Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)

History

History is a disciplined process of inquiry into the past that helps to explain how people, events and forces from the past have shaped our world. It allows students to locate and understand themselves and others in the continuum of human experience up to the present. History provides opportunities for students to explore human actions and achievements in a range of historical contexts. Students become aware that history is all around us and that historical information may be drawn from the physical remains of the past as well as written, visual and oral sources of evidence.

Geography

In the study of Geography, students develop an interest in and engagement with the world. They develop knowledge and understanding of the interactions between people, places and environments across a range of scales, and the skills to become informed, responsible and active citizens.

Commerce

Through Commerce students learn about consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, political and work concepts and issues. They are provided with the opportunity to develop their research, communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills. Students develop an understanding of the role of government and the law and are equipped to make well-informed decisions in their personal and professional lives as members of a democratic society.

Students develop an understanding of the relationship between consumers, businesses and governments in the economy, investigating how these interactions impact the wellbeing of individuals and communities. They develop knowledge of civics and skills for citizenship, and recognise the importance of being an informed, responsible and active citizen.

Students develop values and attitudes that promote ethical behaviour, social responsibility and a commitment to contributing to a more just and equitable society.

Business Studies

Business activity is a feature of everyone's life. The Business Studies syllabus encompasses the theoretical and practical aspects of business in ways students encounter throughout their lives. It offers learning from the planning of a small business to the management of operations, marketing, finance and human resource in large businesses.

Contemporary business issues and case studies are embedded in the course to provide a stimulating and relevant framework for students to apply to problems encountered in the business environment. Business Studies fosters intellectual, social and moral development by assisting students to think critically about the role of business and its ethical responsibilities to society.

Legal Studies

The Legal Studies preliminary course develops students' knowledge and understanding of the nature and functions of law and law-making, the development of Australian and international legal systems, the Australian constitution and law reform. It examines an individual's rights and responsibilities, how disputes are resolved and examines a contemporary issue concerning the individual and technology. Students have the opportunity to investigate issues that illustrate how the law operates in practice. This is achieved by investigating, analysing and synthesising legal information and investigating legal issues from a variety of perspectives.

The HSC course investigates the key areas of law, justice and human rights through a variety of focus studies, which consider how changes in societies influence law reform.