Humanities and Social Sciences
The study of Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) consists of four key areas: Geography, History, Civics and Citizenship, and Economics and Business. In their studies HASS students develop increasing independence in critical thinking and skill application, which includes questioning, researching, analysing, evaluating, communicating and reflecting. They apply these skills to investigate events, developments, issues, and phenomena, in both a historical and contemporary context. Study of HASS in Years 7 to 10 develops students’ skills and knowledge required to continue their learning in the Senior School courses below.
Modern History
The Modern History General and ATAR courses involve the study of key developments that have helped to define the modern world, with special attention given to important ideas and their consequences.
- Understanding the modern world – USA 1914 - 1945
- Movements for change in the 20th century – Germany 1918 - 1945
- Modern nations in the 20th century – Russia and the Soviet Union 1914 - 1945
- The modern world since 1945 – The changing European world since 1945
Geography
The Geography General and ATAR courses draw on students’ curiosity about the diversity of the world’s places and their peoples, cultures and environments. Students learn how to collect information from primary and secondary sources to allow them to evaluate topics including:
- Natural and ecological hazards
- Global networks and interconnections
- Global environmental change
- Planning sustainable places
Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of how people think, feel and act. The ATAR Psychology course aims to answer important questions such as what factors influence human development and how the behaviour of others may influence our own behaviour. Psychology is rigorous in its use of scientific method, this allows for a systematic exploration into the complexities of human behaviour based on evidence gathered through planned investigations. Topics studies as part of psychology include:
- Research methods used by psychologist to study human behaviour
- Biological bases of behaviour
- Cognitive processes such as memory and learning
- Social psychology