Human Society in its Environments' focus asks learners to think, talk and create ideas/artefacts/recommendations to address and learn from issues, both past and present, in Australian and Global environments. HSIE encompasses the Key Learning Areas of History, Geography in years 7 -10 and elective Commerce through years 9 and 10.
At San Clemente, learners develop their understanding of History and Geography in a program designed around each semester. Learners enrich their knowledge of History in one semester and then study Geography in the alternate semester. Timetabling the Key Learning Area’s in this manner allows learners to develop their skills and understanding of key concepts with greater continuity, resulting in better achievement and learning outcomes.
The study of History provides the intellectual skills to enable learners to critically analyse and interpret sources of evidence in order to construct reasoned explanations, hypotheses about the past and a rational and informed argument. History also enables learners to understand, deconstruct and evaluate differing interpretations of the past. The cognitive skills of analysis, evaluation and synthesis underpin the study of history and equip learners with the ability to understand and evaluate the political, cultural and social events and issues that have shaped the world around them.
The study of Geography enables learners to critically assess the ideas and opinions of others and to form and express their own ideas and arguments. In so doing, form a basis for active participation in community life, ecological sustainability, creating a just society, promoting intercultural understanding and lifelong learning. Through the study of civics and citizenship learners develop knowledge of the decision-making processes that exist at a variety of scales, which informs them of ways they can participate as responsible and informed members of society.
Commerce provides the knowledge, skills, understanding and values that form the foundation on which young people make sound decisions on consumer, financial, business, legal and employment issues. It develops in learners an understanding of commercial and legal processes and competencies for personal financial management. Through the study of Commerce learners develop financial literacy which enables them to participate in the financial system in an informed way.
HSIE Leader of Learning
Michael Flanagan
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