Humanities and Social Sciences

LEARNING

By studying Humanities and Social Sciences, students will develop the ability to question; think critically; make decisions based on evidence; devise proposals for actions; and communicate effectively.

Humanities and Social Sciences is the study of human behaviour and interaction in social, cultural, environmental, economic and political settings. This subject embeds both a historical and contemporary focus, provides for personal to global perspectives to be examined, and considers opportunities and challenges for the future.

In the Western Australian Curriculum, the Humanities and Social Sciences learning area comprises of four subjects:

  • Civics and Citizenship
  • Economics and Business
  • Geography
  • History

The general capabilities related to intercultural understandings combined with the cross-curriculum priorities areas of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia and sustainability also feature prominently in our lower school learning programs. Students have the opportunity to explore, understand and communicate how individuals and groups exist together and interact with their environment. They learn to examine human behaviour and evaluate various perspectives from the past and present.

As part of their studies in lower school, students develop a range of skills, knowledge and understandings to help tackle more in-depth and broader studies in Humanities and Social Science subjects in senior school.  Studies in senior school may include:

  • Geography (ATAR)
  • History (ATAR and General)
  • Career and Enterprise (General and Foundation)

The Humanities and Social Sciences subjects provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to develop a broad understanding of the world in which we live and how people can participate as active and informed citizens in the 21st century.