HSIE

Human Society and its Environment Faculty (HSIE)

Gosford High School has a highly skilled HSIE staff committed to providing learning experiences that develop our students to their potential and encourage a love of learning. Course content and delivery is tailored to incorporate the needs of gifted and talented students with opportunities for extension and extra-curricular work for those with enthusiasm and a high level of proficiency.

Students study Geography and History across Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. These subjects are mandatory. Students can also elect to study Commerce for years 9 and 10.

In Years 11 and 12 students can choose from a wide range of HSIE elective subjects including Ancient History, Modern History, History Extension, Business Studies, Economics, Geography and Legal Studies.

Geography allows students to develop an understanding of and an interest in the interaction of the physical and human environments. Students develop geographic knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes that help them to engage in the community as informed and active citizens. They also learn to use a wide range of geographical tools including maps, graphs and statistics.

History develops in young people an interest in exploring the past. The study of History provides opportunities for examining events, people and societies from ancient, medieval and modern times including twentieth century Australia. Opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of civics and citizenship are a feature throughout the years 7 – 10 History syllabus. Students learn to apply the skills of investigating history including analysing sources, research and communication skills and an appreciation of the different perspectives and interpretations that can be applied to historical events. They develop their critical assessment skills and learn to understand a wide variety of view points.

Commerce is a popular elective course that enables students to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to make sound decisions about consumer, financial, legal, business and employment issues. It develops in students the ability to research information, apply problem solving strategies and evaluate options.

Legal Studies is designed to help students to think critically on the role of law and legal institutions in society. This is achieved through a review of selected legal rules, institutions and processes at the domestic and international level, a demystification of terminology and a focus on change, effectiveness, dispute resolution and justice.

Legal Studies has a significant impact on students' confidence in approaching and accessing the legal system and provides them with a better appreciation and understanding of the relationship between social and legal structures in society. The subject offers excellent preparation for life skills through an understanding of the legal system. Legal Studies fosters a respect for cultural diversity and promotes tolerance. It allows students to question and evaluate the legal and democratic institutional structures within the domestic and international environment and to undertake a comparative analysis of other political and institutional structures.

Business Studies is distinctive in that it encompasses the theoretical and practical aspects of business and management in contexts which students will encounter in life. Studies range from the planning of a small business to the broader roles of management, finance, employment relations, marketing and the impact of the global business environment. Through the incorporation of contemporary business theories and practices the course provides rigour and depth and lays an excellent foundation for students either in further tertiary study or in future employment.

Economics is distinctive because of the range of problems and issues that it investigates and the skills that it develops. Students will have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills enabling them to:

– comprehend the background and implications of contemporary economic issues

– discuss appropriate policies to solve economic problems and issues

– understand what a change in interest rates, share values or the value of the Australian dollar means to individuals and the economy

– identify fluctuations in the global and Australian economies and their likely effects on business

– understand reasons for changes in employment patterns

– identify, using economic thinking, appropriate strategies to protect the natural environment.

The discipline of economics has a theoretical basis and economists often debate the relative merits of different theories when assessing economic issues and proposing solutions to economic problems, including economic modelling. By understanding economics, students can make informed judgements about issues and policies and participate responsibly in decision-making.

Students will benefit from the study of economics if they have an interest in careers in business, accounting and finance, media, law, marketing, employment relations, tourism, history, geography or environmental studies.

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The advances being made in e-learning together with the considerable number of sources offered by the world wide web in H.S.I.E. defies our listing here , however below are some sites that both parents and students might find useful.

http://www.besthistorysites.net/Research.shtml