Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) is a diverse key learning area that focuses on how humans interact with the world, how society operates, and how it is changing. Through the studies of the various subjects offered in HSIE, students are provided with an opportunity to develop a range of skills to enable them to engage fully as active citizens in our world.
STAGE 4
History
Students in Stage 4 History will investigate ancient history from the time of the earliest human communities to the end of the ancient period (approximately 60 000 BC – c. 650 AD).
6 depth studies will be undertaken throughout the Stage 4 Course. Topics that could be covered include:
- Investigating the Ancient Past
- Ancient Rome
- Japan and the Shoguns
- Ancient China
- Medieval Europe
- The Spanish Conquest of the Americas
Geography
The aim of Geography 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. Throughout Stage 4 Geography, students engage in the application of geographical content, skills and concepts throughout the topics of:
- Landscapes and Landforms
- Place and Liveability
- Water in the World
- Interconnections
- Geographical Skills
The Stage 4 Geography course involves a mandatory field trip or an engagement in a virtual field study to rainforests, wetlands, or coastal areas.
STAGE 5
History
The Stage 5 History Course focuses on Australian modern history, covering the time period from the late 1800s to the present day. Students learn about significant developments in the making of the modern world and Australia. Topics studied in Stage 5 History could include:
- Australians at War (World Wars I & II)
- Rights and Freedoms of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
- Industrial Revolution
- The Globalising World – Popular Culture
Geography
In Stage 5 Geography, students will explain the processes that transform places and environments, and explain the likely consequences of these changes. Students will engage in the application of geographical content, skills and concepts through the study of:
- Sustainable Biomes
- Changing Places
- Environmental Change and Management
- Human Wellbeing
The Stage 5 Geography course involves a mandatory field trip or an engagement in a virtual field study to rainforests, wetlands, or coastal areas.
Stage 5 Electives
The study of HSIE electives in Stage 5 provides students with knowledge, skills and values that link well to HSIE subjects offered in Stage 6. Students are offered the opportunity to select the following HSIE Elective subjects:
- Commerce
- History Elective
- Geography Elective
- Work Education
STAGE 6
In Stage 6, HSIE provides students the opportunity to study across a broad range of subject areas. These include:
- Ancient History
- Business Studies
- Geography
- History Elective (HSC only)
- Legal Studies
- Modern History
- Work Studies
For further information on HSIE Courses offered in Stage 6, please contact the HSIE Faculty.