Humanities

Welcome to Term 3 - or as the Romans and Medieval citizens would say in Latin … Salvēte! 

Our focus subject this term is History! Taught from Years 7–9, our team of Humanities teachers deliver lessons on topics ranging from Ancient Rome and Medieval Europe to the early 20th century, with a focus on World War I and World War II. 

Year 7 SEAL

Our Year 7 SEAL students recently stepped back in time to the early days of the Roman Republic, taking part in a lively classroom simulation of the Ancient Roman Senate. Faced with a challenging scenario — a grain shortage severely affecting the Plebeian (common) class — students took on the roles of Plebeians, Senators, Dictators, and Consuls. 

The room quickly erupted into spirited debate: Senators voiced outrage, the Dictator worked to mediate tensions, and the Plebeians made heartfelt appeals to highlight their hardships. The enthusiasm, creativity, and passion shown by all participants made this historical experience both engaging and memorable. Well done, team! 

Year 7 and 8 Humanities

Year 7 students are investigating the rise of the Roman Republic and Imperial periods, exploring significant individuals such as Julius Caesar, Hannibal and Spartacus. They are learning about daily life, diet, religion and the major influences that Ancient Rome has had on our modern world. 

Our Year 8 cohort have delved into Medieval Life this term, investigating daily life, diet, warfare, the Vikings, religion and more. Students continue to develop their skills in critical thinking, analysis and research. 

Year 9 Humanities

“The Australian divisions and the New Zealanders had become what they were to remain for the rest of the war – the spearhead of the British Army.” 

                                                             ~ John Terraine, leading British historian of World War I

Students connect with Australian heritage and identity in the study of World War I and II. They continue to develop their understanding of video, audio, written and visual sources depicting life in the wartime period, while also building on their source analysis and historical argument skills. 

VCE

Year 11 and 12 Sociology

On Friday, 8 August, our Year 11 Sociology students toured the Old Melbourne Gaol to support their learning in the crime and deviance units currently being studied. Students learnt about the sociological concept of punishment, including the rationale and aims: retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation and societal protection. 

Within the historic walls of the Gaol, students learnt about different punishments including corporal punishment, solitary confinement, hard labour and capital punishment.

Students then attended the County Court and had the opportunity to hear about real-life cases of crime and deviance within Victoria. 

                                                                             ~ Gabriella Mavridis, Year 11 Sociology Teacher

Our Year 12 Sociology cohort are in their final months of study, currently exploring Communities and the concept of a Sense of Belonging. Students have explored this topic using a local case study — Gunaikurnai Country in Far East Gippsland — investigating how shared social relationships, geographic proximity and mutual interests contribute to a sense of community in this region.

Year 11 and 12 Business Management

Year 11 students studying Units 1 & 2 Business Management began the term by exploring the main components of a business plan and formulating one themselves. They delved into marketing methods that could promote their business, such as set up and finishing costs, sources to fund their venture, forecasting their sales and developing a monthly cash budget. Currently in their final unit of the subject, students continue utilising and consolidating the knowledge and skills they learnt in Unit 1. 

Year 12 Business Management (Units 3 & 4) students are also in their final unit of the year and just months away from completing their VCE journey! They are focusing on the concept of business change — examining both proactive and reactive approaches — and learning how to use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as a source of data to analyse business performance. 

In this final unit, they will gain knowledge on the driving forces behind business change, including owners, managers, employees, competitors, legislation, pursuit of profit, cost reduction, globalisation, technology, innovation and societal attitudes. 

Year 11 and 12 Legal Studies

Year 11 Legal Studies students are in their final unit of the subject, studying civil liability. They are learning to identify the impacts of defamation on different parties in a civil trial, and to distinguish between the impacts on plaintiffs and defendants. 

Year 12 Legal Studies students have been investigating the relationship between parliament and the courts in law-making — an intense topic of study! They are discussing the ability of both institutions to make laws, and gaining in-depth knowledge about how parliaments in Australia usually have the power to change the law as made by the courts. 

Year 11 Modern History

This term, in their first area of study for Unit 2, Year 11 History students are focusing on the Vietnam War — specifically, how the Gulf of Tonkin incident as a turning point in the Vietnam War — and military tactics used during the conflict. Students are engaging in inquiry-based work, developing their own research questions and analysing both primary and secondary sources to support their findings. 

Here’s to another learning-driven term!

We wish all Year 12 students the very best in their final months of study. Good luck!

Rasita Ramsaran

Humanities Domain Leader