Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)

In Human Society and its Environment (HSIE), both subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10. There are also a number of senior social science subjects on offer for Year 11 and 12 students.

Throughout these courses, students explore specific historical, geographical and/or social science concepts, perspectives, terminology and skills. They also have an opportunity to learn more about people and the societies and environments in which humans live through. 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

Stage 4 & 5 - Mandatory History and Geography

History is taught in Terms 1-2 for all Year 7-10 students.
History is a disciplined process of inquiry into the past that helps to explain how people, events and forces from the past have shaped our world. It allows students to locate and understand themselves and others in the continuum of human experience up to the present. History provides opportunities for students to explore human actions and achievements in a range of historical contexts. Students become aware that history is all around us and that historical information may be drawn from the physical remains of the past as well as written, visual and oral sources of evidence.

Geography is taught in Terms 3-4 for all Year 7-10 students. Geography is the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. It is a rich and complex discipline that integrates knowledge from natural sciences, social sciences and humanities to build a holistic understanding of the world. 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.

Stage 5 - Elective Commerce

Commerce is offered to Year 9 students as a 2-year elective course they can complete throughout Year 9 and 10. Commerce provides the knowledge, understanding, skills and values that form the foundation on which young people make sound decisions about consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, political and employment issues. It develops in students an understanding of commercial and legal processes and competencies for personal consumer and financial management. Through the study of Commerce students develop consumer and financial literacy which enables them to participate in the financial system in an informed way.

Stage 6 Courses

In Year 11 and 12, students can choose from a range of HSIE courses. These include:

• Ancient History
  The study of Ancient History engages students in an investigation of life in early societies based on the analysis and interpretation of physical and written remains. It offers students the opportunity to investigate the possible motivations and actions of individuals and groups, and how they shaped the political, social, economic and cultural landscapes of the ancient world. Ancient History stimulates students’ curiosity and imagination and enriches their appreciation of humanity by introducing them to a range of cultures and beliefs as well as to the origins and influences of ideas, values and behaviours that are still relevant in the modern world.
• Business Studies
  As a course, Business Studies is distinctive in that it encompasses the theoretical and practical aspects of business in contexts which students can encounter throughout their lives. Conceptually, it offers learning from the planning of a small business to the management of operations, marketing, finance and human resources in large businesses. Through the analysis of contemporary business strategies the course also provides rigour and depth and lays an excellent foundation for students either in tertiary study or in future employment.
• Legal Studies
  Students of Legal Studies Stage 6 can develop an understanding of legal concepts and the way the law functions in our society. The syllabus focuses on the way in which law is generated, how it is structured and how it operates in Australian and international contexts. Students can develop an understanding of the implications that legal decisions can have for Australian society and the ways in which the legal system can affect the lives of Australian citizens. A critical understanding of the processes of reform and change can help students to contribute to making our society more equitable for all.
• Modern History
  The study of Modern History engages students in an investigation of the forces that have shaped the world, based on the analysis and interpretation of sources. It offers students the opportunity to investigate the possible motivations and actions of individuals and groups, and how they have shaped the world politically, culturally, economically and socially. Modern History stimulates students’ curiosity and imagination, and enriches their appreciation of humanity by introducing them to a range of historical developments and experiences that have defined the modern world.
• Society and Culture
  The central goal of Society and Culture Stage 6 is the development of social and cultural literacy and a clear understanding of the interaction of persons, societies, cultures, environments and time. The influence of other aspects of societies and cultures – including power, authority, identity, gender, technologies and globalisation – is also central to the course. Students are provided with essential concepts, skills, competencies and knowledge to encourage a process of independent thinking that can be used to explain patterns of behaviour, solve problems, and engage in and actively contribute to all levels of society.
  *Note: this course involves a major project: A Personal Interest Project*

Stage 6 VET Courses

There are also TWO Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses offered in HSIE. These courses can result in a Certificate III in the achieved course. These courses provide skills, knowledge and experiences such as teamwork, communication and OH&S—that are transferable to other industry areas. Students gain industry experience through role play simulations and work placements, the latter of which requires 70 hours of Work Placement to be completed (35 hours in Year 11 and 35 hours in Year 12).

• Retail Services
• Business Services