Head of Department: Dr Glenn Davies
A good understanding of social science makes for a well-rounded citizen and someone who can actively engage with the world around them.
Junior Social Science
Year 7 History (Semester 1) – The Ancient World?
The Year 7 curriculum provides study of history from the time of the earliest human communities to the end of the ancient period, approximately 60 000 BC (BCE) – c.650 AD (CE). It was a period defined by the development of cultural practices and organised societies. The study of the ancient world includes the discoveries (the remains of the past and what we know) and the mysteries (what we do not know) about this period of history, in a range of societies including Australia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, China and India.
Key Inquiry Questions
How do we know about the ancient past?
Why and where did the earliest societies develop?
What emerged as the defining characteristics of ancient societies?
What have been the legacies of ancient societies?
Depth Studies
Excursion / Competition
Semester Planners
Year 7 Geography (Semester 2) – Water in the World / Place and Liveability
Water in the world focuses on water as an example of a renewal environmental resource. This unit examines the many uses of water, the ways it is perceived and valued, its different forms as a resource, the ways it connects places as it moves through the environment, its varying availability in time and across space, and its scarcity.
Place and Liveability focuses on the concept of place through an investigation of liveability. This unit examines factors that influence liveability and how it is perceived, the idea that places provide us with the services and facilities needed to support and enhance our lives, and that spaces are planned and managed by people.
Key Inquiry Questions
How do people’s reliance on places and environments influence their perception of them?
What effect does the uneven distribution of resources and services have on the lives of people?
What approaches can be used to improve the availability of resources and access to services?
Semester Planners
Year 8 History – The Ancient to the Modern World
The Year 8 curriculum provides study of history from the end of the ancient period to the beginning of the modern period, c.650 AD (CE) – 1750. This was when major civilisations around the world came into contact with each other. Social, economic, religious, and political beliefs were often challenged and significantly changed. It was the period when the modern world began to take shape.
Key Inquiry Questions
Depth Studies
Overview: The Ancient to the Modern World
Japan under the Shoguns (c.794-1867)
Medieval Europe (c.590-c.1500)
Excursion
Semester Planners
Year 8 Geography – Landforms and Landscapes / Changing Nations
Landforms and Landscapes focuses on investigating geomorphology through a study of landscapes and their landforms. This unit examines the processes that shape individual landforms, the values and meanings placed on landforms and landscapes by diverse cultures, hazards associated with landscapes, and management of landscapes.
Changing Nations investigates the changing human geography of countries, as revealed by shifts in population distribution.
Key Inquiry Questions
How do environmental and human processes affect the characteristics of place and environments?
How do the interconnections between places, people and environments affect the lives of people?
What are the consequences of changes to places and environments and how can these changes be managed?
Competition
Semester Planners
Year 9 History – The Making of the Modern World
The Year 9 History curriculum provides a study of the history of the making of the modern world from 1750 to 1918. It was a period of industrialisation and rapid change in the ways people lived, worked and thought. It was an era of nationalism and imperialism, and the colonisation of Australia was part of the expansion of European power. The period culminated in World War I 1914-1918, the ‘war to end all wars’.
Key Inquiry Questions
How did new ideas and technological developments contribute to change in this period?
What was the origin, development, significance and long-term impact of imperialism in this period?
What was the significance of World War I?
What were the changing features of the movements of people from 1750 to 1918?
Depth Studies
Excursion
Semester Planners
Year 10 History – The Modern World and Australia
The Year 10 History curriculum provides a study of the history of the modern world and Australia from 1918 to the present, with an emphasis on Australia in its global context. The twentieth century became a critical period in Australia’s social, cultural, economic and political development. The transformation of the modern world during a time of political turmoil, global conflict and international cooperation provides a necessary context for understanding Australia’s development, its place within the Asia-Pacific.
Key Inquiry Questions
How did the nature of global conflict change during the twentieth century?
What were the consequences of World War II? How did these consequences shape the modern world?
How was Australian society affected by other significant global events and changes in this period?
Depth Studies
Excursion
Semester Planners
Senior Social Science
Ancient History
Ancient History aims to capitalise on students’ curiosity about the human condition, which encompasses the areas of spirituality, culture, politics, power, conflict and change. Each area of study has been anchored firmly in one of several themes, which in turn are linked to a particular society or time in history.
Course Outline
Semester 1 - Studies of Archaeology
Semester 2 - The Greek World
Semester 3 - The Roman World
Semester 4 - Ancient Asia
Excursions
Abbey Museum archaeological dig (Year 11)
RD Milns Antiquity Museum and white gloves workshop (Year 11)
Queensland History Teachers' Association AHS student seminars (Year 12)
Semester Planners
Modern History
Modern History aims to increase students’ understanding of why the modern world is the way it is. This subject enables students to investigate the process of change that has shaped today’s world and the roles people have played in this. Studying Modern History empowers students by providing contexts, meanings and explanations for their lives as well as helping them to live more effectively as global citizens.
Course Outline
Semester 1 - The History of Ideas and Beliefs
Semester 2 - Studies of Power
Semester 3 - Studies of Conflict
Semester 4 - Studies in Diversity
Excursions
Semester Planners
Study of Society
Study of Society uses the disciplines of sociology, social psychology and cultural anthropology to help students better understand themselves, other individuals, groups and institutions within society and across cultures. This subject explores the interaction between motivation and behaviour. During the course of study, students are encouraged to ask critical questions about issues, contexts, assumptions, implicit values and differing world views. Inquiry skills and processes developed in Study of Society assist students to function effectively and independently in a rapidly changing world.
Course Outline
Semester 1 - What Shapes the Individual?
Semester 2 - How is Social Behaviour Viewed?
Semester 3 - Who Gets What and Why?
Semester 4 - Who is in Control?
Competition
Semester Planners
Tourism Studies
Tourism Studies is an Authority Registered subject. Students undertake a course of study that is designed to enable students to gain an understanding of the role of the tourism industry and the structure and operation of the related tourism sectors of travel and hospitality. The subject is designed to provide students with a variety of intellectual, technical, operational and workplace skills. Although Tourism is a non-OP subject it is demanding of your time and involvement. If you do this course you must participate in community work and projects as these are a key part of your assessment program, especially in Year 12.
Course Outline
Semester 1 - Introduction to Tourism
Semester 2 - Theme Parks and Attractions
Semester 3 - Working in the Tourism Industry
Semester 4 - World Tourism
Excursions
Semester Planners
Social Science Faculty Contacts
Ben Adams
Peter Blakelock
Anita Butler
Jenny Chirnside
Glenn Davies
Monica Dawkins
Lisa Kaluza
Nicole Preston
Scott Reid
Jacqui Scotland
Jade Shanley