Exploring Our Past, Understanding Our Future: HASS Learning Across Years 7-10
The Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) curriculum provides students with exciting opportunities to investigate the past, explore different cultures and societies, and develop informed perspectives about their role as active citizens. Throughout Years 7-10, students build critical thinking, research, communication, and decision-making skills while examining how people, places, and events have shaped the world we live in today.
Year 7 History: Deep Time History of Australia
This term, Year 7 students are embarking on a fascinating journey into Australia’s ancient past through the study of Deep Time History. Students explore the rich and enduring histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, examining evidence that demonstrates continuous connection to Country and Culture for more than 65,000 years.
Through the analysis of archaeological discoveries, oral histories, artefacts, and cultural traditions, students investigate how First Nations Peoples adapted to diverse environments and developed sophisticated social, economic, and cultural systems. This unit encourages students to appreciate Australia’s unique history and recognise the importance of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in understanding our nation’s story.
Year 8 History: The Medieval World
Year 8 students are travelling back in time to explore the intriguing world of the Middle Ages. Through the study of medieval Europe and other medieval societies, students investigate how people lived, worked, governed, and defended their communities during this significant historical period.
Students examine key features of medieval life, including castles, knights, feudalism, religion, trade, and technological developments. They also consider the challenges faced by individuals and communities and analyse how medieval societies laid important foundations for the modern world. By engaging with primary and secondary historical sources, students develop valuable skills in evidence analysis and historical inquiry.
Year 9 Civics and Citizenship: Rights, Responsibilities and Democracy
In Year 9 Civics and Citizenship, students deepen their understanding of Australia’s democratic system and the role citizens play in shaping society. Learning focuses on the rights and freedoms that underpin Australian democracy, the responsibilities of citizens, and how political and legal systems operate.
Students explore important contemporary issues and consider how individuals and groups can influence decision-making through community participation, advocacy, and democratic processes. Through discussions, debates, and investigations, students develop the skills needed to become informed, responsible, and active citizens who can engage thoughtfully with issues affecting their communities.
Year 10 Civics and Citizenship: Justice, Governance and Global Citizenship
Year 10 students extend their understanding of civic participation by examining Australia’s system of government, legal processes, and international relationships. They investigate how laws are made and applied, the role of courts and legal institutions, and the ways governments respond to local, national, and global challenges.
Students also explore contemporary issues such as human rights, global citizenship, and Australia’s role within the international community. By evaluating differing perspectives and analysing real-world case studies, students develop the critical thinking and decision-making skills required to participate effectively in a complex and interconnected world.
Across all year levels, HASS learning empowers students to ask questions, evaluate evidence, communicate ideas, and understand diverse perspectives. Whether investigating Australia’s ancient past, exploring medieval societies, or examining contemporary civic issues, students are developing the knowledge and skills they need to become informed citizens and lifelong learners.
We look forward to seeing our students continue to engage with the stories, people, and systems that have shaped our world and will influence its future.
Building Business Minds and Future Careers
It has been an exciting and productive term across Business, Social Entrepreneurship, Career Education and VET, with students continuing to build their knowledge, analytical capabilities and career readiness. Across all year levels, students have been challenged to think critically, apply real-world concepts and develop the skills needed for success beyond the classroom.
Year 11 Business
Year 11 Business students have been exploring the growth stage of the business life cycle, examining how businesses manage expansion while maintaining efficiency, profitability and customer satisfaction. Students have investigated the opportunities that growth can create, including increased market share and revenue, while also analysing the challenges businesses may face such as staffing, resource management and maintaining quality standards.
As part of this unit, students have been developing their analytical thinking skills through the application of a range of business analytical tools. These tools have enabled students to evaluate business performance, identify emerging trends and make evidence-based recommendations. The ability to interpret and analyse business data is an essential skill for future business leaders, and students have demonstrated increasing confidence in applying these techniques to real-world business scenarios.
Year 12 Business
Year 12 Business students have focused their studies on the post-maturity stage of the business life cycle, investigating the strategic decisions organisations make when faced with changing market conditions, increased competition and declining growth opportunities. Through the examination of contemporary businesses, students have explored strategies such as diversification, innovation, international expansion and business renewal.
As students prepare for their upcoming external examination, they have also been strengthening their analytical and evaluative skills through the use of additional business frameworks and analytical tools. These activities have encouraged students to think critically, justify decisions using evidence and apply business concepts to a variety of case studies. Their commitment and diligence throughout the term have positioned them well for their final assessment preparation.
Social Entrepreneurship
Students studying Social Entrepreneurship have been challenged to think like innovators and problem-solvers through a project focused on reviving a failed business. Drawing on their understanding of growth mindset principles, students explored how setbacks and failures can become opportunities for learning, improvement and future success.
Working collaboratively in teams, students researched businesses that had encountered significant challenges, analysed the causes of their decline and developed practical strategies to rebuild operations, improve customer engagement and restore financial viability. The project culminated in a highly engaging “Shark Tank” style presentation, where students pitched their revival plans to a panel.
Students demonstrated impressive creativity, resilience and entrepreneurial thinking as they confidently presented their ideas, responded to questions and justified their proposed strategies. The quality of presentations highlighted the depth of research and critical thinking that students applied throughout the project.
Year 10 Career Education
Year 10 Career Education students have continued to develop their understanding of themselves and the wide range of pathways available after school. A key focus this term has been helping students identify their strengths, interests, values and personal attributes to support informed career and subject selection decisions.
Students recently participated in an informative session with UniSC guest speaker Jacob, who shared valuable insights into higher education pathways, university life and future employment opportunities. The session provided students with a greater understanding of the options available to them beyond secondary school and encouraged them to consider how their current studies can support their future goals.
Students also completed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment, which enabled them to gain a deeper understanding of their personality preferences and how these may influence future study and career choices. Through this process, students identified individual strengths and reflected on how their personal characteristics align with different occupations and industries. The self-awareness gained through these activities will assist students as they continue to plan their pathways into senior schooling and beyond.
