Catalyst • Junior Secondary Curriculum • Handbook 2019
Core
Subject
Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS)
Year 7
Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) is a core
subject in the Catalyst curriculum that sees students
study human behaviour and interaction in social,
cultural, environmental, economic and political
contexts. It has a historical and contemporary focus,
from personal to global contexts, and considers
opportunities and challenges for the future. By
studying HaSS, students will develop the ability
to question; think critically; make decisions based
on evidence; devise proposals for actions; and
communicate effectively.
Key topics covered are:
• The Ancient World (Egypt, Greece, Rome, India,
China)
• The Australian Constitution
• Place and liveability
• Water scarcity
• Introductory economic concepts.
Year 8
Developed in line with the Western Australian
Curriculum, the Humanities and Social Sciences
learning area in Catalyst consists of four courses:
Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business,
Geography, and History.
Key topics covered are:
• Medieval Europe (c.590 – c.1500)
• Australian democracy and law in action
Each year, students undertake two Catalyst Action
Projects which foster increasing independence in
critical thinking and skill application. Through these
engaging and innovative projects students develop: • Landforms and landscapes
• A deep knowledge and sense of wonder, curiosity
and respect for places, people, cultures, events,
ideas and environments throughout the world Topics covered are:
• An appreciation of the past and the forces that
shape society • Political parties, elections and the Australian Court
System
• Enterprising behaviours and capabilities that
enable them to be active participants and
decision-makers in matters affecting them, which
can be transferred into life, work and business
opportunities • Biomes and food security
• An understanding of, and commitment to, the
concepts of sustainability to bring about equity
and social justice For additional details about the Core Humanities and
Social Science courses, please contact:
• Urbanisation, immigration and macroeconomics.
Year 9
• The Modern period (1750 – 1918)
• Globalisation – ‘Our Shrinking World’
• Macroeconomics - Australia and the Global
Economy.
Mrs Leah Truscott
Head of Humanities and Social Sciences
9377 8513
[email protected]
• A knowledge and understanding of the
connections among the peoples of Asia, Australia
and the rest of the world.
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