The change to online learning in HSIE has presented many exciting opportunities for staff and students as there are a variety of interactive site studies and fieldwork resources for us. 

In Year 7 History, we have been studying the lives of people in Ancient Egypt from how they organised the society through to mummification and preparation of tombs for the afterlife. Our current assessment task involves analysing two primary sources and preparing a pitch to have one included in the upcoming Magdalene Virtual Museum of Egyptology. Also in stage 4, students in year 8 Geography are starting an investigation into Place and Liveability with the initial focus on scales of living spaces and perspectives of space-  from their own bedroom (micro scale) to childrens’ bedrooms around the world (macro). 

Our stage 5 History students are investigating Australians at War (Year 9) and Rights and Freedoms (Year 10). The incredibly passionate Year 9 History Elective students have just begun a study of Medieval Europe, specifically students are currently examining the Crusades and the impacts that these had on the peoples of various Medieval European nations.

Year 10 History Elective class have been researching their family history. This includes interviewing family members to look at change and continuity over time. Many students are discovering new information about their ancestors.  This will all be put into a presentation that can be passed onto families in the future. Students are also keeping a daily diary of our experiences of 2020. It has been such a big year, with fires, floods, and now COVID-19, our students are producing a primary source document for future researchers. The State Library of NSW has a similar opportunity for everyone- if you are interested in contributing, visit https://dxlab.sl.nsw.gov.au/diary-files where you can read different people’s experiences of life in Australia during COVID-19- we are living History!

In Commerce, Year 9 are beginning to look at what it takes to be an entrepreneur. They have conducted research and written a report on an entrepreneur of interest, focusing on how they have taken advantage of an opportunity, the factors that have contributed to their success and what role failure has played in their success. Our Year 10 students have commenced their Law and Society unit which provides an insight to court structure and the role of juries. 

We have had interesting and entertaining challenges in our HSIE lessons recently. Here are the results of our recent Year 7 History challenge to dress like a pharaoh using household items- well done to all students who attempted this challenge!

Carolyn Said

Leader of HSIE