Society and Environment

Academic

The Society and Environment learning area is compulsory for all students from Years 8 to 10. This learning area incorporates the four subjects of Economics, Geography, History, and Politics.

Murray McKenna

Mr Lucio Cicchini Tragically, earlier this year

Head of Society and Mr Murray McKenna, former Environment Head of Society & Environment passed away. Murray was an outstanding teacher of Economics and History over more than twenty years. He was also heavily involved in curriculum development and established a superb reputation amongst his peers. Murray’s contribution to the progress of the Society and Environment learning area will never be forgotten and his presence will be sorely missed.

Outcomes Based Education (OBE)

Year 8 and 9 courses have adopted an outcomes approach. Students are offered a variety of learning opportunities and assessment methods to cater for individual differences. OBE places greater emphasis on developing problem solving skills and the application of concepts. In 2006, the Year 10 curriculum will also adopt an outcomes based approach to prepare students for the introduction of the new Courses of Study in 2007.

Year 8

Term One centred on the development of key skills and understandings relating to History based on the study of the history, traditions and symbols associated with their College as well as exploring the history and culture of Indigenous Peoples. Students were able to participate in activities run by the Ngala Koondarm Boodjah group such as boomerang throwing, didgeridoo playing and traditional food collection. In Term Two, students explored the concept of change over time with regards to their own personal family history. Terms Three and Four focused on the key skills relating to Geography. Students attended an excursion to Herdsman Lake where they learnt about the impact of humans on the natural environment.

Year 9

Students began the year with a study of Law and in particular its influence on their lives. Mrs Sue Gordon, Children’s Court Magistrate, and 1st. Class Constable Anthony Smith, addressed the students on their own rights and responsibilities. Students also visited the Supreme Court and were involved in a mock trial. In Term Two students explored a number of issues related to the use of money, budgeting and investment. In terms Three and Four they examined the different events and factors that have contributed to the development of an Australian identity in the 21st Century.

Year 10

All Year 10 students studied each of the four subjects of Economics, Geography, History and Politics. Students were exposed to the rigors of examinations at the end of each semester. Students also participated in the National Geographic Australian Geography Competition achieving outstanding results. Many students achieved a High Distinction. Congratulations to Saxon Ames, Simon Brown, Stephen Dale, Nick Feher, Trent Fleskens, Jack Goodrick, Damon Guerinoni, Matthew Isaia, Daniel Kirk, Kaleb Mckenna, Dylan Misso, Callum O’Connell, Kristian Ostel, Myles Pover, Jacob Reed, Troy Toerin, and Paul Tonz.

Year 11 Geography

Geography students in Year 11 participated in a wide range of field activities with the aim of enhancing the knowledge and skills covered in the classroom. In Semester One, students ventured off to Point Peron where they investigated the physical and chemical processes at work along the coastline and assessed the impact that human activity has had over time. In Semester Two, students visited the Herdsman Lake Wildlife Reserve. Students were involved in activities including soil sampling and testing, studying aquatic micro-organisms at various locations, bird watching and identifying, and mapping.

Year 12 Geography Camp

A two day camp was held in Term Two. Students travelled to Harvey to study the economic base of the town, assess its infrastructure and study its location. Students also travelled to White Rocks Dairy Farm near Brunswick Junction to observe the operation of a dairy farm and the Huntly Bauxite mine to observe the mining and rehabilitation programmes undertaken by Alcoa. They also toured the Bauxite Refinery at Pinjarra. The overnight stay at Camp Kelly allowed students to view the regenerated jarrah forest ecosystem. We are committed to providing students with an engaging and creative curriculum in Society Environment. I would like to sincerely thank our hard working and talented Society and Environment teachers for their dedication and commitment.

Lucio Cicchini

Head of Society and Environment