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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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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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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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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James Cook and His Voyage to Australia
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate the significance of James Cook's voyage to Australia.
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Aboriginal Rock Art
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the history and traditional techniques of Aboriginal rock art.
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Shelters
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples used the land for shelter.
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The First Maps - Stories and Songlines
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the oral traditions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples use to map landscapes.
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Australian Capital Cities and Regional Centres
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate the geographical location of capital cities and regional centres around Australia.
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The Bill Process
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the process of passing a bill in Australia.
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Problems in the Australian Colonies
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify some of the problems in the colonies leading up to Federation.
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A Comparison of Daily Life - Assessment Task
An inquiry-based assessment task in which students will demonstrate how their world is different from the past and how it might change in the future.
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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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Transport - Then and Now
A 60 minute lesson in which students will compare past and present transport and describe how it has changed over time.
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Overuse of Water
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the effects and potential consequences of water overuse.
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Natural Resource Use in the 21st Century
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore how humans use natural resources and raw materials in the present day.
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The Natural Environment of Africa - Inquiry Task
A 60-minute lesson in which students will demonstrate their understanding of the natural environment of Africa through an open-ended inquiry.
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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 Importance of Environments - Inquiry Task
An inquiry-based assessment task in which students will demonstrate their understanding of the importance of their local environment.
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Vegetation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the significance of vegetation endemic to the survival of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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Family Celebrations
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify how and why families celebrate.
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Why Celebrate?
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore how and why people celebrate.
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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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Convict Life
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the life of a convict transported to Australia.
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Aboriginal X-Ray Art
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the history and traditional techniques of Aboriginal x-ray art.
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The Arrival into Botany Bay
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the events that took place when the First Fleet arrived in Australia.
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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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Chinese Exploration
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate the exploration of the Chinese during the fifteenth century.
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Our Place - Australia Inquiry Task
An inquiry-based assessment task in which students will demonstrate an understanding of the natural and human features of Australia.
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Anh's Story
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate the stories of Asian migrants to Australia.
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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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Assessment - Australia Becomes a Nation
An assessment task in which students will demonstrate an understanding of Australia's colonisation and Federation.