Key Learning Area in Focus - HSIE

HSIE (History Society and Its Environment)

The HSIE faculty investigates all areas of human society and its surrounding environment, from the changes in our physical world, the history of humankind, to the role of institutions in society and the challenges and issues the world faces. In examining these areas, we encourage our students to think critically about their world and engage with it, so that they may become more active and informed world citizens. 

The HSIE faculty has enhanced student learning through many varied experiences, both within the classroom and beyond.  The following examples are some of the highlights so far this year:

Year 11 Geography, along with some Year 10 Geography students, participated in the Australian Geography competition, with some phenomenal results. Four students achieved high distinctions, four at distinction level, and a further twelve achieved credits. Certificates for this competition will be presented at a future assembly.

Earlier in the year, the Year 11 Ancient History class visited the Chau Chuk Wing Museum at the University of Sydney to develop their skills in analysing and assessing ancient artefacts and their understanding of the issues faced by historians when using these objects to understand the ancient past. Students had a tour of the museum, including looking at Egyptian mummies and a Lego model of Pompeii. They also had the privilege of handling artefacts from ancient civilisations, some up to 5,000 years old, including Roman weapons and Egyptian mummification tools.

Year 10 Geography completed field work at Homebush Bay wetlands. During this field trip, students had to use specialised testing equipment, particularly water and wind testing equipment, and employ geographic mapping and sketching skills in order to gain practical understanding of land use and environmental management. The field trip really helped students to appreciate how environmental management, when used effectively, can rejuvenate a key wetlands environment. 

Year 10 Geography students have also recently submitted their Geography Interest Project (GIP). This research project provided students with the opportunity to conduct their own research into a contemporary issue in the areas of Human Wellbeing or Environmental Change and Management. It meant that many students had to move beyond their comfort zone to conduct surveys and interviews, amongst other research methodologies. Two students had the opportunity to interview Judy Hannan, Member for Wollondilly, about the experiences of women in politics and the concerns of youth in our area. Ms Hannan was very generous in giving her time and sharing her experiences. She would love students to take the opportunity to visit her office at any time, and to attend ‘Question Time’ in Parliament. The next step in the project will be to produce an exhibit that will educate the school community about the students' research findings. We look forward to seeing how creative our students can be next term!

Year 10 History visited the Jewish Museum in Sydney as part of their study of World War II and the Holocaust. The students were taken on a tour of the museum by guides who had familial connections with Holocaust survivors. On these tours, students were able to view photos and objects that deepened the understanding of the Holocaust that had already been gained by reading Eddie Jaku’s book, The Happiest Man on Earth. The students also had the privilege to hear first-hand the fascinating and inspirational stories of actual Holocaust survivors. The importance of this privilege was reinforced by one of the survivors explaining that this generation of students will be the last to meet survivors in person.

Recently, the Year 9 Commerce class ran a market day. In preparation for the day, students had to simulate the development of a real business by conducting market research, forecasting profit and creating a business plan. On the day, the students applied sales, marketing and promotional skills to ensure all stock was sold. Ultimately, the class raised $700 to be donated to the Friends of the Wingecarribee Animal Shelter. 

Our intrepid Mock Trial team, made up of members of the Year 11 Legal Studies class, has been having great success in the state-wide Mock Trial Competition. To date, they have won every trial with the competition now down to the top eight teams in the state, after starting with 140 schools. This competition gives students a fantastic opportunity to experience the law in action, as students take on real cases in front of a magistrate, complementing the legal concepts and skills of advocacy that they study in class.