In human society and its environment (HSIE), both subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
Students learn specific historical and geographical concepts and skills in history and geography. They also have an opportunity to learn more about people and the societies and environments in which they live through elective subjects in Years 7 to 10 (Stages 4 to 5).
A large number of individual subjects make up the key learning area of HSIE in which students:
- research, gather and analyse information
- question and make judgements
- write for a variety of purposes.
In Year 11 and 12, students can choose from a range of HSIE courses. These include:
- Aboriginal Studies
- Ancient History
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Geography
- History Extension
- Legal Studies
- Modern History
- Society and Culture
- Studies of Religion.
HSIE at Byron Bay High School
The HSIE (Human Society and Its Environment) faculty has the very important task of introducing students to the humanities and social sciences through a broad selection of mandatory and elective courses.
Ample opportunity exists for all students to find their passion and achieve their potential through a variety of extension and enrichment activities, which have been incorporated into all teaching programs.
At Byron Bay High School our faculty also has a strong focus on development of our students' literacy, research and critical thinking skills along with field study opportunities.
Courses
The HSIE faculty offers a diverse range of courses.
Year 7
All Year 7 students complete the Mandatory Stage 4 History Course covering the topics of:
- The Ancient World
- Investigating The Past
- The Mediterranean World
All Year 7 students complete the Mandatory Stage 4 Geography Course, which include the topics of:
- Landscapes and Landforms
- Water In the World
Year 8
All Year 8 students complete the Mandatory Stage 4 History Course covering the topics of:
- The Ancient to The Modern World
- The Asia - Pacific World
- Expanding Contacts
All Year 8 students complete the Mandatory Stage 4 Geography Course which include the topics of:
- Place and Liveablity
- Interconnections
Year 9
All Year 9 students complete the Mandatory Stage 5 History Course covering the topics of:
- The Making Of The Modern World
- Australians at War
All Year 9 students complete the Mandatory Stage 5 Geography Course which include the topics of:
- Sustainable Biomes
- Changing Places
Year 10
All Year 10 students complete the Mandatory Stage 5 History Course covering the topics of:
- The Modern World and Australia
- Rights and Freedoms
- Australia In The Vietnam War Era
All Year 10 students complete the Mandatory Stage 5 Geography Course which include the topics of:
- Environmental Change & Management
- Human Wellbeing
As a result of studying these mandatory courses, students develop a more sophisticated understanding of the interaction between humans and natural phenomena so that they may be more informed, active and responsible members of society.
Stage 5 Elective courses available for Year 9 and10 Students
Students also have the option of studying electives in years 9 and 10. In addition to their mandatory HSIE courses student may elect to follow; elective History (People In Time), elective Geography (Global Studies), elective Commerce and Big History (History of People and the Universe, Philosophy & Ethics.)
- People In Time (Elective History)
- Global Studies (Elective Geography)
- Commerce
- Big History
Stage 6 Courses - Year 11 and 12
The senior courses offered are: Ancient History, Business Studies, Economics, Geography, Legal Studies, Marine Studies, Modern History, History Extension, Studies of Religion, Society and Culture.
Excursions
Excursion opportunities vary from year to year, but some of the regular opportunities our students enjoy include:
- A Broken Head Excursion to the National Park and Nature Reserve
- Minyon Falls waterfall trail walk
- Fieldwork at Belongil/Tallows/Main Beach
- Sea Kayaking in Byron Bay
- Byron Arts and Industrial Estate
- Byron Bay Court
- The South Passage Sailing trip around Moreton Bay and Stradbroke Island
Competitions
We encourage our gifted and talented students to participate in a range of competition, some of which include:
- Australian Geography Competition for Years 8, 9 and 10
- Australian History Competition for Years 8 and 10
- ASX Business Studies Competition for Year 10 Commerce Students