Humanities

“Our young will only ever be half educated unless they acquire a sense of human dignity and worth, an appreciation of life, the capacity to question, the ability to give and receive love, the knowledge of how to use our limited time wisely and the determination to leave the world a better place for our having been in it.”

Dr Wayne Tinsey Executive Director of EREA

Mr Chris Allanson Head of Humanities

This quote from the leader of Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) summarises well the aims of learning within the Humanities area. Humanities staff strive constantly to provide a holistic education that goes beyond the basic teaching of content. The teaching learning partnership that exists is one where the individual is provided with far more than basic facts and figures. Each member of staff continually goes ‘above and beyond’ to ensure each child is valued, respected and given the necessary skills, not only to better themselves, but equip them with the tools to make the world around them a better place.

The Humanities Learning Area in 2016 has ensured that the new Western Australian Humanities and Social Sciences curriculum (HASS) will be fully implemented from 2017 as mandated by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority. The minimum requirement is to teach History & Geography in Years 7–10, as well as Civics, Citizenship, Economics and Business in Years 7 and 8. At Trinity College, students will complete all four disciplines across Years 7–10.

This year the College participated in the Law Society and Sir Francis Burt Mock Trial competition for the first time. Mrs Sonia Scordo provided this wonderful learning opportunity for her Year 11 Politics & Law class to experience the way civil and criminal trials take place in Western Australia. The students are congratulated for their effort and the fine performances that they gave representing the College. I also thank Mr Tony Buti MLA (Member for Armadale) who generously donated his time to coach the team in preparation for each of the three trials in which they competed.

Congratulations also to James Hoare (12.6) who was named the Western Australian winner of the National History Challenge for his essay titled Triumph or Tragedy: The Vietnam War. I thank Mr Anthony Lunt for mentoring James through this process. Congratulations also to Rohan James (12.2) who was a state finalist in the same competition.

A number of students also competed in the Australian Geography Competition with some outstanding results. Jack Clear (10.6) was placed in the top 1% in Australia. High Distinctions were also awarded to Benjamin Doyle (8.5), Declan Ryan (8.1), Aiden Galvin (10.8), Jeremy Hansen (10.4), David Pham (10.8) and Leo Milazzo (12.6).

Our students have again been afforded some wonderful learning opportunities throughout the year. Considerable time and effort goes into planning certain learning experiences outside the classroom. This year students across the Senior School have experienced excursions to places such as Fremantle Prison, the Shipwreck Museum, Hoyts Cinemas, the Central Law Courts, the Francis Burt Law Centre and the Supreme Court, Parliament House, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Constitution Centre, the Forest Hills Discovery Centre, the Canning River Environmental Education Centre and University of Notre Dame. I thank all the staff who assisted in the organisation of these excursions.

In terms of staffing, Mr Barry McKenna (who is also Mayor of Bayswater), has been away for the year but will be returning to us in 2017. Sadly, we are saying goodbye to Mr Chris Morris who has accepted a teaching position at Perth College. Chris came to us in 2014 from Manjimup Senior High School and immediately established a reputation as an outstanding teacher always willing to involve himself in all aspects of College life. His ability to connect with the students enabled him to attain the best results in Geography that the College has had for many years. He will also be missed by those involved in the water polo program. I wish Chris well in the next phase of his career.

Finally, I thank all members of the Humanities Learning Area for their efforts in 2016. You each ensure that our students receive more than just a ‘half education’ as described by Dr Tinsey and do indeed leave the College ready to make a difference to the world in which they live.

Mr Chris Allanson (’91)

Head of Humanities