Humanities (Individuals and Societies) promote the development of knowledge, processes, skills and values necessary to investigate controversial and challenging issues, promote critical thinking, make informed decisions and take action in order to enhance the 'common good'. This inquiry-based approach draws on range of concepts, values and processes from various disciplines including history, geography, and economics. Consequently, it provides opportunities for students to develop the understanding and skills necessary for the study of these subjects in their senior years at school.
The main emphasis of the humanities curriculum can be reflected as knowing and doing through inquiry. The learning outcomes are organized into four strands:
• Time, Continuity and Change
• Place and Space
• Culture and Identity
• Political and Economic Systems
Students undertake their learning through investigations in units of work such as:
• Geospatial Skills
• Liveability
• Interconnections
• Water in the World
• Economics
• Government Systems
• Culture and Identity: Indigenous Perspectives
• The ancient world
• Medieval history
• The Making of the modern world
Students demonstrate their learning by undertaking major assignments, writing short tests and examinations, and completing portfolio activities. Students are assessed in terms of the following criteria:
• Knowledge and understanding
• Historical/Geographical Skills