Humanities & Social Sciences

Year 9 Wireless Hill Biology and Geography Excursion

HASS and Science joined forces to explore the natural environment of Wireless Hill and the impact human development has had on it. The Geography component of the excursion, coordinated by Mr Manera, developed methods for recording historical comparisons through sketch mapping and annotations of distinct segments of the park. The LAPDOG activity (Latitude, Altitude, Prevailing Winds, Distance from the sea, Ocean currents, and Great mountain barriers) built on last term’s lessons, in which students identified the factors that most impacted the area's native vegetation and climate. Over the two days, the Year 9s completed these activities, which brought the academic studies from Term One to life. Thank you to Ms Smith, Ms Pascoe, Mr Manera, Ms Flynn and Ms Hassan for their work. 

Mock Trials

Our three Mock Trial teams continue to hone their courtroom skills through this competition. They have been attending their training and preparation sessions with great enthusiasm and positivity, learning a great deal about courtroom procedure along the way. There are still rounds underway, and we look forward to hearing of our teams’ progress. 

Egyptology

Ancient History students are in for a real treat with the upcoming visit from Heather Tunmore, a renowned Egyptologist. Heather will be presenting her experiences in archaeology and Egypt’s ruling pharaoh dynasties to our Year 12 students in the coming weeks. This will be followed in Term Three with more visits for our Ancient History students across Years 11 and 12. More details to come. 

US Consul General Visit

Earlier this term, HASS welcomed a representative from the United States Mission to Australia, Mr Lu Zhou. Mr Zhou, who directs all political, economic and public diplomacy at the Consulate General in Perth, discussed the paths his career has taken from before joining the State Department to his current role. The students asked many insightful questions on the life of a career diplomat, as well as the Australia-US relationship. 

History Day

For our second year of History Day, the Humanities and Social Sciences encouraged staff and History students to ‘explore’ history. With the theme of explorers firmly in mind, Applecross was visited by aviators, aviatrixes, cowgirls and cowboys of the Wild West, astronauts and the occasional rampaging Viking – all of whom have left their mark on history. 

Army Museum Excursion

Following the ANZAC Day service, Year 10 AE students explored the exhibits at the Fremantle Army Museum to conclude their unit of study on World War Two, Australia's role in international activities such as peacekeeping, and their help with preparing for the school's ANZAC Day Ceremony. Thank you to Ms Ludowyk and Mr Dickson for organising the excursion to this important historical museum. 

Alex Rosearve, Head of Humanities and Social Science