Close

Humanities & Social Sciences

Humanities and Social Studies is essential for understanding our changing world. It encourages curiosity and critical thinking through historical and sociological research and learning.

Students learn the interrelationships between society and culture, economics and the global market, and current societal trends through the lens of historical events.

Humanities and Social Sciences is the study of human behaviour and interaction in social, cultural, environmental, economic and political contexts. Humanities and Social Sciences has a historical and contemporary focus, from personal to global contexts, and considers opportunities and challenges for the future.

In the Western Australian Curriculum, the Humanities and Social Sciences learning area comprises four subjects: Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business, Geography and History. By studying Humanities and Social Sciences, students will develop the ability to question; think critically; make decisions based on evidence; devise proposals for actions; and communicate effectively.

Learning

Aims

  • A deep knowledge and sense of wonder, curiosity and respect for places, people, cultures, events, ideas and environments throughout the world
  • A lifelong sense of belonging to, and engagement with, civic life, with the capacity and willingness to be informed, responsible, ethical and active participants in society at a local, national and global scale
  • A knowledge, understanding and an appreciation of the past and the forces that shape society
  • The ability to think critically, solve problems, make informed decisions and propose actions in relation to real-world events and issues
  • 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
  • An understanding of, and commitment to, the concepts of sustainability to bring about equity and social justice
  • A knowledge and understanding of the connections among the peoples of Asia, Australia and the rest of the world.

Senior School Courses offered in 2026

Business Management and Enterprise equips students with the knowledge and skills to understand how businesses operate, make decisions, manage finances, and respond to change in a rapidly evolving world. Across Years 11 and 12, students explore how businesses are established, managed, and grown. Students examine how businesses identify and respond to target markets through marketing while also developing an understanding of financial management and legal obligations. The course also considers the role of leadership in achieving business goals. Through the consideration of real businesses and scenarios, students investigate how businesses adapt to change, innovate, and manage risk while operating ethically and sustainably. Through this course, students develop transferable skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, communication whilst also supporting pathways into further study, employment and enterprise.

Career education involves learning to manage and take responsibility for personal career development. This course encourages students to recognise their individual skills and talents to assist in choosing career pathways. Students will develop a range of work and enterprise skills and understand workplace laws and protocols. Topics covered include: understanding different personality types and their link to career choices, researching growth occupations and business opportunities, understanding the need for lifelong learning and upskilling to remain employable in a constantly changing workplace, and exploring social, cultural and environmental issues that affect workplaces and careers. Students will also complete a cover letter, professional quality resume and portfolio suitable for a job application and job interview.

Economics investigates the choices which all people, groups and societies face as they confront the ongoing problem of satisfying their unlimited wants with limited resources. Economics aims to understand and analyse the allocation, utilisation and distribution of scarce resources that determine our wealth and wellbeing. Economics develops the knowledge, reasoning and interpretation skills that form an important component of understanding individual, business and government behaviour at the local, national and global levels

The study of geography is about more than just memorizing places on a map. It’s about understanding the complexity of our natural world and appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. It’s about understanding how to build our cities to face the challenges that a changing planet will bring: rising population, food and water shortages and a warming climate. Geography concerns the movement of people, the growth of cities and the creative technologies used to live sustainably on a dynamic planet.

The Modern History ATAR course enables students to study the forces that have shaped today’s world and provides them with a broader and deeper comprehension of the world in which they live. While the focus is on the 20th century, the course refers back to formative changes from the late 18th century onwards and encourages students to make connections with the changing world of the 21st century

Psychology is the scientific study of how people think, feel and act. It aims to answer important questions such as what factors influence human development. While there are other disciplines that overlap with psychology’s main aim to understand humans, psychology is rigorous in its use of scientific method. This allows for systematic exploration into the complexities of human behaviour based on evidence gathered through planned investigations.

This course introduces students to a breadth of knowledge focusing on the psychology of self and others. Psychological knowledge helps us understand factors relating to individuals, such as: cognition, or the way we think; biological bases of behaviour; and personality, the enduring traits that distinguish individuals. Psychological knowledge also helps us understand the way that individuals function within groups. This consists of knowledge associated with socialisation, moral development, the formation of attitudes and also how people relate and communicate. On a larger scale, psychological knowledge can help us to understand how individuals function within different contexts and how this is influenced by culture, shaping people’s values, attitudes and beliefs.

Close