Learning Areas > Humanities
Leader of Learning - Humanities: Mr Allan Kerr
P: +61 3 9816 1492 E: allan.kerr@carey.com.au
About the Learning Area
Education in Humanities prepares students for their future by broadening their understanding of their world, past and present.
The study of Humanities subjects provides a framework for the development of the student's knowledge and understanding of Australian society, as well as societies in other countries and of other times. Natural and human environments, both local and global, and the interaction of people within these environments are explored across a range of semester length units.
The wide range of subjects in the Humanities Learning Area allows students to develop knowledge, skills and values that enable them to participate as active and informed citizens in our own society and in the global community. They are encouraged to be active participants in a process of exploration and development. Both content and skills are introduced and consolidated progressively between Years 7 and 9, allowing students to confidently embrace the requirements of either the IB or VCE programs in Senior School and prepare them for life beyond school.
Students are encouraged to see the classroom as one method amongst many, on the road to effective learning. The Humanities Learning Area provides a range of real-life learning opportunities through excursions for specific units and visiting guest speakers. Students are encouraged to take part in a range of state and national subject competitions and activities.
Students in Year 7 follow a core course in Geography and History. Making connections between these subjects is a major focus, as is the establishment of links between the classroom and the outside world.
Core Humanities units at Year 8 and Year 9 are Geography and History, Elective and Core Enrichment units are also available.
Years 7, 8 and 9 core courses in History and Geography are all based on the Australian Curriculum version 8.4 which will be transitioning to version 9.0 over the course of 2024.
Years 7, 8 and 9 core courses in History and Geography are all based on the Australian Curriculum version 8.4 which will be transitioning to version 9.0 over the course of 2024.
Geography
Through the study of Geography students:
- appreciate the diversity of the world, both physical and cultural;
- become aware of the inter-relationships that exist between the natural phenomena of the world and show how such natural phenomena may be affected by humans;
- become aware of the causes and effects of global problems, such as resource exploitation and establish informed opinions as to suitable strategies for overcoming these problems;
- develop further their natural curiosity about the world.
The Geography courses are designed to assist in the development of specific skills which can be utilised in other subject areas at school, as well as many situations outside school.
Research and Inquiry Skills
- The ability to know where to look and how to find information.
Analytical Skills
- The ability to select and process information to reach an outcome.
Communication Skills
- The ability to transmit ideas and information verbally, in written form or visually.
- The ability to form logical ideas and formulate hypotheses that can be tested.
Personal Perception
- The ability to form unique ideas and to make personal interpretations.
Mapping Skills
- The ability to communicate and interpret information using maps.
- Draw, label, colour and shade maps using BOLTSS (Border, Orientation, Legend, Title, Scale, Source).
- Use and application of computer technology.
Students have opportunities to express themselves in a variety of imaginative and creative ways. They also explore the connection between themselves and the human and natural environments.
Assessment in Geography is undertaken in a variety of ways including research reports, fieldwork reports, practical activities, homework and tests. The courses allow for both individual and group work.
History
Through the study of History students gain an awareness and understanding of the immense variety of human experiences through time. This is important for their development, both as individuals and as members of society. History provides experiences which enable students to:
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become acquainted with the heritage, tradition and culture of their society;
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extend beyond their own experiences and empathise with other people, times and places;
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develop an understanding of the processes of change and continuity in human affairs;
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develop and apply a wide range of skills;
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develop the ability to reflect on the past, analyse the present and prepare for the future;
Where appropriate and possible, an interdisciplinary approach is encouraged, linking in with Geography, Politics, Community and Religious Education (CARE) and English. Courses are designed to assist in the development of specific skills which can be utilised in other subject areas. Students have the opportunity to express themselves in a variety of imaginative and creative ways and explore the connection between the past and the present, across art, music, literature, science, sport and theatre.
Students are also encouraged to develop their interests and talents through involvement in various competitions and to explore the past all around them by way of excursions and in-house visits by specialists.
