Humanities and Social Sciences
In a world that is increasingly culturally diverse and dynamically interconnected, it is important that students come to understand their world, past and present, and develop a capacity to respond to challenges, now and in the future, in innovative, informed, personal and collective ways.
The Australian Curriculum for the Humanities and Social Sciences plays an important role in harnessing students’ curiosity and imagination about the world they live in and empowers them to actively shape their lives; make reflective, informed decisions; value their belonging in a diverse and dynamic society; and positively contribute locally, nationally, regionally and globally.
Thinking about and responding to issues requires an understanding of different perspectives; the key historical, geographical, political, economic and societal factors involved; and how these different factors interrelate. The Humanities and Social Sciences in F–6/7, which encompasses the knowledge and understandings of history, geography, civics and citizenship, and economics and business, gives students a deep understanding of the world they live in from a range of perspectives, past and present, and encourages them to develop an appreciation and respect for social, cultural and religious diversity.
The Australian Curriculum for the Humanities and Social Sciences empowers students to shape change by developing a range of skills to enable them to make informed decisions and solve problems. The subject provides students with the skills, behaviours and capabilities that will equip them to face challenges in their lifetime and to participate in and contribute to the wellbeing and sustainability of the environment, the economy and society. Through studying Humanities and Social Sciences, students are given opportunities to develop their ability to question, think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, make decisions and adapt to change.
Through the Humanities and Social Sciences, students become well placed to contribute to Australia’s ideas of a cohesive society, sustainable environment, productive economy and stable democracy.
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Factors Influencing Human Migration
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify different types of migration and the factors that influence migration.
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Three Levels of Government
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the roles and responsibilities of each level of the Australian government.
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Australia's System of Government
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore Australia's system of government.
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Australia's System of Government Unit Plan
This Civics and Citizenship unit addresses a range of Australian government concepts involving democratic systems, roles and responsibilities of government and the process of making laws.
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Melting Pot – Exploring the Cultures That Made the Australian Gold Rush
A 60-minute lesson about the influence different cultures had on Australia during the gold rush years, the challenges newcomers faced, and how they made Australia what it is today.
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A Golden Democracy – Laws, Taxes and Voting Equality
A 60-minute lesson designed to explain how events during the gold rush influenced Australian laws, taxes, equality and voting rights, and how they shaped our current democracy.
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The Topography of South America
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the topographical features of the continent of South America.
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First Fleet Assessment Task
An inquiry-based assessment task in which students will demonstrate an understanding of the people impacted by the arrival of the First Fleet.
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Convict Life
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the life of a convict transported to Australia.
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Life in Britain During the 1700s
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate life in Britain during the late 1700s.
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A Natural Wonder - Our Great Barrier Reef
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the unique natural environment of the Great Barrier Reef.
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Mountains of Australia
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify, describe and locate mountains in Australia.
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Rivers of Australia
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify, describe and locate rivers in Australia.
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Australian States and Territories
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate how Australia can be represented on a map as states and territories.
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Great Southern Land
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the natural and human features of Australia.
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Looking After Places
A 60 minute lesson in which students will appreciate the responsibility of all people to care for our natural environment.
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Caring for Our School
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore their responsibility in caring for their school environment.
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Toys From the Past
A 60 minute lesson in which students will compare toys from the past with the present.
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Assessment - Calling Australia Home
An assessment task in which students will demonstrate knowledge of Australian democracy and citizenship experiences in the 20th century.
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How Immigration Shaped Australia
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate the experiences of democracy and citizenship for migrant groups in Australia.
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Calling Australia Home Unit Plan
This Australian History unit covers a range of concepts relating to democracy, citizenship and immigration experiences of 20th century Australia.
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Australian Laws
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand why we have laws in Australia.
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Eureka Stockade – Fighting for a Vote
A 60-minute lesson in which students learn about the events that led to the Eureka Stockade and how they changed Australian society.
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Assessment: Living Wax Museum – Australian Gold Rush
A 60-minute assessment designed to assess students' knowledge and understanding of the people, politics and events of the Australian Gold Rush.
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First Nations – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Involvement in the Gold Rush
A 60-minute lesson in which students explore the impact the Australian Gold Rush had on Indigenous peoples.
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A Digger's Life – Exploration of Life on the Goldfields
A 60-minute lesson in which students learn about the working and living conditions of miners on the Australian goldfields.
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Gold Fever - Kick Starting the Australian Gold Rush
A 60-minute lesson in which students learn about the discovery of gold and initial phases of the Australian Gold Rush.
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Gold – Defining It
A 60-minute lesson in which students will learn what gold is and how it helped shape the currency we use today.
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The Age of Exploration, Discovery and Expansion Unit Plan
This History unit covers a range of concepts relating to the early explorers of the Age of Exploration and the 'discovery' of Australia.
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The Natural Environment of Africa
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the natural environment of the continent of Africa.
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The Topography of Africa
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the topographical features of the continent of Africa.
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Australian Commemorations and Celebrations
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore some significant Australian commemorations and celebrations.