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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Sustainable Water Use
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate sustainable water use.
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Sustainability - Ask the Experts
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' views about sustainability.
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Deforestation
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the effects and potential consequences of deforestation.
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Overfishing
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the effects and potential consequences of overfishing.
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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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Where in the World?
A 60 minute lesson in which students will revise world geography.
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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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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 Body Painting
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the history and traditional techniques of Aboriginal body painting.
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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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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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The History of Technology in Occupations
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore how technology has been used within occupations throughout history.
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Occupations Using Technologies
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore how technological devices are used within occupations in the community.
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Australia's First People Inquiry Task
An inquiry-based assessment task in which students will demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of Australia's first people and the long and continuous connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.
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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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Systems of Government - Assessment Task
An inquiry-based assessment task in which students will demonstrate their understanding of government systems.
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Different Systems of Government
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the different types of government systems.
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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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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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The Australian Constitution
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the impact of the Australian Constitution on Australian society.
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Assessment - People Live in Places
An assessment task in which students will identify the importance of all to care for our natural 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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The Natural Environment of South America
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the natural environment of the continent of South America.
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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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Welcome to South America!
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify some of the countries and major cities on the continent of South America.
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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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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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Celebrating Diversity
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate the cultural practices of Australian communities.