HSIE

Ancient History

Ancient History provides a wonderful opportunity to learn the skills of using and interpreting evidence from the vast span of ancient time. Not only do you learn about the great achievements of humankind, but at the same time acquire lifelong learning skills. It develops an informed and skilful person able to understand and meet the challenges of our society.

Extensive use of archaeological evidence is used to develop understanding of ancient societies, personalities and specific historical periods and events.

Who Should Study Ancient History?

● Are you interested in the world around you?

● Do you like to discuss and develop a point of view?

● Are you a motivated and inquisitive student?

● Do you have an appreciation of the world’s cultural diversity and heritage?

● Are you reasonably skilled in research, analytical and communication skills?

● Do you wish to pursue a career that relies on informed opinion communicated clearly?

● Are you willing to work independently and collaboratively to produce work only limited by effort and imagination?

Business Studies

​Business activity is a feature of everyone’s life. A key feature of Business Studies therefore is its relevance to the full range of HSC students, as it provides useful skills and understanding that support future engagements with any organisation.

People throughout the world engage in a web of business activities to design, produce, market and deliver a range of goods and services. Business Studies encompasses the theoretical and practical aspects of business and management in contexts which students will encounter in life. Business case studies are incorporated throughout the course to provide a stimulating and

relevant framework for students. The course provides rigour and depth and lays an excellent foundation for students either in further tertiary study or in future employment.

Economics

Economics is a way of thinking about how societies function – a framework for analysing how humans and organisations behave and interact. This framework can be used to forecast economic conditions, design and implement policies, develop corporate strategies, and guide investment decisions. Economic issues are an ever-present and inherent part of our lives. Examples of economic issues include the existence of unemployment, political debate, global competition in world markets, the value of the dollar, the merits of alternative pollution control policies, and the RBA’s control of interest rates.

Economics develops students’ understanding of the global economy and Australia’s role in it, as well as skills in analysis, problem-solving and communication. There is a strong focus on real-world problems, issues and current events.

Geography

​Geography seeks to describe and interpret the diverse features of the Earth and its people. It is a key discipline through which students develop the ability to recognise and understand the changes and interactions which take place on our planet. By being multidisciplinary, Geography is uniquely placed to investigate climate change, sustainability and similar issues.

The tools of investigation, inquiry, problem solving, research and communication gained by students through extensive study of Geography will equip them for life in the 21st century. Through the study of Geography, students’ ability to synthesise a range of viewpoints and areas of expertise is enhanced. Its conceptual structure and commitment to inquiry methods provide a sound framework for making sense of a variety of issues that characterise an increasingly complex and changing world. Generally, students who do well in Geography have a natural curiosity about how and why the world’s people and their environments are so diverse. Geography is a valuable complementary subject to Economics or Biology.

Legal Studies

Our society is regulated by a complex set of rules and regulations which both guide and protect individual and community rights. Being well informed about legal issues, including the rights and responsibilities integral to our society, is part of being an active and informed citizen. Students of Legal Studies Stage 6 will develop an understanding of legal concepts and the way the law functions in our society. The syllabus focuses on the way in which law is generated, how it is structured and how it operates in Australian and international contexts. Learning about our legal system will allow students to investigate the way our society operates and the influences that shape it. Students will develop an understanding of the implications that legal decisions can have for Australian society and the ways in which the legal system can affect the lives of Australian citizens. A critical understanding of the processes of reform and change will help students to contribute to making our society more equitable for all.

Modern History

​Modern History provides students with a wonderful opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding and interest in issues that have shaped our world today and recognise the forces still contributing to change. It develops an informed and skilful person, able to respond to the national and international challenges facing our society. Students will develop a confident understanding of content and arguments related to specific historical periods and events, as well as prominent personalities.

Who Should Study Modern History?

● Do you enjoy the study of people, events and issues?

● Are you able to research, analyse and communicate issues?

● Do you enjoy developing and presenting a point of view in varied formats?

● Are you interested in the issues that have shaped and continue to shape your time?

● Do you wish to pursue a career that relies on informed opinion communicated clearly?

Are you able to work independently and collaboratively on in-depth projects presented both in written and oral format?

Society and Culture

Society and Culture is a concept-based course. It develops an understanding of persons, societies, cultures, environments and time. Society and Culture draws on cross-disciplinary concepts and social research methodologies from anthropology, communication, cultural studies, media studies, philosophy, psychology, social ecology and sociology. This allows for a number of students to be interested in the topics studied in the subjects in Preliminary and HSC Course. This subject also provides students with a foundation for developing essay writing skills for university through their personal interest project. This allows students to develop their own project topic as on ongoing major work. The subject is unique as it allows students to develop a better understanding of society and differences in culture.