Human Society and Its Environments
The HSIE Department offers an extensive range of subjects. These include in the junior school Geography and History which are compulsory subjects studied for the School Certificate and Commerce which is offered in Year 9 and 10 as an elective.
In the senior school students can choose from Ancient and Modern History, Business Studies, Economics, Legal Studies and Society and Culture. As well, students seeking more practical courses can study two Vocational Educational and Training courses in Business Services and Retail.
The faculty uses a $120 000 skill centre that features computers, a scanner, a point of sale terminal and office style desks and chairs. This allows students to develop subject based skills using the latest computer technology. As well all classrooms are equipped with video facilities which allow students access to relevant documentaries to extend their understanding.
Lessons extend beyond the classroom with excursions and fieldwork a feature of classes. Students gain experience of the real world through assignments and reports which require analysis of business and society.
Coupled with this, students can make their fortune as they enter the Stock Exchange game. Senior Geography students travel to the city to describe trends and processes while their junior counterparts can be seen on the beaches explaining coastal processes. Society and Culture students are expected to be involved in research projects as part of their study for the HSC. Legal Studies are enhanced through visits to courts or solicitors coming into the classroom, while History students improve their learning through visits to the Macquarie University Ancient History Museum.
The staff of the HSIE faculty are experienced teachers who aim to develop the very best in their students. We encourage all students to reach their potential and are constantly striving to improve their performance.
History
The History Department at Cromer Campus is very proud of it’s recent achievements in the HSC exams. In the last few years we have achieved outstanding results in the Ancient History Course and the new extension course.
Last year 80% of students in 2 unit Ancient History recorded bands 3-6 with two students in band 6.
In Modern History over 60% of students scored in bands 3 or above, with two students in band 5. 66% of students scored in the top band in Extension History - an achievement on par with or better than the very best schools in the State.
Good foundations in the junior school and experienced dedicated teachers have produced these commendable results.
Business Studies
Everyone eventually goes into business, either government, private or volunteer areas. Business Studies is an ideal way of learning the basics of how business works.
The course covers theoretical and practical aspects of business and management and is supplemented by the use of case studies and excursion activities. The focus areas cover a range of topics and issues ranging from planning a small business, the roles of management, finance, employment relations, marketing and global business. The course is an ideal foundation for TAFE or university or future employment.
Special Points of Interest:
Business Studies is the 3rd most popular HSC subject after English and Maths. In 2001, 15,500 students sat for the HSC Business Studies exam.
Students continuing onto TAFE can use an HSC pass in Business for advanced standing in a large range of TAFE courses, e.g., business, management, home economics and hospitality.
In Year 11 the case study at the end of the course involves a day at Jambaroo Recreation Park.
Geography
Geography examines the way in people and things are distributed and organised on the face of the earth. Explanations are sought for natural phenomena and for people's attempts to harness them for their own benefit.
Geography also tries to see whether the same kinds of interaction exists between people and environment elsewhere in the world and if so, why it occurs.
HSIE Staff
MRS R GRUDIC H.T.
MR I BLADWELL
MR S COLLINS
MR P TANSEY
MR M STANTON
MS L GOWRAN
MS S HUTCHENS
