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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People in Our Community - Groups
A 60 minute lesson in which students will examine the different groups people belong to, why these groups are important and how these groups celebrate.
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My House
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate the importance of the places students live and explore the people who make up families.
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Communicating Through Time
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explain how communication devices have changed over time.
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Let's Communicate!
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explain how we communicate with others.
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Toys From Today
A 60 minute lesson in which students will describe the features of a present day toy.
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Who Came Here?
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the different migrant groups in Australia throughout the 20th century.
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Australia Becomes a Nation Unit Plan
This Australian History unit covers a range of concepts relating to the establishment of the Australian colonies, Australian Federation and the Australian Constitution.
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People Live in Places Unit Plan
This Geography unit covers a range of concepts relating to the places students live in and belong to.
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Australian Gold Rush Unit Plan
This Australian Gold Rush unit investigates the historical discovery of Australia’s Gold Rush period, from the mid-to-late 1800s. Ideas include the discovery of gold, mining lifestyle, wealth and success, social consequences, and how these shaped the Australia we live in today.
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The Continents of Africa and South America Unit Plan
This Geography unit addresses the topographical features and the natural environment of the continents of Africa and South America.
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An Introduction to Aboriginal Art Unit Plan
This Visual Arts unit addresses the history of Aboriginal art in Australia and the variety of techniques used in different artworks.
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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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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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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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Welcome to Africa!
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify some of the countries and major cities on the continent of Africa.
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Celebrations Inquiry Task - Presenting
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Celebrations Inquiry Task - Researching
A 60 minute lesson in which students will deepen understanding of celebrations around the world through inquiry-based research.
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Religious and Cultural Celebrations
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore some significant religious and cultural celebrations.
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National Celebrations
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore how nations celebrate their unique history, culture and identity.
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Community Celebrations
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify how and why communities celebrate.
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Family Celebrations
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify how and why families celebrate.
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Applying Aboriginal Art Techniques - Assessment Task
An assessment task in which students will demonstrate their understanding of Aboriginal art techniques.
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An Expanding Colony
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the struggles of the early colony and the reasons for expansion.
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Aboriginal Cross-Hatching
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the history and traditional techniques of Aboriginal cross-hatching.
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Aboriginal Wandjina Artworks
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the history and traditional techniques of Aboriginal Wandjina artworks.
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Aboriginal Body Painting
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the history and traditional techniques of Aboriginal body painting.
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Early Explorers Assessment Task
An inquiry-based assessment task in which students will demonstrate an understanding of the Age of Exploration and how the journeys of explorers impacted upon other societies.
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The Myth of Terra Nullius
A 60 minute lesson in which students will examine the myth that Australia was a Terra Nullius land before contact with the British.
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Aboriginal Sand Drawings
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the history and traditional techniques of Aboriginal sand drawings.
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Chinese Exploration
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate the exploration of the Chinese during the fifteenth century.
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Terra Australis Incognita
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand why the fifteenth century was known as the Age of Exploration.
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The History of Technology in Occupations
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore how technology has been used within occupations throughout history.