Human Society and its Environment is the study of how humans interact with the world, how society operates and how it is changing. Through the study of HSIE, students develop the skills to prepare them to actively and responsibly participate as informed citizens in the contemporary world.
HSIE is comprised of both History and Geography subjects. Students each year will study a Semester each of History and Geography. Wherever possible, local content and perspectives will be featured in units of work.
History
The aim of the History syllabus 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.
Aims
Through the study of history students:
- Develop knowledge and understanding about the nature of history and key concepts and developments from the past
- Develop knowledge and understanding about key historical concepts and develop skills to undertake the process of historical inquiry
- Value and appreciate history as a study of human experience
- Value and appreciate the opportunity to develop a lifelong interest in and enthusiasm for history
- Value and appreciate the nature of history as reflecting differing perspectives and viewpoints
- Value and appreciate the opportunity to contribute to a democratic and socially just society through informed citizenship
- Value and appreciate the contribution of past and present peoples to our shared heritage.
Geography
The aim of Geography in Years K–10 is to stimulate students’ interest in and engagement with the world. Through geographical inquiry they develop an understanding of the interactions between people, places and environments across a range of scales in order to become informed, responsible and active citizens.
Aims
Through the study of Geography, the students:
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the features and characteristics of places and environments across a range of scales
- Develop knowledge and understanding of interactions between people, places and environments
- Apply geographical tools for geographical inquiry
- Develop skills to acquire, process and communicate geographical information
- Value and appreciate Geography as a study of interactions between people, places and environments
- Value and appreciate the dynamic nature of the world
- Value and appreciate the varying perspectives of people on geographical issues
- Value and appreciate the importance of sustainability and intercultural understanding
- Value and appreciate the role of being informed, responsible and active citizens
