Social Science in 2009

In 2009 the social science faculty will be structured in the following way:

• In year 8 students will study a semester each of Geography and History with a Civics unit embedded into the above.
• In year 9 students will study a combination of Geography, History and Civics for a period of one semester.

During the course of the three semesters students will be expected to study and complete tasks that enables them to meet the requirements of the Essential Learnings for SOSE.

In year 10 students select Geography, Modern History, Ancient History or Legal Studies or a combination of the above and are expected to remain in this subject area for the entire year. Throughout the year students will focus on developing skills and improving their understanding of the specific subject area for the purpose of selecting and succeeding in this subject area during years 11 and 12.

In year 11 and 12 students will select Geography, Modern History, Ancient History or Legal Studies or a combination of the above, these are OP subjects with a high degree of academic rigour. It is not necessary to have studied these disciplines in the junior years; however, it may prove advantageous.

Skills required in all Social Science subjects include such things as:

• the ability to read and comprehend effectively
• the ability to research, analyse, interpret and make decisions
• as well as being an effective communicator

Excursions are often conducted in all Social Science subjects and are a dynamic and thoroughly engaging way to enhance student learning. An example of this is the Heron Island trip for year 11’s which takes place early on in semester one.