Humanities and Social Sciences

Rationale

In the Australian Curriculum, the Humanities and Social Sciences learning area includes a study of history, geography, civics and citizenship and economics and business.

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 in the Australian Curriculum 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.

Key Ideas

Through their learning in each subject or sub-strand, students develop knowledge and understanding relating to broader ideas that underpin the Humanities and Social Sciences in the Australian Curriculum, which are represented in varying ways across the subjects. The key ideas are outlined below:

• Who we are, who came before us, and traditions and values that have shaped societies
• Students explore their own identity, Australia’s heritage and cultural diversity and Australia’s identity as a nation in the world.
• How societies and economies operate and how they are changing
• Students learn about Australian society and other societies in the world, both past and present; and how they function socially, culturally, economically and politically.
• Students explore how people exercise their responsibilities, participate in society and make informed decisions
• Students examine the rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups over time and in different contexts. They develop an understanding of the need to make decisions, the importance of ethical considerations and being informed when making decisions, the processes for decision-making and the implications of decisions