Human society and its environment

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.

The faculty has the exciting opportunity of presenting a huge range of subjects from across the Humanities field. The list of subjects is extensive and is linked to programs, course information and support resources for students and parents.

We are able to present to students some unique learning experiences which allow them "hands on" opportunities while learning. These include three Archaeological Dig Sites on the school grounds, a real trench constructed from sand bags and a bushland for that real life Geography experience. Our Business Studies course is taught through a student run enterprise. All businesses have been extremely profitable and teach our students so many important lifelong lessons. Legal Studies students have recently been competing successfully in the Regional Mock Trial competitions. There are visits from medieval knights, solicitors, archaeologists and business people from the community. Of course these activities and resources would not be possible without the commitment and enthusiasm of our staff. It's pretty exciting working with them and supporting their ideas.

Additional to all this, is our venture into e-Learning, wireless connections and the Laptop revolution. We also have a huge Clickview Library to access digital video media from our desk tops. Learning will never be the same because our teaching is responding to these challenges and the outcomes are a more relevant, exciting medium from which to teach and learn by.

YEAR	SUBJECTS
7	HSIE
8	Geography, History, Mythbusting
9	Geography History, Commerce
10	Geography, History
11	Legal Studies, Business Studies, Modern History, Ancient History, Society and Culture
12	Legal Studies, Business Studies, Ancient History, Society and Culture

Congratulations to all the students who have helped make a great start to our Marine Studies year.

Already we have had twenty Year 10 students pass their snorkelling practical test in preparation for our excursion to Fly Point.

Our first of three new propagation aquarium systems has been plumbed up; water tested and is ready to house the endangered Bangaii Cardinalfish from Indonesia. We will be able to house three pairs of this fish species with the aim of establishing a breeding colony.

And finally, we had the privilege of Matthew Whiteley, Director of Seachem Australia, and his assistant Michelle visit our Marine Studies room and speak with some of our students. Matthew was very impressed with our efforts and the committed attitude of the students he spoke with. Seachem is an international leader within the aquarium industry and we are very excited to be working with Matthew and Seachem into the future.