Humanities provides a framework for students to be able to examine the different factors that shape the modern world. Students investigate the different challenges faced by society including the relationships between peoples of different cultures and environmental concerns.
The Humanities subject includes varying areas of study, including History, Geography, Economics and Business, and Civics and Citizenship.
Year 7, Term 1 – History: Indigenous Australia and Ancient Egypt
In Term 1, the Year 7 Humanities curriculum focuses on History, with students researching and developing their understanding of Indigenous Australian cultures and the history of Australia’s first peoples. Students also undertake an in-depth study of Ancient Egypt, exploring the rise and fall of the different Ancient Egyptian kingdoms and the Ancient Egyptian cultures and customs. By examining these past cultures and civilisations students will explore the nature of human civilisation and draw connections between past peoples and present-day society.
Year 7, Term 2 – Geography: Maps, Graphs and Water
In Term 2, the Year 7 Humanities curriculum centres on Geography, with a primary focus of developing the students mapping and graphing skills. Students will be required to create and draw maps that incorporate mapping conventions and develop their understanding of how to read and analyse maps for a variety of landmasses and locations. Students will also develop their graphing skills, analysing a range of different types of graphs and will be required to create graphs that demonstrate geographical data such as rainfall, population statistics, as well as temperature and climatic zones. This terms work culminates in an in-depth study on water usage and conservation in Australia and the wider world, as part of developing students understanding of the necessity for environmental sustainability.
Year 7, Term 3 – Economics and Business: Production and Consumption
For Term 3, the Year 7 Humanities curriculum focuses on the Economics and Business portions of the Victorian curriculum. This includes students examining the ways resources are converted into goods and services, having students distinguish between consumers and producers in the Australian economy, as well as the role of supply and demand on influencing the market. At the end of this term students should understand their role in Australia’s economy and the role of Australian businesses in global economic systems, along with greater insight into personal financial decision making.
Year 7, Term 4 – Civics and Citizenship: Constitution, Government and Laws
The Term 4, Year 7 Humanities Curriculum centres on Civics and Citizenship, with a direct focus on the development of the Australian Constitution and the differing levels of government in Australia (Local, State and Federal). Students examine these levels of government and determine each of these levels’ roles and responsibilities. Students will explore how laws are created, as well as law enforcement and consequences for breaching the law. This terms work attempts to build students understanding of their role in Australian society as informed citizens.