Society and Environment offers students a diverse range of learning opportunities that develop students’ understanding of how and why individuals and groups live together; interact with and within their environment; manage resources; and create institutions and systems. Students learn that over time all these may change.

Our learning environment aims to develop students who are well-informed critical thinkers. Strong emphasis is placed on developing a solid understanding of the importance of ecological sustainability and active citizenship. Evidence of this learning could be an entertaining Year 4 assembly item on biodiversity and another is the College’s annual participation in “Clean-Up Australia” Day.

Courses offered in Years 8 and 9 include aspects of the disciplines of History, Geography, Politics and Economics. These courses are available as individual units in Year 10 so that students gain a solid understanding of these disciplines which assists them in making informed choices for further study and work. Years 11 and 12 students may study History, Geography, Economics and Political and Legal Studies.

Courses are strongly skills focussed with emphasis on inquiry, analysis, research, interpretation and communication. Students work in collaborative learning environments, which develop social skills in such areas as learning to work and negotiate with others. A variety of assessment strategies are employed to meet the individual needs of students and include library research assignments; timelines; map and graph construction; field-work reports; analysis of documents; data analysis; oral exercises; and role plays.

Values are an inherent part of Society and Environment and we assist students to develop both individual and group values. Students are encouraged to develop a positive self-concept, confident attitude and to develop empathy, compassion and tolerance for all people and to respect and care for the environment.