HSIE & 

Languages Faculty

Term 2 is almost over, and the last ten weeks have flown by. HSIE students have been busy in the classroom, completing fieldwork and producing some excellent formal assessment work. 

Year 7 students have been studying Place and Liveability in Geography in Term 2 and this culminated with our Fieldwork Experience in Week 7. Students were asked to assess the liveability of the Gosford CBD, complete observations as part of an Urban Belt Transect, take measurements, interpret data and draw field sketches. Mr Ardley, Mr Herring, Mrs Le Page, Mrs Travica and I were impressed with students’ focus and behaviour throughout the morning.

Year 7 students have produced some pleasing assessment tasks in Semester 1 with many students receiving fantastic marks for their geomorphic hazards task. Tycen Bedford in 7Y produced an outstanding video on the Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004. 

The link to his amazing work is included  https://youtu.be/LmZyNU5Dv3o

Year 8 students have completed their semester of Geography this term and will begin their study of History in Term 3. Students will study Medieval Europe, The Black Death and Japan under the Shoguns. 

Year 9 students will commence their study of Australians at War in Term 3. The school will be visited by WW1 Living History as part of their studies. This a wonderful educational experience that allows students to view artefacts and replicas from World War I battlefields and gain an understanding of the life a soldier. 

Year 10 students completed their mandatory fieldwork in Terrigal this term. The HSIE Faculty were pleased with students’ enthusiasm and participation throughout the day. A huge thanks to Miss McLennan for her excellent organisation of the day and our HSIE team for the commitment to this event. 

Year 11 students across all HSIE subjects have been finishing their final Semester 1 assessment tasks this term. Mr Ardley, Mr Macdonald and Mrs Travica have been impressed with the Historical Investigation tasks that have been produced in Ancient and Modern History this term. Students have shown real growth in their ability to analyse sources, research independently, record their research process through the development of a log and present their findings to their classmates. 

Year 12 students should be busily preparing for their upcoming Trial HSC Exams in Term 3. This is a time to develop topic summaries and complete past HSC exam papers, as well as seek support and feedback from their class teachers. 

The July holidays are a suitable time to review and restock learning materials for Semester Two. The HSIE Faculty requires students to have their books and writing equipment with them each lesson. While many resources are provided to students, the basic necessities – blue/black pen, red pen, HB or 2B pencil and ruler are required. 

Wishing you all the absolute best for the coming holidays.

Mr Mark Macdonald

Head Teacher HSIE and Language