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.