Year 7 IGNITE Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)

LENGTH: Full Year

KEY CONTACT: Amanda Chandler

COURSE CONTENT:

In Year 7 IGNITE HASS, students engage with the Year 7 Australian Curriculum at a high level of complexity and depth. The course features learning experiences specifically designed for high-ability learners. This course has 3 components.

Ignition

The Ignition course, which has been specifically designed to meet the academic and wellbeing needs of high-ability learners, covers the HASS topics of Civics and Citizenship and Economics. It challenges students to work collaboratively whilst developing their critical and creative thinking and leadership skills. This course encompasses the Peace Machine Project which challenges students to collaboratively create a ‘machine’ that promotes peace. Students use the design thinking process in their approach which emphasises the importance of understanding your user and their needs.

Investigating the Ancient Past: Students will explore the physical artefacts of ancient Rome, Greek and Chinese societies by participating in a mock archaeological dig. In the process of this, they will develop the ability to analyse both primary and secondary sources, reconciling the two and developing knowledge of past societies.

The Mediterranean World: The class will explore key aspects of ancient Roman society, beginning with a focus upon her leaders (Julius Caesar, Augustus and Nero), before moving on to social groups and then Roman contacts and conflicts with other Mediterranean and Western European societies. The study will conclude with a focus upon the nature, derivation and significance of a key Roman innovation. Student choice will be a focus of this unit.

The Asian World: Students will utilise the historical inquiry process to develop an overview of key dynasties in ancient China. The overview will address periodisation, provide information on key individuals and allow an insight into the major social, cultural, political, and military highlights and features of the various civilisations.

Geography

‘Water in the world’ focuses on the nature of water as a natural resource, its use and management. In this unit, students will develop an understanding of the importance of water and its effect on environments.

‘Place and Liveability’ focuses on exploring the liveability of places in relation to diverse peoples and places, familiar and distant. In this unit, students examine influences on the liveability of places and ways of enhancing liveability.

History

Students will study ancient societies from the East and the West, starting with an overview before focusing on ancient Rome and ancient Australia, exploring how these societies are investigated through evidence and their contribution to modern social, political and economic systems.

ASSESSMENT:
This subject is assessed against the achievement standards of the Australian Curriculum.
Ignition: Peace machine folio, prototype and showcase
Geography: Geographical inquiry, place liveability brochure
History: Mock archaeological dig, exhibition, source analysis

SUBJECT COSTS: Nil