Humanities

“So what is Humanities and where does it lead?” is often a question that we hear asked by Years 7, 8 and 9. The answer is that Humanities can take you anywhere in terms of a vocation, career or employment. 

At the Junior Core level focus we give the areas of History, Economics, Civics and Geography a term each, for students to explore with an eye firmly on what the Year 10 and then VCE subjects are that students can pick up as their own choice.

A commitment we had when we merged as a school was to work towards having a senior curriculum that catered for all students. Too often we had seen, as smaller schools, students having to travel between campuses or not being able to run a class because there were not enough students. 

Through developing engaging electives at Year 9 and 10 over the past two years we have managed to achieve with Year 11 and 12 classes in Legal Studies, Accounting, Economics, Business Management, History and Philosophy. Geography has missed out this year but we are working hard to ensure we can attract the attention of students in Year 10 for next year’s elective program.

Our core business is providing a pathway of opportunities from Year 7 to 12. Our Year 9 and 10 electives cater for all manner of interests whether from ‘Know Your Roots’, to ‘On County’, ‘Inventions’ and ‘Let’s make money.’ 

All electives are reviewed mid year with a view as to how we could offer high levels of engagement for the following year. Some electives are revamped and new ones offered. Students often do not see the links from year level to year level, but our curriculum builds upon key humanities skills and knowledge across the years, whether it is Core or Elective.

Our biggest focus this year is local community. All Year 7’s will be participating in ‘Know Your Roots’ at various times during the year with the study of Pacifika and Mediterranean cultures being explored one period a week. Feedback so far this year has been excellent from our staff and students involved. 

We commenced our journey in Term 4 last year of unpacking the Kaiella Dungala First Nations curriculum into Year 7 with a study of the use of the rivers by local people. We will continue to expand this curriculum in 2022 and look forward this year to being able to physically visit local areas, such as the Barmah Forest, after Covid remote learning prevented us from holding excursions. 

For parents and guardians - be involved and ask your child what they are learning in Humanities. Look out for Year 9 and 10 Elective Handbooks that come out in Term 2 and read them with your child. Choose electives that will interest them, but also select subjects that will offer a pathway into the senior years. 

Craig Parker

Humanities Domain Leader