Humanities

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Hi and welcome to the Humanities Department page! 

My name is Mary-Anne Searle-Tebbit and I am the Head of Department for Humanities at Centenary Heights State High School. I love our school because we are lucky enough to have fantastic students and a committed and highly capable staff.  

I believe Humanities subjects are critical in any young persons’ education because they ensure that students have a well-rounded and informed view of the world around them. Humanities reaches the very heart of people, not just the brain.

In the Humanities Department we are dedicated to providing students with access to high quality learning activities and assessment that will engage and stimulate.  

If you have any queries or questions in regard to our Department please feel free to contact me.  

This webpage contains detailed information about our programs and assessment which I hope you will find informative and interesting.

Humanities Programs

Year 7

The Year 7 Humanities program has two History units beginning in Term 1. Students acquire the skills and knowledge to study the discipline of History via a unit titled 'Investigating the Ancient Past'. Over the remainder of the semester, students then undertake two distinct investigations of ancient civilizations - Egypt and China.

Students also study Geography in Terms 3 and 4. Water and the World examines issues such as access to water and the sustainable use of this precious resource, while Place and Liveability examines the significance of geographic areas to people and communities, according to a number of criteria.  

Students will also study Civics in Term 2 with a unit entitled "Australia's legal and political systems in a diverse society". For the first time in 2024,  students will then undertake an Economics and Business unit as a term rotation.

Year 8

The Year 8 Humanities program is divided between the National Curriculum units for History & Geography.

The History units, studied in Terms 3 and 4, begin with the end of the ancient era and progress on to the modern period: 650AD – 1750. Specifically, students will study the Medieval period before focussing on the Black Plague. Students will then move on to Japan during the Shogunate period.

The Geography units, covered in Terms 1 and 2, are Landforms and Landscapes and Changing Nations. In the first of these two units students study the different types of landscapes on Earth, including mountains, coastal areas and riverine landscapes. Within these landscapes are landforms such as hills, caves and valleys.

The second Geography unit 'Changing Nations' looks at the growth of cities and the pressure this places on the environment, which in turn requires investment in infrastructure such as housing, road, schools and other services.

Students will also study Civics at the beginning of Term 3 with a unit entitled "Influences that shape citizenship in a diverse society". For the first time in 2024, students will then undertake an Economics and Business unit as a term rotation.

The Humanities Department offers 'core' History in Year 10 for the first half of the year. In the second half of the year, students will be given the opportunity to select a course in Humanities - History (Ancient and Modern), Geography, Legal Studies or Social and Community Studies, that allows them to see what our senior subjects are like.

Year 11 and 12 

Modern History aims to provide students with a clear knowledge of the modern world and its historical origins. Through this they will then be able to hypothesise solutions to existing world dilemmas. Combined with this students will be given the skills to critically assess information and make decisions. 

Geography provides students with a better understanding of the earth's surface as the space in which people live. It also gives students an understanding of the relationship between people and the environment. Through this study, students will appreciate the impact human activities have on the environment. 

Legal Studies is designed to give students background knowledge of the workings of law in our society. As a subject it helps to develop key investigative, written and analytical skills that are crucial to both further tertiary study and employment. 

Ancient History delves into the ancient historical roots of our world and offers students critical skills in the area of analytical thinking and decision making. Apart from this, students will examine many fascinating aspects of various civilisations. 

Social and Community Studies establishes a basis for further education and employment, as it helps students develop the personal, interpersonal and citizenship skills and attributes necessary in all workplaces. It allows them to manage change and to cope with everyday life and future studies or employment.

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