Humanities and Social Sciences

The humanities and social sciences are the study of human behaviour and interaction in social, cultural, environmental, economic and political contexts. The humanities and social sciences have a historical and contemporary focus, from personal to global contexts, and consider challenges for the future.

In the Australian Curriculum, the Humanities and Social Sciences learning area comprises four subjects: History, Geography, Economics and Business, Civics and Citizenship.

Through studying humanities and social sciences, students will develop the ability to question, think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, make decisions and adapt to change. Thinking about and responding to issues requires an understanding of the key historical, geographical, political, economic and societal factors involved, and how these different factors interrelate.

The humanities and social science subjects provide a broad understanding of the world in which we live, and how people can participate as active and informed citizens with high-level skills needed for the 21st century.

History

History is a disciplined process of inquiry into the past that develops students’ curiosity and imagination. Awareness of history is an essential characteristic of any society, and historical knowledge is fundamental to understanding ourselves and others. It promotes the understanding of societies, events, movements and developments that have shaped humanity from earliest times. It helps students appreciate how the world and its people have changed, as well as the significant continuities that exist to the present day.

History, as a discipline, has its own methods and procedures which make it different from other ways of understanding human experience. The study of history is based on evidence derived from remains of the past. It is interpretative by nature, promotes debate and encourages thinking about human values, including present and future challenges.

The process of historical inquiry develops transferable skills, such as the ability to ask relevant questions; critically analyse and interpret sources; consider context; respect and explain different perspectives; develop and substantiate interpretations, and communicate effectively.

The curriculum generally takes a world history approach within which the history of Australia is taught. It does this in order to equip students for the world (local, regional and global) in which they live. An understanding of world history enhances students’ appreciation of Australian history. It enables them to develop an understanding of the past and present experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their identity and the continuing value of their culture. It also helps students to appreciate Australia’s distinctive path of social, economic and political development, its position in the Asia-Pacific region, and its global interrelationships. This knowledge and understanding is essential for informed and active participation in Australia’s diverse society.

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Geography

Geography is a structured way of exploring, analysing and understanding the characteristics of the places that make up our world, using the concepts of place, space, environment, interconnection, sustainability, scale and change. It addresses scales from the personal to the global and time periods from a few years to thousands of years.

Geography integrates knowledge from the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities to build a holistic understanding of the world. Students learn to question why the world is the way it is, reflect on their relationships with and responsibilities for that world, and propose actions designed to shape a socially just and sustainable future.

The concept of place develops students’ curiosity and wonder about the diversity of the world’s places, peoples, cultures and environments. Students examine why places have particular environmental and human characteristics, explore the similarities and differences between them, investigate their meanings and significance to people and examine how they are managed and changed.

Students use the concept of space to investigate the effects of location and distance on the characteristics of places, the significance of spatial distributions, and the organisation and management of space at different scales. Through the concept of environment students learn about the role of the environment in supporting the physical and emotional aspects of human life, the important interrelationships between people and environments, and the range of views about these interrelationships.

Students use the concept of interconnection to understand how the causal relationships between places, people and environments produce constant changes to their characteristics. Through the concept of sustainability students explore how the environmental functions that support their life and wellbeing can be sustained. The concept of scale helps them explore problems and look for explanations at different levels, for example, local or regional. The concept of change helps them to explain the present and forecast possible futures.

Geography uses an inquiry approach to assist students to make meaning of their world. It teaches them to respond to questions in a geographically distinctive way, plan an inquiry; collect, evaluate, analyse and interpret information; and suggest responses to what they have learned. They conduct fieldwork, map and interpret data and spatial distributions, and use spatial technologies. Students develop a wide range of general skills and capabilities, including information and communication technology skills, an appreciation of different perspectives, an understanding of ethical research principles, a capacity for teamwork and an ability to think critically and creatively. These skills can be applied in everyday life and at work.

Economics and Business

Economics and Business explores the ways individuals, families, the community, businesses and governments make decisions in relation to the allocation of resources. It aims to enable students to understand the process of economic and business decision-making and its effects on themselves and others, now and in the future.

The study of economics and business develops the knowledge, understanding and skills that will inform students about the economy and encourage them to participate in and contribute to it. The curriculum examines those aspects of economics and business that underpin decision-making at personal, local, national, regional and global levels. Students learn to appreciate the interdependence of decisions made, as well as the effects of these decisions on consumers, businesses, governments and other economies.

The Economics and Business curriculum is informed by four organising ideas that help in developing students’ economics and business knowledge, understanding and skills: resource allocation and making choices; the business environment; consumer and financial literacy; and work and work futures. At the same time, students are exposed to and encouraged to develop enterprising behaviours and capabilities such as embracing change; seeking innovation; working with others; showing initiative, flexibility and leadership; using new technologies; planning and organising; managing risk; and using resources efficiently. In studying economics and business students will develop transferable skills that enable them to identify contemporary economic and business issues or events; investigate these by collecting and interpreting relevant information and data; apply economic and business reasoning and concepts to make informed decisions; and reflect on, evaluate and communicate their conclusions.

By developing economics and business knowledge, understanding and skills, students will be better placed now and in their adult lives to actively and effectively participate in economic and business activities. This will enable them to contribute to the development of prosperous, sustainable and equitable Australian and global economies, and to secure their own financial wellbeing.

Civics and Citizenship

Civics and Citizenship is essential in enabling students to become active and informed citizens who participate in and sustain Australia’s democracy.

Through the study of Civics and Citizenship, students investigate political and legal systems, and explore the nature of citizenship, diversity and identity in contemporary society.

The Australian Curriculum: Civics and Citizenship provides opportunities to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of Australia’s representative democracy and the key institutions, processes, and roles people play in Australia’s political and legal systems. Emphasis is placed on Australia’s federal system of government, derived from the Westminster system, and the liberal democratic values that underpin it such as freedom, equality and the rule of law. The curriculum explores how the people, as citizens, choose their governments; how the system safeguards democracy by vesting people with civic rights and responsibilities; how laws and the legal system protect people’s rights; and how individuals and groups can influence civic life.

The curriculum recognises that Australia is a secular nation with a multicultural and multi-faith society, and promotes the development of inclusivity by developing students’ understanding of broader values such as respect, civility, equity, justice and responsibility. It acknowledges the experiences and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their identities within contemporary Australia. While the curriculum strongly focuses on the Australian context, students also reflect on Australia’s position, obligations and the role of the citizen today within an interconnected world.

Through the study of civics and citizenship, students can develop skills of inquiry, values and dispositions that enable them to be active and informed citizens; to question, understand and contribute to the world in which they live. The curriculum also offers opportunities for students to develop a wide range of general skills and capabilities, including an appreciation of diverse perspectives, empathy, collaboration, negotiation, self-awareness and intercultural understanding.

The Civics and Citizenship curriculum aims to reinforce students’ appreciation and understanding of what it means to be a citizen. It explores ways in which students can actively shape their lives, value their belonging in a diverse and dynamic society, and positively contribute locally, nationally, regionally and globally. As reflective, active and informed decision-makers, students will be well placed to contribute to an evolving and healthy democracy that fosters the wellbeing of Australia as a democratic nation.

Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of how we think, feel and act. This course is designed to integrate the understanding of scientific principles, the acquisition of psychological knowledge and the application of these in an enjoyable and contemporary forum. Students learn about major psychological models and theories and the methods used to investigate within the discipline of psychology. Their understanding of how these models and theories are applied in everyday settings will help them understand themselves and their world. Students are involved in scientific investigations and the analysis of data to illustrate how empirical procedures are used to examine phenomena such as memory, attention, attitudes, personality and group behaviour. Developing this foundation of scientific method and critical thinking are valuable skills students can acquire and apply throughout their study, work and everyday lives.

Competitions and Events

Keeping our ANZAC history alive!

HASS students are involved with preparing many of the displays leading up to the Anzac Service and over the years we have built up an impressive collection of informative and engaging display items.

This year a permanent Military History display will be started in the HASS building which will be incorporated into the curriculum so that students can benefit from seeing and touching original and replica WW1 & WW2 artefacts. Research conducted each year will be added to our Museum and the military service history of the students’ relatives will also be displayed.

ANZAC Day Service

Comet Bay College is dedicated to honouring our service men and women, past and present and our Anzac Service has become a whole school commemorative event.

We are fortunate to have built close ties to local RSL Clubs, the Navy Community Engagement Program, defence organisations and local veterans. We thank them for their support over the years and we aim to continue to honour their service each Anzac Day.

Honour Wall Competition

Year Groups participating: Year 10
Prize: $50 JB HiFi Voucher sponsored by the Defence Transition Mentor Program
Closing Entry Date: End of Term 1

HASS students are given the opportunity to compete in the Honour Wall Competition as part of their History component of their Humanities coursework.

They should research a member of their family who has served in the military. Presenting an in depth project of their service history and life story. Copies of photographs and enlistment papers would benefit the essay

Medieval Fair

When: Term Two
Who: Year 8 Students
Where: Performing Arts Centre at Comet Bay College

Comet Bay College students step back in time to a darker age each Medieval Day.

The college transforms into a Medieval wonderland. Lances are pointed, potions brewed and there are a range of activities depicting the Middle Ages.

A topic set in the National Curriculum, Medieval Day is a great way to incorporate subjects in a fun and imaginative way. They learn about potions and elixirs in science, card tricks and chess in maths, medieval recipes in home economics, calligraphy and poetry in English and jousting in sport…as well as the history aspect in Humanities and Social Sciences.

Model United Nations Competition

Year Groups participating: Year 10
Prize: xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Closing Entry Date: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Competition Information:
xxxxxxxxxxxx

2015 Winner Karl Jones

National Geographic Competition

Year Groups participating: Year xx
Prize: xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Closing Entry Date: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Competition Information:
xxxxxxxxxxxx

2015 Winner Karl Jones

National History Competition

Year Groups participating: Year xx
Prize: xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Closing Entry Date: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Competition Information:
xxxxxxxxxxxx

2015 Winner Karl Jones

National History Challenge

Year Groups participating: Year xx
Prize: xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Closing Entry Date: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Competition Information:
xxxxxxxxxxxx

2015 Winner Karl Jones

Bendigo Bank Competition

Year Groups participating: Year 10
Prize: $500 cheque for the school winner, donated by Bendigo Bank
Another $500 is presented to the overall regional winner.
Term 3

Competition Information:
Students prepare a presentation on the subject of “How to improve your community”. Open to all students in the Rockingham region.

2015 Winner Karl Jones

Remembrance Day

 

When: 11th November each year
Who:
Where:

All students at the school participate by creating paper poppies with messages of thanks and gratitude for our serving members, past and present. These poppies are displayed in the foyer of the school with our Wall of Honour

2015 Winner Karl Jones

Simpsons Prize

Year Groups participating: Year 9
Prize: xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Term 2

Competition Information:
xxxxxxxxxxxx

2015 Winner Karl Jones

Trade Day

Year Groups participating: Year 9

Term 4

Students create their own stalls selling goods and services

2015 Winner Karl Jones

Mathematics
Information Technology and Design