Human Society in its Environment (HSIE)

The Geography (Mandatory) course requires students to complete:

• 100 hours of Global Geography in Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8)
• 100 hours of Australian Geography in Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10)

Course Description:

Geography allows students to develop an understanding of and an interest in the interaction of the physical and human environments. Students will develop geographic knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes in order to engage in the community as informed and active citizens.

The syllabus has two key dimensions that form the basis for the study of all content in Geography:

• the spatial dimension – where things are and why they are there
• the ecological dimension – how humans interact with environments.

What will students learn about?

Global Geography consists of four focus areas in which students learn about the geographical processes and human interactions that shape global environments. They also learn about geographical issues and different perspectives about the issues; and develop an understanding of civics and appropriate methods of citizenship for individual and group responses to these issues.

Students of Australian Geography learn about the interaction of human and physical geography in a local context. They examine Australia’s physical environments and communities and explore how they are changing and responding to change. Students also look at Australia’s roles in its region and globally and how individuals and groups are planning for a better future. An important feature of the Australian Geography course is to allow students to become more informed and active citizens.

What will students learn to do?

Students learn to gather, process and communicate geographical information from a variety of primary and secondary sources. The study of Geography also provides opportunities for students to learn to use a wide range of geographical tools including information and communication technologies (ICT). Geographical tools, such as maps, graphs, statistics, photographs and fieldwork, assist students to gather, analyse and communicate geographical information in a range of formats.

Course Requirements

Fieldwork is an essential part of the study of Geography in Stages 4 and 5. In Stage 5, students are required to investigate a geographical issue through fieldwork by developing and implementing a research action plan.

School Certificate

Satisfactory completion of the mandatory study of Geography during Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) will be recorded with a grade on the student’s School Certificate Record of Achievement. In Year 10, students sit for the Australian History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship School Certificate test.

From the Board of Studies Course Descriptions, page 15.

The History (Mandatory) course requires students to complete:

• 100 hours of History in Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8)
• 100 hours of Australian History in Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10)

Course Description

History develops in young people an interest in and enjoyment of exploring the past. A study of History provides opportunities for examining events, people and societies from ancient, medieval and modern times, including twentieth century Australia. Opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of civics and citizenship are a feature throughout the Years 7–10 History syllabus.

What will students learn about?

In Years 7–8, students explore the nature of history, how historians investigate the past and the importance of conserving our heritage. Aspects of the ancient and medieval world are studied, including origins and daily life of the ancient world and beliefs and values of medieval societies. The nature of colonisation and contact history is also examined.

In Years 9–10, students learn of significant developments in Australia’s social, political and cultural history. Key topics include Federation, World War I (including Gallipoli), World War II (with the opportunity to focus on the experiences of Australians such as a POW, a nurse, or a soldier in one theatre of war), the Vietnam War era and the study of one decade’s social history in depth. Studies range from a Prime Minister to the experiences of a migrant group.

What will students learn to do?

Students learn to apply the skills of investigating history including analysing sources and evidence and sequencing major historical events to show an understanding of continuity, change and causation. Students develop research and communication skills, including the use of ICTs, and examine different perspectives and interpretations to develop an understanding of a wide variety of viewpoints. Students also learn to construct a logical historical argument supported by relevant evidence and to communicate effectively about the past to different audiences. Research activities could range from interviewing a Vietnam Veteran to examining newspaper accounts of the bombing of Darwin in WWII.

Particular Course Requirements

All students must complete a site study in Stage 4 and Stage 5.

School Certificate

Satisfactory completion of the mandatory study of History during Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) will be recorded with a grade on the student’s School Certificate Record of Achievement. In Year 10, students sit for the Australian History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship School Certificate test.

From the Board of Studies Course Descriptions, page 19.