Citizenship Focus:
Global geographical issues and appropriate methods of citizenship for their management.- Global geographical issues
- At least TWO global geographical issues e.g. tourism
Stage 5 Year 9 Geography
Investigating Australia’s Physical Environments Focus:
The unique characteristics of Australia’s physical environments and the responses of people to the challenges they present.- The Australian continent
- Physical characteristics that make Australia unique
- ONE natural hazard
Changing Australian Communities Focus:
Ways in which communities in Australia are responding to change.- Human characteristics that make Australia unique
- Types of communities
- Factors causing change in Australian communities
- ONE Australian community
Year 10 Geography
Issues in Australian Environments Focus:
Ways in which geographical understanding contributes to the sustainable management of issues affecting the Australian environment.- Geographical issues
- TWO geographical issues affecting Australian environments
- We conduct a mandatory field study of Terrigal Beach and Wamberal Lagoon with all of our Year 10 students.
Australia in Its Regional and Global Contexts Focus:
Australia in its regional and global contexts and the roles of individuals and groups in planning for a better future.- The place of Australia in the world
- Australia’s regional and global links
- ONE regional and global link chosen from aid, defence, migration or trade
- Population
- Human rights and reconciliation
Stage 4 Years 7&8 History
Topic 2
Societies and Civilisations of the Past Inquiry questions- What can we learn about societies and civilisations of the past ?
- What have been the legacies of past societies and civilisations ?
Topic 3 Aboriginal and Indigenous Peoples, Colonisation and Contact History
Inquiry questions- What can we learn about Aboriginal and indigenous peoples ?
- What has been the nature and impact of colonisation on Aboriginal, indigenous and non-indigenous peoples ?
Topic 1 Australia to 1914
Inquiry questions- What was life like in Australia at the turn of the century?
- How and why did Federation occur?
- What were the voting rights of various groups in Australia at Federation?
- How and why was the Immigration Restriction Act of 1901 introduced?
Topic 2 Australia and World War I
Inquiry questions- Why did Australia become involved in World War I?
- What were the experiences of Australians in the Gallipoli campaign?
- How and why was the Anzac legend created?
- What was the impact of World War I on the Australian home front 1914–18?
Topic 3 Australia between the Wars
Inquiry questions- What were the differing experiences of various groups during the interwar period?
- What was the contribution and significance of at least ONE Australian, ONE important event and ONE political development during the interwar period?
Topic 4 Australia and World War II
Inquiry questions- Why was Australia involved in World War II?
- What were some of the experiences of Australians as a result of their involvement in the war?
- What was the impact of the war on the Australian home front?
- How did Australia’s relationship with Britain and the USA change during World War II?
Year 10 History
Topic 5 Australia in the Vietnam War Era
Inquiry questions- How did the Australian government respond to the threat of communism after WWII?
- Why did Australia become involved in the Vietnam War?
- How did various groups respond to Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War?
- What was the impact of the war on Australia and/or neighbouring countries?
Topic 6 Changing Rights and Freedoms
Inquiry question- How have the rights and freedoms of Aboriginal peoples and other groups in Australia changed during the post-war period ?
- ( Other areas of study possible are Migrants or Women )
Topic 7 People Power and Politics in the Post-war Period
Inquiry questions- What role has Australia played in international affairs in the post-war period?
- What have been some important political developments in post-war Australian history?
- How have significant individuals and groups exercised their democratic rights in the post-war period?
Topic 8: Australia’s Social and Cultural History in the Post-War Period
Inquiry question- What have been the major social and cultural features of a post-war decade?
Preliminary HSC Courses
Aboriginal Studies
This course is category A and is recognised by all universities. The content examines more than just Aboriginal peoples. Comparative studies include many cultures and indigenous peoples from across the world. It is an academically challenging course for everyone, not just Aboriginal students. Aboriginal Studies assists students to prepare for employment and full and active participation as citizens. Students experience the diversity of Aboriginal communities and interact with Aboriginal community members. The focus of the Preliminary Course is pre 1960. The Course outline is found below- Aboriginality and the Land
- Investigating Aboriginal peoples’ relationship to land & water.
- This involves a Field Study to local Aboriginal sites and the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary at Calga.
- Dispossession and dislocation
- The impact of British colonisation on land and water
- Heritage & Identity
- The Dreaming and cultural ownership
- The impact of colonisation on different cultures
- Colonialism Racism & Prejudice
- Aboriginal political and legal systems
- Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal responses to British colonisation
- Impact and consequences of dispossession and dislocation of Aboriginal peoples
- Research and Enquiry Methods
- Acquiring/processing/communicating information
- Consulting with the community.
Ancient History
The Preliminary Course is structured to provide students with opportunities to investigate past people, groups, events, institutions, societies and historical sites through archaeological and written sources by applying the methods used by historians, archaeologists and other related specialists and scholars The Course outline is found belowPart I: Introduction
- Investigating the Past: History, Archaeology and Science
- Case Studies
Part II: Studies of Ancient Societies, Sites and Sources
At least ONE study of ancient societies, sites and sources should be undertaken.Part III: Historical Investigation
The investigation can be integrated into any aspect of the Preliminary course and need not be completed as one project. It may be conducted individually or as part of a group. The investigation must not overlap or duplicate significantly any topic attempted for the HSC Ancient History or History Extension courses. The course includes- Investigating the Past: History, Archaeology and Science
- Case Study – Human Remains
- Case Study – The Trojan War
- Study of Society: Early New Kingdom Egypt
- Independent Historical Investigation
Business Studies
The Preliminary Course is based on a study of four compulsory topics and the completion of a Business Research Task. The ordering of topics is not prescriptive and in practice may be influenced by students’ needs, interests and access to case study and other resources. The Preliminary Course is as follows: Topic 1 – Nature of Business Topic 2 – Key Business Functions Topic 3 – Establishing a Business Topic 4 – Developing a Business Plan The Business Research Task : The Business Research Task is a project undertaken throughout the course to support course concepts.Geography
Geography is about the investigation of the world which provides an accurate description and interpretation of the varied character of the earth and its people. Students develop the ability to recognize and understand environmental change and the interactions which take place in our world. The Preliminary Course is as follows:- Biophysical Interactions
- Global Challenges
- Senior Geography Project
Legal Studies
The six themes that are incorporated across topic areas and reflected in the outcomes of the Preliminary and HSC courses are:- Justice , Law and Society
- Continuity and change
- Culture, values and ethics
- Legal process and institutions
- Conflict and cooperation
- Effectiveness of the legal system
The Legal System- Part I
In this part of the course, students learn to understand the nature and social functions of law and examine law-making processes and the institutions that administer and enforce the law in modern society.- Topic 1 Basic legal notions
- Topic 2 Sources of law:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customary law
- Contemporary Australian law
- International law
- Topic 3 The Constitutional System in Australia
The Individual and the State – Part II
In this part of the course, students learn to understand the role of law in national and international society in protecting the individual and the reciprocal obligations on individuals and governments to meet their own duties. Topics: Students learn about domestic and international duties expected of both governments and individuals.- Duties
- Rights
Part III – Law in Focus
In this part of the course, students learn to investigate and understand the nature of the struggle for legal justice by individuals belonging to particular groups. TWO focus groups chosen from:- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- People who have a mental illness or intellectual or physical disability
- Migrants
- People who are socio economically disadvantaged
- Women
- Members of any other groups covered by human rights legislation, including anti-discrimination legislation.
Modern History
The Preliminary Course is structured to provide students with opportunities to investigate key features, individuals, groups, events, concepts and historiographical issues in a range of historical contexts as background for their HSC studies. The Preliminary Course is as follows :Part I: Case Studies
At least TWO case studies should be undertaken.- The Decline and Fall of the Romanov Dynasty
- Bismarck and the unification of the German states
- Decolonisation in Indochina 1945–1954
- The Cuban Revolution and its impact in Latin America
Part II: Historical Investigation
The historical investigation is designed to provide opportunities for all students to further develop relevant investigative, research and presentation skills that are the core of the historical inquiry process. The historical investigation should extend a particular area of individual student or group interest. The investigation can be integrated into any aspect of the Preliminary course and need not be completed as one project.Part III – CORE Study – Europe on the Eve of the Twentieth Century.
HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE COURSES
Aboriginal Studies
The focus for the HSC is post 1960. The course aims to provide an in-depth knowledge of legislation, policy, judicial processes and current events. Social Justice and Human Rights Issues are examined as source bases structured answers.Students study discrimination, inequality and efforts to redress these challenges. Focus areas of study include Aboriginal health, education, economic independence and criminal justice issues. Comparisons are made with international Indigenous communities.
Structured essays are again used in the HSC examination to focus on Aboriginality and the Land. Here issues of native title and the importance of land and water rights are to Aboriginal peoples are studied. Another option is Heritage and Identity which may focus on contemporary expressions of Aboriginal heritage including languages, art, dance and culture in general.
Research and Inquiry Methods are reflected in a Major Project which may encompass a range of topics from Aboriginal art or dance to land rights, to Aboriginal people in sport, family trees, bush medicine, contemporary bush foods, Aboriginal site management and environmental protection.
Ancient History
Our students study the Core Area of : Pompeii & Herculaneum For the Historical Period we study : The Augustan Age Ancient Societies : Bronze Age Greece Minoan Crete Personalities in their Time : Near East - XerxesBusiness Studies
Topic 1 : Business Management and Change The focus of this topic is to examine the nature and responsibilities of management within a changing business environment from a theoretical and practical perspectiveTopic 2 :Financial Planning and Management The focus of this topic is to develop an understanding of the role of financial planning within business operation and management and the interpretation of financial information.
Topic 3 Marketing The focus of this topic is to develop an understanding of the nature and role of marketing in a business and the main elements involved in the development and implementation of successful marketing strategies.
Topic 4: Employment Relations The focus of this topic is to understand the nature of effective employment relations and their importance to business operation and society.
Topic 5: Global Business The focus of this topic is to examine the implications of globalisation on business structure, functions and management. One of the features of the course is the Case Study which engages students in research and in a very practical way demonstrates the theory learned in practical application.
Geography
The course follows the following topics:- Ecosystems at Risk
- Urban Places
- People and Economic Activity
Legal Studies
The emphasis in Year 12 is :- Law and justice
- Human rights
- Justice, law and society
- Culture, values and ethics
- Continuity and change
- Legal processes and institutions
- Conflict and co-operation
- Effectiveness of the legal system
Topic 1 – Law and Justice has as its principal focus that : Students understand the nature of law and justice, the place of law in society and the values that are embodied in the legal system.
Topic 2 – Human Rights has as its Principal Focus that Students understand the notion of individual and collective human rights and the extent to which the law embodies such human rights and promotes them in practice. The depth of attention needs to be on the protection of human rights in Australia and the evolution of the recognition of human rights in international law.
Part II – Focus Study: Crime requires a study of the operation of the legal system.
In applying the framework, students explain and understand legal processes and institutions within the context of crime and understand the tension between community interests and individual rights and freedom.Part III – Additional Focus Studies
Study of the operation of the legal system. Students apply the areas and themes of the framework to TWO focus studies chosen from:- Consumers
- Family
- Global environment
- Indigenous peoples
- Shelter
- Technological change
- Workplace
- World
Modern History
Modern History in Year 12 deals with the 20th Century in either Europe or Asia or the Americas. The only topic that is studied throughout the state is World War 1.Part I: Core Study: World War I 1914–1919: A Source-based Study The principal focus of this unit of work for students is that students use different types of sources and acquired knowledge to investigate key features, issues, individuals, groups and events in the study of World War I. Students learn about:
- War on the Western Front
- The home fronts in Britain and Germany
- Turning points
- Allied Victory
In this topic the principal focus is that Students investigate key features and issues in the history of ONE country during a specific period of the twentieth century. Our focus is Option C Germany 1918-1939. The principal focus for this unit is that students develop an understanding of change and continuity in the context of Germany between World War I and World War II. Students learn about:
- The establishment of German democracy
- The Weimar republic, governance and collapse
- The Rise of Nazism
- Nazism in Germany 1933-1939
- Certificate II - Retail Services.
Category B
This course is based on units of competency, which have been developed by the retail industry to describe the competencies, skills and knowledge required by workers in the industry.
Students concentrate on developing a range of fundamental skills required to prepare them to work effectively in a retail environment. These include oral and written communication skills, teamwork skills, efficient use of retail equipment, sales and merchandising techniques, security operations as well as occupational health and safety competencies.
An optional HSC Examination is able to be undertaken in Year 12 that can contribute to the University Admissions Index (UAI) for university entrance.
The regional information sheet is available for download - Download here