HSIE

YEAR 7

Year 7 have had a great start to their HSIE studies at Mater Dei, kicking off with the Geography unit Landscapes and Landforms. They have been exploring different landforms around the world and students have made their own landforms out of playdough and created contour maps of these landforms. We look forward to seeing what these budding Geographers and Historians do in their time at the College.

YEAR 8

Year 8 Geography has launched into "Interconnections," a unit exploring the links between people and places. Students are examining how travel, trade, technology, transport and production and consumption create these connections. Through mapping, case studies, and discussions, they're uncovering the complex web of global interactions and developing an understanding of how our world is increasingly interconnected.

YEAR 9

Year 9 History has been exploring how the Industrial Revolution led to the movement of peoples all around the world, including the slave trade and the transportation of convicts. Students have also started to investigate Australian involvement in World War I & II. Heading towards Anzac Day this study fosters a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made and the enduring legacy of those conflicts, giving greater meaning to the commemoration.

YEAR 10

This term, Year 10 History is engaging with the profoundly important and challenging topic of the Holocaust, utilising primary sources like survivor testimonies to understand the human cost. The unit aims to foster critical thinking, empathy, and reflection on the dangers of prejudice, while reinforcing the importance of remembrance and education to prevent future atrocities, within a safe and supportive learning environment.

LEGAL STUDIES

Earlier this term, Year 11 Legal Studies students had the opportunity to visit the High Court of Australia in Canberra. The excursion provided an insightful look into the country’s highest judicial authority, offering students a chance to explore the courtrooms and learn about the crucial role the High Court plays in shaping Australian law.

The visit began with a guided tour of the court’s three courtrooms. Courtroom 1, the largest and most formal, is where major constitutional cases are heard. Students then visited Courtroom 2 and Courtroom 3, which handle appeals and other important legal matters. Along the way, our guide explained the layout of each courtroom and the responsibilities of those who work there, including the Justices, barristers, solicitors, and court staff.

The visit to the High Court was both educational and inspiring, leaving students with a greater appreciation for the legal system and its role in shaping the nation.

BUSINESS STUDIES

Budding Entrepreneurs Embrace Virtue-Based Ventures. Year 11 Business Studies students are buzzing with entrepreneurial spirit as they develop comprehensive business plans for new micro or small businesses. This exciting project challenges them to not only identify a viable market opportunity but also to embed creative and ethical principles into their ventures.

The business plans encompass all essential elements, including market research, financial projections, marketing strategies, and operational plans. Students are learning firsthand the complexities and rewards of entrepreneurship, developing crucial skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and strategic thinking.

This initiative promises to equip our students with invaluable real-world experience and foster a new generation of business leaders who prioritize both profit and purpose. We look forward to showcasing their innovative ideas and potential future successes!

ANCIENT HISTORY

Year 12 Ancient History had an amazing opportunity to step back in time and witness the eruption of Mount Vesuvius from the streets of Pompeii. Unfortunately, we did not head off to Europe, but rather to the National Museum of Australia in Canberra. 

Through a multi-sensory immersive experience that combined a spectacular 360-degree recreation of the volcanic eruption with more than 90 objects from the ancient city, the class consolidated learning for their HSC course. We hope their passion for learning about the past continues with them in life.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Year 8 Excursion to Altina Wildlife Park

Mr Rod Buik | HSIE KLA Leader