Humanities

The Humanities includes Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business, Geography and History.

The Humanities provide a framework for students to examine the complex processes that have shaped the modern world and to investigate responses to different challenges including people’s interconnections with the environment.

In Civics and Citizenship and Economics and Business, students explore the systems that shape society, with a specific focus on legal and economic systems. Students learn about Australia’s role in global systems, and are encouraged to appreciate democratic principles and to contribute as active, informed and responsible citizens.

In History and Geography, students explore the processes that have shaped and which continue to shape different societies and cultures, to appreciate the common humanity shared across time and distance, and to evaluate the ways in which humans have faced and continue to face different challenges.

Civics & Citizenship

Australia’s political system and how it enables change. Students examine the ways political parties, interest groups, media and individuals influence government and decision-making processes. They investigate the features and principles of Australia’s court system, including its role in applying and interpreting Australian law. Students also study the purpose and work of the High Court. Students also examine global connectedness and how this is shaping contemporary Australian society. They investigate the values and practices that enable a democratic society to be sustained.

History

Students study the making of the modern world from 1750 to 1918. It covers the period of industrialisation and rapid change in the ways people lived, worked and thought, the era of nationalism and imperialism, and the colonisation of Australia which was part of the expansion of European power. The period 1750 – 1918 culminated in World War I 1914-1918, the ‘war to end all wars’. 

Geography

Whilst studying Geography, students develop an understanding of the factors that influence food production and of the impacts of food production and its methods on environments. Students examine the environmental, economic and social sustainability of current farming methods in Australia. Students also consider examples of how people and businesses are connected to other people, services and information throughout the world. They examine interconnections through trade, and the impacts of these interconnections on places and environments, with a particular focus on North-East Asia. They assess the impacts of the interconnections produced by people’s travel, recreational and cultural choices.

Economics & Business

Within an Economics and Business unit students focus on consumer financial risks and rewards. They examine factors influencing major consumer financial decisions, and the Australian system of superannuation and its importance to living standards. Students investigate how businesses create and maintain competitive advantage and the importance of entrepreneurship, marking and public relations strategies in these contexts.

• Visual Diary 

• Group work

• Research project

• Research essay

• Topic tests

• Source Analysis

• Case studies