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.
At Riverstone High School, we combine History and Geography under the banner of Human Society and its Environment (HSIE).
Students study History in Semester 1 and Geography in Semester 2.
- Term 1: History
- Term 2: History
- Term 3: Geography
- Term 4: Geography
History
The aim of the history is to stimulate students' interest in and enjoyment of exploring the past, to develop a critical understanding of the past and its impact on the present, to develop the critical skills of historical inquiry and to enable students to participate as active, informed and responsible citizens.
Year 7:
Term 1: Investigating the Past and Ancient China
Term 2: Ancient Rome
Year 8:
Term 1: Medieval Europe
Term 2: Polynesian Expansion and Spanish Conquest of the Americas
Year 9:
Term 1: Industrial Revolution
Term 2: Australians at War
Year 10:
Term 1: Genocide
Term 1-2: Rights and Freedoms
Term 2: The Cold War
Geography
The aim of Geography in Kindergarten to Year 10 is to stimulate students' interest in and engagement with the world. Through geographical inquiry they develop an understanding of the interactions between people, places and environments across a range of scales in order to become informed, responsible and active citizens.
Year 7:
Term 3: Landscapes and Landforms
Term 4: Place and Liveability
Year 8:
Term 3: Water in the World
Term 4: Interconnections
Year 9:
Term 3: Sustainable Biomes
Term 4: Changing Places
Year 10:
Term 3: Environmental Change and Management
Term 4: Human Wellbeing
Elective Courses
Students 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).
Commerce
History Elective
Staff
Miss Amber O'Connell (Rel. Head Teacher)
Mr Chris Puleo
Mrs Rachel Pirovic Moss
Mrs Arjit Sabharwal
Mrs Sherene Abrahams
Mr Wyatt Barn
Mr Kurt Woods