Faculty Spotlight

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:  K-12 HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY

Ms. C Zouein's Update: Primary 

Geography:  Australia’s place in the world and the connections people have to different locations

This term in Year 2, students have been exploring Geography with a focus on understanding Australia’s place in the world and the connections people have to different locations, both locally and globally. They have been learning about how different places connect to people, including the important connections Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have with places.

Students explored why people visit different places, what factors affect how easily people can access certain locations, and how technology has made travel and access to places easier. A fun task involved students interviewing a parent or guardian about a place their family has a special connection to, such as a beach, family farm, or local favourite spot. They asked questions like, “Where is this place?” and “Why is it special to your family?” Students also created drawings of their families enjoying these special places. This task helped them connect with the concept of geography on a personal level and reflect on the places that matter most to them.

To deepen their knowledge of the topic, students linked their learning to other KLAs. In English, they practiced their speaking skills through interviews, and in Creative Arts, they created drawings of their families at these special places. This multi-disciplinary approach helped students explore their understanding of geography in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Year 5 - History: The Australian Colonies

In Year 5, students have been learning about The Australian Colonies and how Australia developed over time. They’ve explored key events, significant people, and how migration from Europe and Asia helped shape the country. Students also looked into how colonial settlement changed the environment and the ways people’s experiences in Australia differed depending on the time period.

One of the highlights of this unit was a hands-on activity where students worked in groups to research key events in Australia’s history and create a timeline. Each group was given a set of important dates and events to research, and then they created their own timelines on large paper. Students really enjoyed this activity and will soon be presenting their timelines to the class, discussing which event they think had the most impact on Australia’s development.

To deepen their understanding, students also linked their learning to English by practicing their presentation and speaking skills and to Creative Arts by creating drawings of the First Fleet. These connections allowed students to engage with the topic in a more creative and comprehensive way, further solidifying their knowledge of Australia’s history.

Both Year 2 and Year 5 students have been enjoying these topics, and we look forward to continuing to explore the fascinating world of Geography and History with them!

Ms Connie Zouein

KLA Coordinator 

Ms. Gahdmar's History and Geography Update: Secondary 

Curriculum Highlights

Our Geography and History students have been exploring a range of thought-provoking topics:

      •Year 8 Geography – Landscapes and Landforms & Interconnections

      •Year 9 Geography – Sustainable Biomes

      •Year 9 History – The Industrial Revolution

      •Year 10 Geography – Environmental Change and Management

      •Year 10 History – Rights and Freedoms

      •Year 11 Geography – Earth’s Natural Systems

      •Year 12 Geography – Ecosystems and Global Biodiversity

      •Year 11 Modern History – The Nature of Modern History- Representation and

                Commemoration of the Past, The Romanovs in Russia

      •  Year 12 Modern History – USA: National Study

      •Year 12 Ancient History – The Ancient Greek World

Field Trips and Experiential Learning

This term, our students have participated in multiple field trips that have enriched their understanding of historical and geographical concepts. So far, we have completed:

      •  A Year 7 field trip

      •  A Year 12 Geography field trip

      •  A Year 11 Geography field trip

      •  An upcoming Year 9 Geography field trip on Sustainable Biomes

These excursions have provided invaluable opportunities for students to engage with real-world case studies, strengthening their learning and assessment preparation.

MCHF History Club & Museum Project

We are excited to announce the launch of the MCHF History Club, which has been working diligently on curating the new History, Geography, and Culture Museum in C2.05. Club members have been creating an inventory of historical artifacts and resources, developing a valuable educational space for the school community.

Senior Student Support & Enrichment

To support our senior students, we have been running HSC Skills Workshops every Thursday, providing targeted assistance for exam preparation. We look forward to continuing these sessions to help students refine their analytical and writing skills.