Humanities

At Macleod College, we believe that the study of  Humanities helps us to develop a sense of place and   belonging in a local, national and global context, and helps us to understand our place in space and time. We believe that it is important to understand these things, as we are all members of the Global Community, and it is our responsibility to become active and informed  members. 

At Macleod College, we immerse our students in not only the theory of History, Economics, Civics and  Geography, but also in a variety of practical, hands-on activities and experiences. 

We focus on targeting student interests and learning needs, and listening to student voice and advocacy, and this allows students at Macleod College the opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge which are valuable (and vital!) for learners and global citizens in the 21st Century, whilst also allowing them to truly enjoy their   experience.

In Year 7 

We focus our History unit on Ancient Australia, and First Nations Peoples, which typically includes an excursion to the Melbourne Museum First Peoples Exhibition, or any other relevant exhibitions. Additionally, we study and  investigate different cultures and civilisations of the Ancient World, with a class focus on Ancient Egypt or Ancient Rome. Students then have the opportunity to investigate an Ancient Culture of their own choice. 

In Geography, students investigate the livability of cities, and what makes a place ‘liveable’, using our own city of Melbourne as an example. 

Year 8 

Students at Macleod College focus on the Middle Ages, particularly the Vikings and Europe. Students take part in a Medieval Day at Kryal Castle, where they gain a better understanding of Crime & Punishment, and the different roles in Medieval society, including Knights. 

Students also have the opportunity to investigate other cultures of the Middle Ages, including Japan under the Shoguns, as well as the Spanish Conquest of the Americas, in their own Historical Investigation and Inquiry.  

In Geography, students investigate the Australian landscape, and the geographical features that make our country unique. 

Year 9 

Students cover the time period of 1750 – 1918, including the Industrial Revolution, Colonisation and Federation of Australia, and what that meant for Australia in WWI.  Students investigate local ANZAC Soldiers who fought in the Great War, and their experiences. 

This is then complemented by an excursion to Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance where students have the opportunity to explore different artefacts. 

In Geography, students look at how the Geography of the world is now more interconnected than ever before, and the effects of that on the world. 

Year 10

Students engage in the EnligTEN Program, which offers students the opportunity to select their own, curriculum aligned, subjects. In Humanities, all students complete a compulsory class on WWII and the Holocaust – World on Fire: Total War. This includes a solemn and eye-opening excursion to the Jewish Holocaust Centre, where they have the opportunity to speak with a Holocaust Survivor. 

Electives on offer in 2024 include the following: 

History based: 

World on Fire: Total War 

Dictators, Dominance & Devastation

Makers, Shakers & Breakers 

Famous Assassinations

Economics & Business based: 

Money & Me!

Outsmart the Market 

Shark Tank Macleod 

Future Directions

Geography: 

Passport to the World 

Natural Disasters: The Grapes of Wrath

Civics & Citizenship: 

Order in the Court!

CSI Macleod 

Rights on the Rise