Humanities and Social Sciences is the study of human behaviour and interaction in social, cultural, environmental, economic and political contexts. Humanities and Social Sciences has a historical and contemporary focus, from personal to global contexts, and considers opportunities and challenges for the future.
In the Western Australian Curriculum, the Humanities and Social Sciences learning area comprises four subjects: Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business, Geography and History. By studying Humanities and Social Sciences, students will develop the ability to question; think critically; make decisions based on evidence; devise proposals for actions; and communicate effectively.
Thinking about, reflecting on, and responding to issues requires an understanding of the key historical, geographical, political, legal, economic, business and societal factors involved, and how these different factors interrelate.
The Humanities and Social Sciences subjects provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to develop a broad understanding of the world in which we live and how people can participate as active and informed citizens in the 21st century.
Develop in students:
- a deep knowledge and sense of wonder, curiosity and respect for places, people, cultures, events, ideas and environments throughout the world
- a lifelong sense of belonging to, and engagement with, civic life, with the capacity and willingness to be informed, responsible, ethical and active participants in society at a local, national and global scale
- a knowledge, understanding and an appreciation of the past and the forces that shape society
- the ability to think critically, solve problems, make informed decisions and propose actions in relation to real-world events and issues
- enterprising behaviours and capabilities that enable them to be active participants and decision-makers in matters affecting them, which can be transferred into life, work and business opportunities
- an understanding of, and commitment to, the concepts of sustainability to bring about equity and social justice
- a knowledge and understanding of the connections among the peoples of Asia, Australia and the rest of the world.
Humanities is the study of people and where they live. Whilst the focus covers the four main areas of History, Geography, Economics and Civics; another key aim is to be equipping students to retrieve information and apply their knowledge in a meaningful way in the 21st Century.
The Geography strand covers two main areas: Water in the world – which investigates water as a resource and ways of overcoming the issues of water scarcity. Place and Liveability explores factors that influence where people live, and also strategies that enhance the liveability of places for young people.
The History unit explores the Ancient World and gives students the chance to understand how historians and archaeologists investigate the past and then study an ancient society in depth for themselves.
From here students move on to understanding how wants and needs can be satisfied with a focus on why individuals work; the different types of work available and how people derive an income. Finally students finish off the year looking at Australia’s legal system and how it provides justice and a citizen’s role within the law. Students gain an appreciation for some of our key freedoms within democracy processes and how we can all contribute in a meaningful way.
Humanities and Social Sciences is the study of people and their interactions with each other and the environment. In Year 8 our focus is guided by the West Australian Curriculum to incorporate the strands of Geography, History, Civics and Economics.
Year 8 Geography explores the different types of landscapes we have in Australia and the connection to country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. We also explore the dangerous world of geomorphic hazards and consider how we can prevent, mitigate and prepare for such events.
Our major historical focus of study is the Medieval world (including a depth study of the Black Death). This allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the lives of people in the Middle Ages society and feast, debate and celebrate surviving the Plague!
In Civics and Citizenship students explore civil and criminal law through case studies and conduct a mock trial to demonstrate their understanding of the legal process. The year is rounded out by participating in the Real Game which is a simulation of real life money management. Students get jobs, an income and pay taxes, and budget and plan holidays. This is a fantastic interactive experience which covers aspects of the Economics course.
The aim of the HASS course is to develop in students a sense of wonder, curiosity, knowledge and interest about the world we live in. Students will have their confidence and creativity built across a range of skills, and will be able to use these skills to extend their knowledge, make sense of new situations and to solve problems.
This course is structured on the Western Australian Curriculum, and covers units on History, Geography, Economics and Civics. Students are also provided with rich learning opportunities on excursions and with guest speakers. A particularly engaging learning activity students complete in this year is the investigation on a social issue of the student’s choice. This culminates with all students presenting their findings at a Community Presentation Night. With the generous support of the Denmark RSL, students in Year 9 also reflect on “The Spirit of ANZAC” with one student being given the opportunity to visit the National War Memorial with a parent, paid for by the RSL.
The aim of the Humanities and Social Sciences course is to develop in students a sense of wonder, curiosity, knowledge and interest about the world we live in. Students will have their confidence and creativity built across a range of skills, and will be able to use these skills to extend their knowledge, make sense of new situations and to solve problems.
The Year 10 course is structured on the Western Australian Curriculum, and covers units on History, Geography, Economics and Civics. Students rotate classes through Terms 1-3 as each unit is delivered by a specialist teacher in that area. Students are provided with rich learning opportunities on excursions and with guest speakers. They are also given the opportunity to participate in challenging nation-wide competitions such as the ASX Stock Market Game, and the Australian Geography Competition.
Across the units, issues are studied at a range of scales, from the local to the global. In History, students investigate World War 2 and the reshaping of the modern world post-war. In Geography, we look at ways in which humans impact on the environment, and how we can act in a more sustainable manner. In Economics, students examine economic performance and how it is related to living standards.
The three cross curriculum priorities identified in the Australian Curriculum are firmly embedded within the units delivered by the HaSS department. These areas of priority are: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures; Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia; and Sustainability.
Geography ATAR
The study of the Geography ATAR course draws on students’ curiosity about the diversity of the world’s places and their peoples, cultures and environments. It provides students with the knowledge and understanding of the nature, causes and consequences of natural and ecological hazards, international integration in a range of spatial contexts, land cover transformations, and the challenges affecting the sustainability of places. In the ATAR course, students learn how to collect information from primary and secondary sources, such as field observation and data collection, mapping, monitoring, remote sensing, case studies and reports.
Modern History ATAR
Studying the Modern History ATAR course enables students to become critical thinkers and helps inform their judgments and actions in a rapidly changing world. Students are exposed to a variety of historical sources, including government papers, extracts from newspapers, letters, diaries, photographs, cartoons, paintings, graphs and secondary sources, in order to determine the cause and effect, and the motives and forces influencing people and events. Through the process of historical inquiry, students are encouraged to question and evaluate historical sources; identify various representations and versions of history; use evidence to formulate and support their own interpretations; and communicate their findings in a variety of ways.
Geography General Year 11 and 12
- Unit 1: Earth in Crisis
- Unit 2: Changing Places
- Unit 3: Natural and Ecological Hazards
- Unit 4: Global Networks and Interconnections
The General Geography course is designed for students who are interested in and curious about the places we live. Are you keen to explore new places when you leave school? Are you fascinated by news of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and bushfires? Do you love wild animals? Are you passionate about protecting the natural environment? Would you rather be running barefoot through the bush than being at school? If you said “YES!” to any of those questions, then you’ll be interested in Senior School General Geography. The course is organised into a Year 11 syllabus and a Year 12 syllabus which increase in complexity from one year to the next. The course gets you thinking about the environmental challenges facing Australia and the global community. You’ll look at the ways in which people interact with the natural environment, and why it isn’t easy for everyone to agree on solutions to the problems which arise. Throughout the year you’ll have the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom, going on excursions and completing fieldwork; as well as welcoming in to the classroom a range of interesting guest speakers. Students will also focus on developing their mapping skills in both Year 11 and 12.
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