HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES

At Piara Waters Senior High School, we are dedicated to providing a robust Humanities and Social Sciences curriculum that nurtures intellectual growth, develops critical thinking skills, and instills a sense of curiosity and inquiry.

The Humanities and Social Sciences program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business, Geography and History. Through these subjects, students develop critical thinking skills and apply them to investigate historical and contemporary events, developments, issues, and phenomena.

  • • In Civics and Citizenship, students build upon their understanding of the concepts of the Westminster system and democracy. They examine the key features of Australia's democracy and how it is shaped through the Australian Constitution and constitutional change. The concepts of justice, rights, and responsibilities are further developed through a focus on Australia's legal system, enabling students to deepen their understanding of the foundations of our society.

  • • In Economics and Business, students explore the concepts of making choices and allocation. They investigate the interdependence of consumers and producers in the market and learn about the characteristics of successful businesses, including how specialization and entrepreneurial behavior contribute to business success. Students also begin to explore work and work futures, contemplating the reasons why people work. National issues are emphasized, while opportunities are provided to consider these concepts in relation to local community or global issues where appropriate.

  • • In Geography, students develop an understanding of the concepts of place, space, environment, interconnection, sustainability, and change. These concepts serve as a framework for their inquiry into the nature of water as a natural resource. Students expand their understanding of the concept of place by investigating the liveability of their own community and applying this understanding to a wide range of places and environments at various scales, from local to global.

  • • In History, students delve into key historical concepts such as evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy, significance, and contestability. They explore these concepts within the context of understanding how we know about the ancient past and why and where the earliest societies developed. By examining different historical perspectives, students develop a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of history.

Within Humanities & Social Sciences, students are encouraged to question, research, analyse, evaluate, communicate, and reflect. They develop increasing independence in critical thinking and skill application, enabling them to engage with the content in a meaningful and thoughtful way. By applying these skills, students investigate both historical and contemporary issues, fostering a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it.