The Humanities and Social Sciences are the study of human behaviour and interaction in social, cultural, environmental, economic and political contexts. The Humanities and Social Sciences have a historical and contemporary focus, from personal to global contexts, and consider challenges for the future. In the Australian Curriculum, the Humanities and Social Sciences learning area includes a study of History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship and Economics and Business.
Through studying Humanities and Social Sciences, students will develop the ability to question, think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, make decisions and adapt to change. Thinking about and responding to issues requires an understanding of the key historical, geographical, political, economic and societal factors involved, and how these different factors interrelate.
At Bentley Park College, Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) in P-6 encompasses the knowledge and understandings of History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, and Economics and Business, giving students a deep understanding of the world they live in from a range of perspectives, past and present, and encouraging them to develop an appreciation and respect for social, cultural and religious diversity.
The Bentley Park College 7–10 History curriculum generally takes a world history approach within which the history of Australia is taught. It does this to equip students for the world (local, regional and global) in which they live. An understanding of world history enhances students' appreciation of Australian history. It enables them to develop an understanding of the past and present experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, their identities and the continuing value of their cultures. It also helps students to appreciate Australia's distinctive path of social, economic and political development, its position in the Asia and Pacific regions, and its global interrelationships. This knowledge and understanding is essential for informed and active participation in Australia's diverse society and in creating rewarding personal and collective futures.
The Bentley Park College 7–10 Geography curriculum empowers students to shape change for a socially just and sustainable future. Geography inspires curiosity and wonder about the diversity of the world's places, peoples, cultures and environments. Through a structured way of exploring, analysing and understanding the characteristics of the places that make up our world, Geography enables students to question why the world is the way it is, and reflect on their relationships with and responsibilities for that world.
The Bentley Park College Humanities curriculum aims to ensure that students develop:
- interest in, and enjoyment of, historical study for lifelong learning and work, including their capacity and willingness to be informed and active citizens
- knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the past and the forces that shape societies, including Australian society
- understanding and use of historical concepts such as evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, significance, perspectives, empathy and contestability
- capacity to undertake historical inquiry, including skills in the analysis and use of sources, and in explanation and communication
- a sense of wonder, curiosity and respect about places, people, cultures and environments throughout the world
- a deep geographical knowledge of their own locality, Australia, the Asia region and the world
- the ability to think geographically, using geographical concepts
- the capacity to be competent, critical and creative users of geographical inquiry methods and skills
- as informed, responsible and active citizens who can contribute to the development of an environmentally and economically sustainable, and socially just world.
View Prep to Year 10 Humanities - Year Level Plans
Prep HASS (PDF, 188.57 KB)
Year 1 HASS (PDF, 466.83 KB)
Year 2 HASS (PDF, 469.28 KB)
Year 3 HASS (PDF, 207.25 KB)
Year 4 HASS (PDF, 215.80 KB)
Year 5 HASS (PDF, 195.63 KB)
Year 6 HASS (PDF, 610.21 KB)
Year 7 History (PDF, 208.66 KB)
Year 7 Geography (PDF, 220.65 KB)
Year 8 History (PDF, 218.05 KB)
Year 8 Geography (PDF, 178.06 KB)
Year 9 History (PDF, 250.28 KB)
Year 9 Geography (PDF, 223.54 KB)
Year 10 History (PDF, 252.47 KB)