In human society and its environment (HSIE), both subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
Students learn specific historical and geographical concepts and skills in history and geography. They also have an opportunity to learn more about people and the societies and environments in which they live through elective subjects in Years 7 to 10 (Stages 4 to 5).
A large number of individual subjects make up the key learning area of HSIE in which students:
- research, gather and analyse information
- question and make judgements
- write for a variety of purposes.
In Year 11 and 12, students can choose from a range of HSIE courses. These include:
- Aboriginal Studies
- Ancient History
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Geography
- History Extension
- Legal Studies
- Modern History
- Society and Culture
- Studies of Religion.
The Bomaderry High HSIE faculty has passionate and expert teachers who deliver engaging, challenging and innovative programs tailored to the interests of the students. The HSIE faculty encourages students to use their knowledge to bridge divides and bring people together. We promote the concept of environment sustainability and we aim to create active, informed citizens.
History Stage 4 (Years 7 & 8)
In Stage 4 history, students will start their studies by looking at the ancient world where they will investigate Australia’s ancient past and undertake a study of the ancient sites of Mungo Man and Narrabeen Man. They will continue with an in-depth study of ancient Rome and ancient China finishing with an archaeological dig, demonstrating the skills learnt during the course. Once they have completed the ancient past they will then study the time period from the ancient to the modern world. Here they investigate medieval Europe, the Spanish conquest of the Americas and Polynesian expansion across the Pacific Ocean, giving them an understanding of how different societies have evolved.
History Stage 5 (Years 9 & 10)
In Stage 5 history, students start the course looking at The Making of the Modern World with an in-depth study of progressive ideas and movements and how they have shaped the world we live in today. Following this they will investigate Australia at war during WW1 and WW2 and the impacts the wars had on society here and across the world. They will research the changing rights and freedoms of people from 1945 to the present day, looking at the American and Australian civil rights movements and people like Martin Luther King and Charles Perkins. They will conclude the course by investigating the holocaust in Europe and the response of the world with the declaration of human rights.
Geography Stage 4 (Years 7 & 8)
In Stage 4 geography, students will start their studies by undertaking a comprehensive study of the different skills used by geographers to investigate the world in which we live. Using these skills students will then investigate world heritage sites and the United Nations UNESCO organisation. They will research different environments completing an in-depth investigation into rainforests and deserts, looking at the communities that dwell within. Students will investigate the factors influencing globalisation and the role of transnational corporation (TNC). Following this they will look at global inequalities and global organisations working towards a better and fairer world. They will conclude by investigating the use of natural resources and strategies for their sustainable management.
Geography Stage 5 (Years 9 & 10)
In Stage 5 geography, students start the course by looking at the Australian continent, its origins from both Aboriginal and geographical perspectives, and its place in the world. They research natural hazards and disasters identifying their impact on the continent with an in-depth study of bushfires and cyclones. They will investigate Australia’s changing population demographics and the demise of rural towns. Building on this investigation they will look at how these factors are impacting and changing Australian communities. They will investigate issues within Australia’s environments such as Coastal, Land and Water Management. In addition to environmental issues, Australia’s regional and global links will be explored before concluding the course with a study of Australia’s future challenges in regards to population, human rights and reconciliation.