Society and Environment

The Society and Environment department has again involved themselves in a variety of tasks and activities, including the on-going implementation of Curriculum Framework with an outcomes approach in Years 8 and 9.

Year 8 students study of Aboriginal history and culture included an excursion to Yanchep’s Aboriginal Education Centre to learn about bush-tucker, tool-making and constructing mia-mias. An aboriginal guest artist from Clontarf demonstrated artwork and provided the students with an opportunity to create their own artwork on wooden boomerangs.

Year 9 students visited Red Hill’s waste disposal and landfill site as part of their studies on urban development and problems with a growing urban environment. They also completed an intense study of Ellenbrook as part of the course. In first semester students saw the film ‘Rabbit Proof Fence’ to compliment their Aboriginal studies. The Central Law Courts was another important excursion providing students with the opportunity to learn more about our legal system.

Year 10 students were given an opportunity to study the four TEE subjects available for study in Year 11, Economics, Geography, History and Politics. This not only provided a base of essential knowledge and skills, it also made the decision-making process a little easier for students.

Political and Legal Studies was introduced to the Year 11 curriculum and was well supported by students with two very good classes. The visit to parliament house during question time and the associated debate was an eye-opener for some students. It will continue into Year 12 TEE next year and should provide students with a relevant and interesting course of study.

Year 12 Geography students ventured south for the inaugural overnight study camp. They visited Harvey as part of the country town study and then went a little further south to White Rocks Dairy. They stayed overnight at Camp Kelly and toured Alcoa the next morning and Mandurah in the afternoon. The camp provided an excellent opportunity to gain first hand knowledge of key aspects of the course. Year 11 Geography students had field trips to Trigg and Sorrento Beach for coastal studies and Herdsman Lake for a study of a wetland ecosystem.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the S&E staff for their professional and enthusiastic approach toward the delivery of relevant and exciting courses in Society and Environment.

Mr Mark Walsh Head of Society and Environment