In human society and its environment (HSIE), both subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
Students learn specific historical and geographical concepts and skills in history and geography. They also have an opportunity to learn more about people and the societies and environments in which they live through elective subjects in Years 7 to 10 (Stages 4 to 5).
A large number of individual subjects make up the key learning area of HSIE in which students:
- research, gather and analyse information
- question and make judgements
- write for a variety of purposes.
In Year 11 and 12, students can choose from a range of HSIE courses. These include:
- Aboriginal Studies
- Ancient History
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Geography
- History Extension
- Legal Studies
- Modern History
- Society and Culture
- Studies of Religion.
Legal Studies
Do you care? No, I mean, really - do you care about living in a just society? One that is fair to everyone? One where you can live in peace and harmony with others? One where those who don’t choose to behave in ways we all approve of are dealt with fairly and promptly? If you do, Legal Studies may be just what you are looking for - and you may end up being just the person the law is looking for to work for a better world from the inside . Sure, this course does look at politics and our laws, at how they are made and administered from the local to the global, but it is really about where they come from, why we need them and how we can use the legal system to improve our world. You will get a chance to openly and passionately debate some really hot topics, to explore your own moral compass and to defend the basic human rights you truly believe in. To care!
Business Studies
If you have ever wondered if running your own business is right for you, this course will help you find out. It is designed to equip you with the tools and perspectives to become that entrepreneur you have always had that nagging feeling you are. Management techniques, financial accounting and planning, strategic targeting, operational coordination, human resources and of course the dark arts of marketing and promotions - they are all in here and sound way scarier than they are . But above all, you get a chance to let your inner Elon Musk (Tesla), Gina Rinehart (Hancock Prospecting, 6th richest woman in the world), Bill Gates (Microsoft) , Beyonce and Jay Z (well, you know them…), Jeff Bezos (Amazon) or J K Rowling (someone called Harry?!) or (add in your own rich business hero here ….) escape and grow into the business owning you! And no, you do not have to have done Commerce or any other Stage 5 subject to join in - almost none of the people mentioned above did Commerce and look where they are now.