HSIE News
A day in the life of a HSIE student in 2020
In an era that is increasingly culturally diverse and dynamically interconnected, it is important that students come to understand their world, past and present. They develop a capacity to respond to challenges, now and in the future, in innovative, informed, personal and collective ways. Each day your child has the opportunity to explore their world in a range of exciting ways:-
- either in history or geography in Years 7 to 10;
- through the elective Commerce in Years 9 or 10 and
- in Year 11 and 12 through Ancient History, Business Studies, Economics, Geography, Legal Studies and Modern History.
Covid 19 and the bushfires of New Years 2020 are very much a part of your child’s life. Regardless of which course they are currently studying the students together explore the impact these issues have had on the Australian economy and daily life. The courses play an important role in fostering your child’s curiosity and imagination about the world they live in and empowers them to:-
- actively shape their lives;
- make reflective, informed decisions;
- value their belonging in a diverse and dynamic society; and positively contribute locally, nationally, regionally and globally.
Thinking about and responding to issues requires an understanding of different perspectives; the key historical, geographical, political, economic and societal factors involved; and how these different factors interrelate.
Year 7 Humanities are currently studying ‘Ancient Rome’ and ‘China’. They are exploring the challenges of daily life in ancient societies and how the people overcame their problems. Your child has had the chance to question, think critically and communicate their knowledge.
Year 8 are just finishing a unit entitled ‘Place and Liveability’. How relevant!! Which country or city would you rather live in right now? Your child has been guided through the process of making a survey to look more deeply into the local environment they live in and problem solve the issues they have recognised.
Year 9 are studying ‘Biomes’ and how man manages the environment to ensure food security. Droughts and flooding rains appear to be the new normal. Climate change is often a part of today’s conversation. Your child has researched the challenges that man faces in a number of communities around the world and importantly, in Australia.
Year 10 are in the last weeks of the topic unit entitled ‘Rights and Freedoms’. The “black lives matter” protests are now part of their history as people continue the fight for recognition of human rights. Hopefully your child is a more informed citizen who will help the government to make better policies as a consequence of this study.
Our senior classes have a very prescriptive syllabus to follow which include contemporary issues throughout the topics. Through the Humanities and Social Sciences, students become well placed to contribute to Australia’s ideas of a cohesive society, sustainable environment, productive economy and stable democracy.
