Humanities and Social Science (HaSS)
In the Australian Curriculum, the Humanities and Social Sciences learning area includes a study of history, geography, civics and citizenship and economics and business. Through studying Humanities and Social Sciences, students will develop the ability to question, think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, make decisions and adapt to change. The Humanities and Social Science subjects in the Australian Curriculum provide a broad understanding of the world in which we live, and how people can participate as active and informed citizens with high-level skills needed for the 21st century.
All students in Years 7-9 engage in a semester of History, Civics and Citizenship, followed by a semester of Geography, Economics, and Business, or vice versa. In Year 10, they delve into History during their first semester and have the freedom to choose a specialised HaSS course for their second semester studies. A particular emphasis is placed on the vital processes of sourcing, analysing, evaluating, and crediting sources, which form the cornerstone of all academic endeavours.
Year 7
Semester One
Ancient Civilizations including Deep Time History Australia:
This unit invites students to explore the ancient world, covering the migration of humans from Africa around 60,000 BCE and the subsequent development of societies, including Deep Time History Australia. Topics include the cultural evidence found in art, writing tools, and pottery, along with essential aspects of ancient societies such as agriculture, trade, social organisation, religion, and governance. Possible civilizations for study are Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and India.
Students will learn about theories concerning early First Nations Australians' arrival and migration across Australia, their status as the world's oldest continuous cultures, and their adaptation to environmental changes. They will also study the technological advancements and regional variations in their daily life and resource management, as well as the evolving social structures and cultural traditions. Students will explore the cultural responsibilities regarding heritage sites and collaborative preservation efforts.
Civics and Citizenship:
Students explore democracy and Australia's federal system alongside ancient civilizations' governance.They analyse how values shape democracy, understand Australia's legal system principles, and investigate how it ensures justice and protects individual rights. They examine how our secular government fosters unity through shared values, promoting societal cohesion.
Semester Two
Geography:
In this unit, students explore the vital role of water in sustaining life, focusing on Australia's waterways and global water systems.They delve into environmental appreciation, grasp the challenges of water scarcity, and study the planning and management of living spaces. Students will also learn the cultural connectedness of people to places and how this influences their identity, sense of belonging and perceptions of a place, in particular the cultural connectedness of First Nations Australians to Country/Place
Business and Economics:
Aligned with the water and liveability theme, this module delves into the financial aspects of human-environment interactions, both locally and globally. Students study economic concepts such as needs versus wants, income, expenditure, and business acumen, enhancing their general life skills in the process. They study the reasons businesses exist and how different types of businesses provide goods and services
Year 8
Semester One
History and Civics and Citizenship:
Students will delve into historical periods focusing on medieval Europe, The Renaissance and the Emergence of the Modern world. This includes understanding the contextual background, chronological progression, and overarching historical patterns. They will explore the significance of major religions like Christianity and Islam, alongside key medieval aspects such as feudalism, trade routes, voyages of discovery, intercultural interactions, conflicts, and the origins of influential ideas shaping the early modern era and beyond.
Students will also be given the opportunity to study one topic from either of the following two substrands of history:
Empires and expansions:
Mongol Empire (c.1206–c.1368)
Ottoman Empire (c.1299–c.1683)
Vikings (c.790–c.1066)
The Spanish conquest of the Americas (c.1492–c.1572)
Asia-Pacific:
Angkor/Khmer Empire (c.802–c.1431)
Japan under the Shoguns (c.794–1867)
Polynesian expansion across the Pacific (c.700–1756)
Students will learn about active citizenship in Australia, including the role of elections, political parties, interest groups, media, and individuals in influencing government and decision-making. They explore the legislative process and different types of laws in Australia.
Semester Two
Business and Economics:
Students will delve into consumer and retailer rights and responsibilities, particularly regarding scams, while also examining the economic ramifications of natural disasters and the costs and benefits of migration. Students will deepen their understanding of commerce within Australia. Students will study how First Nations Australian businesses and entrepreneurs create market opportunities, as well as gain an understanding of the impact of Australia's taxation system on decision-making for individuals and businesses.
Geography:
Landforms and landscapes focuses on geomorphology, exploring landscapes and their landforms. Students will analyse the significance of landscapes to society, including associated values and meanings. The unit will also build on their existing understanding of natural disasters and landscape hazards. Unit two, Changing Nations allows students to explore the evolving human geography of various countries, examining population distribution and the impact of urbanisation on Australia, Asia, and or the USA. The unit also delves into internal and international migration, as well as the factors influencing individuals' decisions regarding work, residence, and recreation.
Year 9
Semester One
Business and Economics:
Students explore Australia's role in the global economy, especially its trade ties with Asian nations and the impact on resource allocation. They analyse how businesses establish and sustain competitive advantages, considering the interdependence of global economic actors in decision-making. Students assess consumer and financial risks and rewards, investigating how Australia's financial sector affects economic decision-making and contributes to prosperity. They also examine how the financial sector responds to challenges affecting people's lives and choices.
Geography:
In Biomes and food security, students will explore the diverse biomes around the world and their importance as sources of food and fibre. They'll investigate how these biomes are distributed and their crucial role in food production and ensuring food security. Students will delve into the effects of changing biomes and the challenges faced in sustaining food production in the future focusing on Australia and a country in Asia.
Students will examine and understand how their actions and choices connect them to places globally, influencing and shaping environments in Geographies and interconnections. By examining the products they consume and their production impacts, they'll understand better how their decisions affect different places. They'll also explore the management of tourism and trade impacts on various locations and the strategies for managing the impacts on these places.
Semester Two
History and Civics and Citizenship:
This unit delves into the period from 1750 to 1918, focusing on significant features such as the Industrial Revolution and its impact on living and working conditions. Students will also explore the movements of people during this time, including imperial expansion, slavery, and the migration of convicts and settlers.
Students will delve into key aspects of World War I, particularly the making and transforming of the Australian nation, examining its global significance. Topics include the war's origins, the Gallipoli Campaign, the Western Front, the conscription debate in Australia, and the commemoration of the war.
Students will grasp the Australian Constitution's significance in shaping the federal government and democratic processes, alongside the mechanisms for constitutional amendments via referendums. They'll delve into the functions of courts, judges, lawyers, and juries in trials, while examining the rights of both accused individuals and victims. Students will explore the participation and contributions of various groups, including community, religious, and cultural entities, to civic life in Australia and global citizenship.
Year 10:
Semester One
History:
In this unit, students will explore key events spanning from 1918 to the present day, focusing on evolving historical perspectives throughout the 20th century. Topics include advancements in technology, public health, longevity, living standards, and environmental sustainability. Major events like the Holocaust and the use of atomic bombs in Japan will be examined.
The course will delve into the causes and impacts of these events, particularly how they shaped Australia in the post-World War II era. Emphasis will be placed on the effects on First Nations Australians, with a focus on their campaigns for rights and freedoms prior to 1965. Students will study the women's movement in Australia, analysing its impact on women's roles and status. The course will also explore ongoing efforts to promote civil rights and freedoms for First Nations Australians’, migrants, and women in shaping modern Australia.
Semester Two
Year 10s will have the opportunity to elect a specific course of study in Term 2 for their second semester of HaSS. In 2024 these are some of the courses that may be offered:
Ancient History:
Students will investigate the historical journey of the Roman Empire, from its ascent to its decline and eventual collapse. They will examine Rome's advancements in culture, military, politics, and technology, evaluating both the significant transformations and lasting legacies of this period. Students will analyse the various historical interpretations of the Roman Empire, exploring diverse viewpoints on prominent figures and events.
In the latter segment of the course, students will undertake a capstone project. They will utilise their acquired skills to autonomously choose and extensively research an ancient civilization of their choosing.
Geography:
Students will have the opportunity to study environmental change and management, looking at what causes changes to environments and how various groups manage these changes and their impacts with a focus on Indigenous land management through Australia and the world. In the study of Geography of Human wellbeing, students will explore the impact of the world around us and how it affects people’s wellbeing, both economically and physically. Throughout this unit students will explore the impact of historical and contemporary factors on Indigenous peoples and their wellbeing.
Business and economics:
Students will analyse the impact of economic indicators on Australian Government decisions, government interventions to enhance economic performance and living standards. They will look at how business workforce management processes boost productivity as well as the significance of Australia's superannuation system on consumer and financial choices. Students will understand the factors influencing major consumer and financial decisions, and the short- and long-term effects of these decisions.
Legal Studies:
Legal Studies explores the purpose, formation, and various types of laws in modern Australian society. By studying legal institutions and parliamentary processes, students grasp the reasons behind law development and its role in addressing societal power imbalances.This unit cultivates strong analytical, research, and logical skills, enabling students to construct coherent, fact-based arguments about law effectiveness and identify areas for future legal reform.
Psychology:
This course provides students with an introduction to the intricacies of the human brain and societal operations. It encompasses a wide array of subjects such as socialisation, the ongoing nature versus nurture discourse, adolescence and youth culture, factors shaping individual behaviours, social dialogues, and issues of capital and privilege. It is designed for students who are interested in how humans think, feel and behave and develops students’ skills to think critically and to understand the scientific basis and methods in the study of human behaviour.