At Piara Waters Senior High School, we are dedicated to providing an engaging and 21^st century approach to the delivery of Humanities and Social Sciences curriculum that nurtures intellectual, ethical and emotional growth, develops critical thinking skills, and inspires 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 and how we as humans interact with these.

• In Civics and Citizenship, students build upon their understanding of the concepts of democracy, democratic values, the Westminster system, justice, participation and rights and responsibilities to deepen their understanding of the foundations of our society. They learn about accepting and respecting different views and opinions, the significance of being a good local, national and global citizen and becoming an active, informed participant in the world. Students engage in learning about the constitution, Australia’s legal system, freedom and democracy, law and order, shaping voter decisions, the Australian court system, protecting democracy and Australia as a global citizen. Students participate in real world scenarios, mock trials, election campaigns and are immersed in live incursions direct from Parliament House in Canberra.

• In Economics and Business, students explore the concepts of scarcity, making choices, specialisation and trade, interdependence, allocation and markets and economic performance and living standards. They investigate the interdependence of consumers and producers in the market and learn about the characteristics of successful businesses. Students also explore work and the future of work. National issues are emphasized, while opportunities are provided to consider these concepts in relation to local community or global issues where appropriate. Students engage in learning about consumers and businesses, innovation and enterprise, Australia’s mixed market economy, work and financial decision making, Australia in the global economy, opportunities, risks and rewards, economic performance and living standards and the changing world of business. Students participate in the HASS design process, create and present innovative products, plan and implement market days, host regular guest presenters, and attend several Business based incursions and excursions.
  
  
• 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 natural and built world we live in. Students apply their understanding of the concepts at various scales, from local to global. Students engage in learning about water in Australia, place and liveability, landforms, landscapes and hazards, changing nations, biomes and food security, geographies of interconnections, environmental change and management, and the geographies of wellbeing. Students participate in hands on geospatial drone technology, ethical environmental practice, national competitions, virtual reality visits to different environments, a range of digital and written mapping techniques, interactive experience powered software, analysis of current data and field sketching.
  
  
• 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 modern world including the reason why certain events occurred and the impact of them. By examining different historical perspectives, students develop a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of history. Students engage in learning about the deep time history of Australia, the ancient world, medieval Europe, the Industrial Revolution, Australian history 1750-1914, World War I, World War II and rights and freedoms. Students participate in active learning using technology, debating, simulations, role-playing, academic writing, virtual reality, online archives, inquiry-based projects and attend excursions and virtual incursions facilitated by the State Library, Boorla Biddup.

Within Humanities & Social Sciences, students are encouraged to question, research, analyse, evaluate, communicate, and reflect. Via a range of different learning opportunities including virtual reality, incursions, guest speakers, competitions, excursions, and high impact teaching strategies they develop increasing independence in critical thinking and skill application, enabling them to engage with the content in a meaningful, thoughtful and ethical way. By applying these skills, students investigate both historical and contemporary issues, fostering a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it.