HSIE

Year 7 

Year 7 are studying the ancient civilisation of China this term and had the opportunity to participate in a half-day Chinese Cultural Infusion workshop including Chinese martial arts, Chinese arts and crafts, and a Chinese Lion dance performance. Over 100 students attended and had a fantastic time. Many thanks to Mrs Tahnee Sams for organising this wonderful event for our Year 7 students.

Year 9 HSIE  

Year 9 have been learning about Australia’s involvement in World War One this term and students were offered the opportunity to participate in a hands-on learning experience delivered by Living History- WWI, owner/ operator Shane Blackman. Shane is a keen collector of authentic World War One artefacts and some movie props and has designed his workshop to allow students to select items from his extensive collection, that they are interested in learning about; and then shares his deep knowledge of each artefact whilst it is passed amongst the students to examine. Approximately, 60 students elected to participate and chose items such as a medical kit, a trench periscope, a full soldiers kit and a grenade (not a live one!) …. just to name a few. Some Year 11 Modern History students also chose to attend and Riley Mitchell bravely ‘donned’ a full soldier’s uniform and equipment in 37° heat!  

As a teacher it was often surprising which artefacts students were interested in and the incursion certainly deepened student understanding of the war experience. We will be booking Shane in again for next year, so our current Year 8 students will also benefit in 2025. 

Year 11 Ancient History  

11 Ancient History students became archaeologists for an afternoon and worked in teams to excavate the ancient civilisation of ‘Lasagne’, using tools to work methodically through the layers of their archaeological site and extracting artefacts. Students then examined the artefacts and proposed theories about the society living in ‘Lasagne’ and how society had changed and developed over time. It was messy work but a great way to learn!   

Guest star teacher- Mr Hope 

Some lucky Year 9 and 10 History classes, as well as Year 11 and 12 Modern History classes have had the benefit of Mr Hope as a ‘guest star teacher’ over the past few weeks. Apparently, it has come as a surprise for some of our students that Mr Hope was actually a teacher before he became a Deputy Principal and Principal of Kurri Kurri High School. Mr Hope has been relishing his opportunity to tap in and teach some World War I and World War II lessons to Year 9 and 10 respectively, a little bit of Pearl Harbor for Year 11; and is in his element, indulging in teaching his favourite topic of USA 1919-1941, to 12 Modern History.  

Upcoming Assessment Task information 

Here is a quick snapshot of upcoming assessment tasks due in HSIE in Weeks 9-11. 

Year 9 ANZAC Care Packages Community Project and Inter-class challenge 

Year 9 classes are working on their community project and are seeking donations of non-perishable and gender-neutral treats for our Australian Defence Force personnel currently serving overseas. Each class is collecting donations and will pack Care Package boxes in their History lessons on Tuesday, March 26th. We are fortunate enough to have two members of the Australian Defence Force that will join us and work with students to pack their Care Package boxes, answering student questions about their military service and experiences. This will also be a valuable opportunity for students who have an interest in the military as a possible career path. The ANZAC Care Packages will be sent overseas and reach their lucky recipients in time for ANZAC Day. 

The class that collates the most donations/ ANZAC Care packages will win the inter-class challenge and the HSIE faculty will shout them a class lunch from a local take-away venue of their choice! 

We encourage all families and community members to support our project- donations can be sent to school with your students (to HSIE Faculty) or dropped off to the front office.  

Faculty voluntary contributions 

Thank you to the parents and carers who have already paid their voluntary subject contribution for HSIE this year. This fee is optional, and we understand that many families are under additional financial pressure in these times. The HSIE faculty appreciate any contributions that are made as it helps us carry the cost of curriculum enriching programs and fees from external providers that will enhance student engagement in their learning. If you wish to pay a voluntary contribution for 2024, please use our online payment facilities or send cash to school with your student to pay at the front office.