HSIE

In human society and its environment (HSIE), the subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10, where students study specific historical and geographical concepts and skills.

Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) challenges students to be active and informed citizens through their investigation of people, places and events. From Year 7 to 10, students will explore the world around them through their investigation in History and Geography subjects. Through the development of skills relating to analysis, evaluation and synthesis, students will increase their understanding and become contributing members of the complex world in which they live. There exists an undisputable connection between the study of Geography and History, with the study of both contributing to an enhanced understanding of people, places, communities and events.

In our HSIE curriculum, we currently feature:

An innovative ‘hands on’ approach to understanding historical sources and concepts and geographical data.
Excursions to places of historical significance and geographical field studies.
Competitions allowing students to acquire a deeper level of understanding, through the application of their knowledge.
Contemporary texts and resources.
An enthusiastic, committed staff with expertise in delivering the new syllabus to students.
The continued commitment to offer a wide range of courses to students.

In Years 7 and 8, both Mandatory History and Geography have a global and regional focus, through which students further develop the analytical skills introduced to them during their primary schooling. These skills are also applied in Years 9 and 10, where both courses adopt a more complex focus.

The revised National Curriculum syllabus for both History and Geography provides an opportunity for students to engage in an investigation of Australia’s neighbours, incorporating the study of indigenous peoples of the world and the ancient world. At Glenwood High School, we aim to expose students to a wide variety of cultures and a range of perspectives, in order to increase their understanding of the contribution of past and present people to our shared heritage.

Information Communication Technology (ICT) is embedded in classroom learning activities, assessment and extension. This provides teachers with an opportunity to address the issues of responsible and critical use of the internet and to model best use of computer applications. Many digital resources provide immersive learning experiences for students including BYOD, encouraging them to explore issues from a range of perspectives.

In addition to Mandatory History and Geography, Year 9 and 10 students are provided with the opportunity to further pursue their interests through the options of History Elective, Geography Elective, Commerce and International Studies.

History Elective aims to expose students to a greater breadth of topic areas, encouraging them to explore a range which are not available in the mandatory course. Similarly, Geography Elective allows students to apply their understanding of the forces which shape our world through the exploration of contemporary geographical issues.

Commerce equips students with the skills required to make considered financial, political, business and legal decisions. The topics they explore relate to current events, and assist them to develop the skills they will need as they interact with their world as young adults.

International Studies allows students the opportunity to engage in wide ranging global issues, and their impact on both a global and regional level. This helps to underpin certain values in regards to active citizenship, and critical discernment of media and information, in order to further their own comprehension of the world and their place in it.

In Years 11 and 12, students have the opportunity to focus on their particular interests through a range of courses, as outlined below.

Ancient History

It is intended that students gain a deeper understanding of the present through their investigation of the past. Their interpretation of written and archaeological sources for the evidence they provide allows students to learn more about the ancient world.

Modern History

The study of Modern History aims to provide students with an awareness of the transformations that have taken place from the late eighteenth century to the present. As many of the events and issues investigated are still current, there exists relevance to the lives of students. Analytical, research and communication skills developed throughout the course will benefit students as they enter the workforce.

History Extension

In Year 12, students who have shown exceptional ability in either the Modern or Ancient stream of History will be invited to participate in History Extension. This course challenges students to develop their understanding of how historians work, through the exploration of historical readings and a case study on an area of debate.

Geography

Investigation of the world which provides an accurate description and interpretation of the varied character of the Earth and its people. Students engage with the ecological dimension, considering how many humans interact with environments, and spatial dimensions, that focus on where things are, why they are there and how people interact differently with environments in different places.

Society and Culture

This subject concerns itself with the interaction of persons, societies, cultures, environments and times. To achieve an understanding of how they interact, students explore the cultural continuities and changes within societies and cultures. This is achieved through the completion of in-depth studies, and a Personal Interest Project (PIP), in which students engage in the research process to further their awareness of the world around them.

Business Studies

The study of the business world encourages students to think critically about the role of business, and the nature of its interactions with society. Through the use of contemporary business case studies, students explore issues that they may encounter as consumers, employees or employers.

Economics

Through the use of media articles, government policies and different theories, students investigate contemporary economic issues. This in turn allows them to understand the potential impact of decisions on an economy and the businesses which engage within them.

Legal Studies

Developing an understanding of the laws in place to guide and protect us prepares students of Legal Studies to be active and informed citizens. Being aware of the way in which laws are generated, structured and implemented allows students to appreciate the legal process in Australia and abroad.

Studies of Religion II

By engaging in source analysis, media reading and wide study, students have the opportunity to further their knowledge and comprehension of religious institutions and faiths across the world. Along with this, they develop an understanding for the role these systems, and faith generally, have in the modern world.

The Human Society and its Environment faculty aims to develop our students into well-informed and active global citizens.

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