Humanities

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.

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HISTORY

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History is a disciplined process of investigation into the past that develops students' curiosity and imagination. Awareness of history is an essential characteristic of any society, and historical knowledge is fundamental to understanding ourselves and others. It promotes the understanding of societies, events, movements and developments that have shaped humanity from earliest times. It helps students appreciate how the world and its people have changed, as well as the significant continuities that exist to the present day. 

Students develop an understanding of the past and present experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their identity, and the continuing contribution and value of their culture. This knowledge and understanding is essential for informed and active participation in Australia's diverse society.

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Aims:

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History aims to ensure that students develop:

• interest in, and enjoyment of, historical study for lifelong learning and work, including their capacity and willingness to be informed and active citizens

• knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the past and the forces that shape societies, including Australian society

• understanding and use of historical concepts and skills, including sequencing chronology, using historical sources as evidence, identifying continuity and change,  analysing cause and effect and determining historical significance

• capacity to undertake historical inquiry, including skills in the analysis and use of sources, and in explanation and communication of arguments.

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GEOGRAPHY

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The Geography curriculum presents a structured way of exploring, analysing and understanding the characteristics of the places that make up our world, using the concepts of place, space, environment, interconnection, sustainability, scale and change. It addresses scales from the personal to the global and time periods from a few years to thousands of years.

Geography as a discipline integrates the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities to build a holistic understanding of the world.  Students learn to question why the world is the way it is, reflect on their relationships with and responsibility for that world and propose actions designed to shape a socially just and sustainable future.

 

Aims:

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The Geography curriculum aims to ensure that students develop:

• a sense of wonder, curiosity and respect for places, people, cultures and environments throughout the world

• a deep geographical knowledge of their own locality, Australia, the Asia region and the world

• the ability to think geographically, using geographical concepts

• the capacity to be competent, critical and creative users of geographical methods and skills

• the capacity to be informed, responsible and active citizens who can contribute to the development of a world that is environmentally and economically sustainable, and socially just.

 

 

CIVIC and CITIZENSHIP

 

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

 

Civics and Citizenship is essential in enabling students to become active and informed citizens who participate in and sustain Australia’s democracy. Through the study of Civics and Citizenship, students investigate political and legal systems, and explore the nature of citizenship, diversity and identity in contemporary society. They gain the knowledge and skills necessary to question, understand and contribute to the world in which they live.

By investigating contemporary issues and events students learn to value their belonging in a diverse and dynamic society, develop points of view and positively contribute locally, nationally, regionally and globally. As reflective, active and informed decision-makers, students will be well placed to contribute to an evolving and healthy democracy that fosters the wellbeing of Australia as a democratic nation.

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Aims:

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Civics and Citizenship aims to ensure students develop:

• a lifelong sense of belonging to, and engagement with, civic life as an active and informed citizen in the context of Australia as a secular democratic nation with a dynamic, multicultural and multi-faith society

• knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the values, principles, institutions and practices of Australia’s system of democratic government and law, and the role of the citizen in Australian government and society

• skills necessary to investigate contemporary civics and citizenship issues, and foster responsible participation in Australia’s democracy

• the capacities and dispositions to participate in the civic life of their nation at a local, regional and global level.

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ECONOMICS and BUSINESS

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The Economics and Business curriculum explores the ways in which individuals, families, the community, workers, businesses and governments make decisions in relation to the allocation of resources. It enables students to understand the process of economic and business decision-making at the personal, local, national, regional and global levels and the effects of these decisions on themselves and others, now and in the future. Students learn to appreciate the interdependence of decisions made and develop the knowledge, understanding and skills that will inform and encourage them to participate in, and contribute to, the economy.

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Aims:

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The Economics and Business curriculum aims to develop students’:

• enterprising behaviours and capabilities that are transferable into life, work and business opportunities and contribute to the development and prosperity of individuals and society

• understanding of the ways society allocates limited resources to satisfy needs and wants, and how they participate in the economy as consumers, workers and producers

• understanding of the work and business environments within the Australian economy and its interactions and relationships with the global economy, in particular the Asia region

• reasoning and interpretation skills to apply economics and business concepts and theories to evaluate information they encounter, make informed decisions and use problem-solving skills to respond to economics and business issues and events

• understanding of economics and business decision-making and its role in creating a prosperous, sustainable and equitable economy for all Australians

• knowledge, understandings and skills that will enable them to participate actively and ethically in the local, national, regional and global economy as economically, financially and business-literate citizens.

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