Human Society & Its Environment (HSIE)
Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) is the study of how humans interact with the world, how society operates and how it is changing. Through the study of HSIE, students develop the skills to prepare them to actively and responsibly participate as informed citizens in the contemporary world.
Stage 4 and 5 (Year 7-10)
- Geography
- History
- Aboriginal Studies
- Commerce
- Work Education
- Languages
Mandatory History (Years 7-10)
The HSIE Faculty delivers a rich and engaging History program from Years 7-10, designed to deepen students' understanding of the past while building essential skills of historical investigation, including research, source analysis, interpretation, and critical thinking.
- The Ancient Past - in-depth studies of Ancient Egypt and Ancient China
- The Medieval World - examining societies, cultures, and belief systems
- The Era of Colonisation - investigating the New Zealand Wars and the Treaty of Waitangi
- Aboriginal Peoples' Experiences of Colonisation - a focused case study on the impact of colonisation on Dharug language and the development of Aboriginal English.
- The Making of the Modern World - with a focus on the American Civil War
- Federation to WWI - tracing Australia's path to nationhood and its early global role
- Work Education
- Australia at War (WWII) - including a detailed site study of the Holocaust
- Human Rights and Freedoms - exploring campaigns for change with a focus on the Aboriginal Tent Embassy
- Popular Culture - analysing the influence of the video game industry, youth culture, and digital technologies of the 2000s
- The Environmental Movement - examining global and local campaigns for sustainability
Mandatory Geography (Years 7-10)
The HSIE Faculty provides a comprehensive Geography program that equips students with the knowledge and skills to understand the world around them and the challenges of the future. Students develop strong geographical foundations through fieldwork, spatial technologies, data analysis, and critical inquiry, integrating both practical and theoretical learning across Years 7-10.
Throughout both stages, mandatory fieldwork and geographical skills are integrated, ensuring students can apply their learning through real-world investigations, mapping, data interpretation, and evaluation of human environment interactions. This prepares students with the analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills essential for understanding and managing geographical issues in the 21st century.
- Landscapes and Landforms - investigating the processes that shape our natural world and how people value and protect
- Interconnections and Trade - examining how people, goods, and ideas are linked across the globe.
- Liveability of Places - exploring what makes places liveable and how communities can be improved
- Water in the World - analysing water as a vital resource, its uses, distribution, and management
- Biomes and Sustainable Agriculture - learning about different biomes, food security, and challenges in sustainable farming
- Human Wellbeing- exploring global variations in wellbeing and initiatives to improve quality of life.
- Changing Places - studying urbanisation, migration, and how places change over time.
- Environmental Change and Management - investigating human impacts on the environment and strategies for sustainability.
Aboriginal Studies (Stage 5)
The Aboriginal Studies program provides students with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Aboriginal histories, cultures, and contemporary experiences. Across Years 9 and 10, students develop skills in research, inquiry, and community consultation, as well as the ability to critically analyse cultural expression, identity, and the impacts of political and social systems. The course builds on the foundation of the Stage 4 100-hour Dharug Dhalang language program and local history studies, ensuring strong connections to Country and community.
Throughout Stage 5, students continue to strengthen their understanding of Country and culture, while developing the skills needed to conduct ethical community consultation and produce major works that reflect Aboriginal perspectives, voices, and knowledge systems.
- Aboriginal Peoples and Oral and Written Expression - investigating the significance of storytelling, literature, and language.
- Aboriginal Peoples and the Visual and Performing Arts - analysing art, music, and performance as expressions of culture and identity.
- Aboriginal Identities - examining the diversity and strength of Aboriginal identities across time and place.
- School-Developed Option - extending Dharug language learning and local histories.
- Aboriginal Peoples' Interactions with Legal and Political Systems - evaluating Aboriginal engagement with justice, law, and political representation.
- Aboriginal Enterprises and Organisations - investigating the role of community-controlled initiatives in self-determination and economic development.
- Aboriginal Peoples and Film and Television - analysing representation and voice in screen media.
- Aboriginal Peoples and the Media - exploring how media influences perceptions and advocacy.
- Aboriginal Self-Determination and Autonomy- studying the ongoing struggle for rights, leadership, and independence.
- Aboriginal Peoples and Sport - examining sport as a platform for identity, resilience, and change.
- Aboriginal Peoples and Technologies - exploring innovations and the intersection of technology with culture and community.
Work Education (Stage 5)
Work Education equips students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to successfully navigate the world of work and life beyond school. The program is designed to build practical capabilities in communication, collaboration, problem-solving and financial literacy, while also supporting students in exploring post-school pathways and understanding workplace expectations.
Throughout the course, students build both practical and theoretical knowledge, preparing them for successful transitions into further education, training, and employment. The subject fosters confidence, decision-making and adaptability in a rapidly changing world of work.
- What is Work? - understanding the nature and purpose of work in society.
- Transition and Wellbeing - exploring how change impacts wellbeing and strategies for managing it.
- Managing Transition - developing skills for adapting to new roles and environments.
- Communication and Collaboration - learning effective teamwork and interpersonal skills.
- Workplace Issues - identifying and evaluating challenges faced in modern workplaces.
- Exploring Post-School Pathways - investigating future study, training, and employment options.
- Preparing for the Workplace - developing job readiness skills, including resumes and interviews.
- Managing Finances - building financial literacy for independent living.
- Community Participation - understanding the value of active involvement in community life.
- Technology in the Workplace - examining the impact of innovation on work practices.
- School-Developed Option - exploring future work trends and sustainable practices.
- Workplace Safety- understanding health and safety regulations and practices.
- Workplace Rights and Responsibilities - exploring legal and ethical obligations.
- Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Behaviours - developing initiative, creativity, and problem-solving in business contexts.
- Workplace Environments - analysing different industries and work settings.
- Exploring Post-School Pathways - refining future planning with a focus on individual goals and opportunities.
Commerce (Stage 5)
The Commerce program equips students with the knowledge and skills to participate confidently in the world of business, law and personal finance. Across Years 9 and 10, students develop a strong foundation in decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking, while learning to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
Through Commerce, students learn to apply financial literacy, understand economic and legal systems, and think critically about consumer and business practices, preparing them for both active citizenship and future employment pathways.
- Consumer and Financial Decisions - understanding rights, responsibilities, and strategies for making informed financial choices.
- The Economic and Business Environment - examining how businesses and economies operate locally, nationally, and globally.
- Investing - exploring different types of investments and how to manage financial risks and rewards.
- Promoting and Selling - analysing marketing strategies and their influence on consumers.
- Running a Business - developing entrepreneurial skills by planning and managing a small business venture.
- Employment and Work Futures - investigating workplace trends, rights, and career opportunities.
- Law, Society and Political Involvement - examining the legal system, civic responsibilities, and ways individuals can influence change.
- Travel - learning how to plan and manage travel in a globalised world.
- Towards Independence - developing practical life skills for financial independence and personal responsibility.
Languages (Stage 4)
In Stage 4, students study Dharug Dhalang, the local Aboriginal language of the Dharug Nation. The program is designed to strengthen cultural understanding, promote language revitalisation, and equip students with the skills to communicate in the target language across a variety of contexts.
The study of Dharug enables students to connect meaningfully with Country, culture, and community, while developing essential communication skills and an appreciation of the importance of language in identity and cultural continuity.
- Use Dharug to interact with others in everyday contexts.
- Respond to information and ideas presented in a range of texts.
- Compose texts in Dharug across different formats.
- Explore their own and other languages and cultures, building intercultural understanding.
- Recognise cultural protocols that maintain and strengthen Aboriginal languages.
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