HSIE

The HSIE Department helps students to understand and appreciate the world and society around them. The department teaches Geography, History and Commerce in Years 7 to 10, and Society & Culture, Business Studies, Modern History, Ancient History, History Extension, Geography and Legal Studies in Years 11 and 12.



Year 7 - 10 Subjects

Geography

Geography allows students to develop enjoyment of and 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.

The syllabus has two key dimensions that form the basis for the study of all content in Geography:

The spatial dimension – where things are and why they are there.
The ecological dimension – how humans interact with environments.

The HSIE Team for 2009

Mr Glenn Wilkins (Head of HSIE)
Mrs Amy Woodward (Assistant Head of HSIE)
Mr Alastair McCallum
Mr Owen Laffin
Miss Alexis Windon
Mrs Colleen Kofron
Mrs Sarah Robinson
Mrs. Thea Turner

History

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.

Commerce

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.

Year 11 - 12 Subjects

Society & Culture

Society and Culture develops knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes essential to an appreciation of the social world. How the interaction of persons, society, culture, environment and time shape human behaviour is a central theme of study. Students develop an understanding of research methodologies and undertake research in an area of particular interest to them.
The research findings are presented for external assessment in the Personal Interest Project (PIP). The course deals with areas of interest and relevance to students.

Business Studies

Business Studies investigates the role, operation and management of businesses within our society. Factors in the establishment, operation and management of a small business are integral to this course. Students investigate the role of global business and its impact on Australian business. Students develop research and independent learning skills in addition to analytical and problem-solving competencies through their studies.

Modern History

The Preliminary course is structured to provide students with opportunities to investigate the role of key features, issues, individuals, groups, events and concepts from the C18th to the present using the methods of historical inquiry.
The HSC course provides the opportunity for students to investigate in depth a source-based study of World War I. They also study key features and issues in the history of ONE country during the C20th, ONE personality and ONE international study in peace and conflict.

Ancient History

The Preliminary course is structured to provide students with opportunities to investigate past people, groups, events, institutions, societies and historical sites from the sources available, by applying the methods used by historians and archaeologists.
The HSC course provides the opportunity for students to investigate in depth the range and nature of archaeological and written sources that provide evidence for a life in Pompeii and Herculaneum. They also study the key features and sources of an ancient society, historical period and ancient personality.

History Extension

HSC History Extension involves the study and evaluation of the ideas and processes used by historians to construct history. In Part 1 of the course, students investigate the question ‘What is history?’ through readings compiled in a source book and through one case study. In Part II, students design, undertake and communicate their own personal historical inquiry.

Geography

The Preliminary course investigates biophysical and human geography and develops students’ knowledge and understanding about the spatial and ecological dimensions of geography. Enquiry methodologies are used to investigate the unique characteristics of our world through fieldwork, geographical skills and the study of contemporary geographical issues.
The HSC course enables students to appreciate geographical perspectives about the contemporary world. There are specific studies about biophysical and human processes, interactions and trends. Fieldwork and a variety of case studies combine with an assessment of the geographers’ contribution to understanding our environment and demonstrates the relevance of geographical study.

Legal Studies

The Preliminary course develops students’ knowledge and understanding of the nature and functions of law and law-making, the development of Australian and international legal systems, the Australian constitution, and the role of the individual. This is achieved by investigating, analysing and synthesising legal information and investigating legal issues from a variety of perspectives.
The HSC course investigates the key areas of law, justice and human rights through a variety of focus studies which consider how changes in societies influence law reform.