HSIE & Language

Term 1 has come to an end, yet it only seems like yesterday we were welcoming students into classrooms to commence their studies in HSIE and Languages for 2021. 

Year 7 Geography students have settled well into their routine and the teachers have been very impressed with their focus in class and dedication towards assessment this term. Students have explored how geomorphic hazards (volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunami) have shaped environments and communities over time. Students were asked to develop a news report that focused on causes and responses to these disasters. In Term 2, students will explore Place and Liveability, exploring our local community through fieldwork.

Year 8 Geography students have studied Water in the World and produced some quality work as part of their formal assessment program. The task involved the formulation of inquiry questions, preliminary research and the development of an information pamphlet that can foster interest in water scarcity issues and promote solutions. 

Year 9 students have completed a source analysis task based on their study of the Industrial Revolution. Students have explored a range of primary and secondary sources throughout the term and teachers have been impressed with their ability to analyse and discuss written and visual sources.

Year 10 students have been incredibly mature in their study of the school-developed Depth Study – Understanding Genocide and the Holocaust. This topic followed on from their study of WWII in 2020 and our Year 10 History team has been inspired by the empathy and sensitivity shown by students who have really engaged with difficult subject matter. I have been amazed by the discussion generated in my class and I am confident that students will achieve sound results as they complete their first assessment task for the year. 

Congratulations to our Year 11 students who have begun their senior studies in a range of HSIE subjects. Your approach to classwork and assessment has been impressive. Our Year 11 Legal Studies students had a wonderful victory in the Mock Trial Competition and we are confident that further success will follow.  

Year 11 Ancient History students have explored the world of the archaeologist. They have progressed from cookie excavation in the classroom to analysing 19th and early 20th century artefacts at the Big Dig Archaeology Centre at The Rocks, Sydney. 

Year 12 students are steadily progressing through their HSC studies and formal assessment. It is vital that students begin to consolidate their learning and take some time out to develop summaries and/or study notes on the topics completed in Term 4, 2020 and this term. 

Congratulation to students across Years 7 to 12 who participated in the Australian Geography Competition this term. Huge thanks to Mr Newton and Miss McLennan for supervising the competition.  We hope to have results and certificates to students in Term 2.

Mr Herring has been coordinating and teaching our Year 8 French program in Term 1 and he has been amazed by the level and willingness to embrace the learning of a new language in 2021. While Mrs Travica has joined the HSIE team, she continues to lend her expertise to our Stage 5 Elective French program. The progress being made by these students in such a short period of time has been outstanding. 

Enjoy the holidays and we look forward to a terrific Term 2.

Mr Mark Macdonald

Head Teacher 

HSIE & Languages