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.
About the faculty
Human society and its environment (HSIE) involves the study of people, cultures, societies and environments. It enables students to develop an understanding of the complexities of our world and appreciation of the diversity of cultures and environments globally. It involves learning about the past, the present and the future of our world. The faculty promotes a philosophy of quality teaching, providing differentiation of learning experiences, using of ICT (information and communications technology) and self regulated student inquiry supported with an emphasis on improving student literacy and numeracy. HSIE faculty has passionate and expert teachers who deliver engaging, challenging and innovative programs tailored to the interests of the students.
Students are encouraged to become self-motivated independent learners as well as developing competency in the areas of communication, problem solving, collecting, analysing and organising information, teamwork skills and the use of technology. Students who study HSIE subjects learn to become informed, active local and global citizens and develop valuable skills such as critical thinking, collaborative learning, researching, evaluating and decision-making to become lifelong reflective learners.
The HSIE team also provide opportunities for students to pursue extra-curricular interests and build their skills in active civics and citizenship by participating in activities such as:
- National Geographic geography competition
- the history competition
- market share game.
On a whole school level, the HSIE team plan and implement the following whole school programs:
Faculty focus areas
The HSIE faculty at Strathfield South High School is a highly experienced and dynamic faculty dedicated to providing a rich variety of quality teaching and learning practices across a range of subject areas.
Faculty aims
- Continuously develop and refine of teaching and learning programs embedding literacy and numeracy strategy as part of regular and focused learning.
- Exploring ways to embed ICT skills into quality teaching practices and programs to enhance student engagement and learning.
- Revise and refine assessment practice as evidence of learning through a range of meaningful and realistic assessment methods that focus on assessment for, and assessment of learning.
- Exploring ways to embed project-based learning (PBL) activities in Years 7 to 10 to increase student engagement.
- Develop stimulating and collaborative learning environments for both staff and students.
- Provide guidance and support for all students' range of learning needs.
- Develop independent and critical thinking skills.
- Encourage high order thinking and research skills.
- Provide students with the opportunity to gain important employability skills.
- Foster an attitude of lifelong learning.
