Shaping Future Historians, Economists, and Business Leaders
The HSIE program at Al Amanah College nurtures informed, ethical, and socially responsible citizens. Through engagement with history, geography, and the social sciences, students gain a deep understanding of their world and are equipped with the skills to contribute meaningfully to society.
HSIE 7 – 10
Faculty Vision And Rationale
The Human Society and its Environment faculty at Al Amanah College offers a number of courses in the Years 7 to 12 year groups. Every course in the faculty aims to deliver the programs and learning opportunities with our student’s strengths and cultural capital in mind in order to strengthen our students potential to achieve the targeted outcomes. The delivery of HSIE course material also incorporates modern technology, and every HSIE classroom is fitted with interactive white board, speakers and wireless internet access. Lesson in the HSIE faculty incorporate a mix of ICT and inquiry based learning strategies.
The Human Society and its Environment Faculty at Al Amanah College offers a broad range of subjects inclusive of the following; mandatory History and Geography in the Years 7 to 10 level, Commerce as an elective in Year 9 and 10 level. At the stage 6 level the faculty offers Business Studies, Economics, Geography and Modern History to students enrolled in the HSC course. Each course delivery emphasises the development of our student’s knowledge and skills as stimulated by the BOSTES by embedding a range of learning activities with the paramount goal to strengthen student’s literacy and numeracy skills and their ability to apply the vast array of learnt matter to the Australian and the broader global society we live in today.
Course Description
Mandatory History And Geography Stage 4
In Year 7, all students undertake a mandatory course in Ancient World History. The major themes are an introduction to History and ancient societies such as the Ancient Australia, Roman civilisations and the Ancient history of China in Year 8 students explore the middle ages with a key focus on the investigation of the Ottoman Empire, the Shogun Japan and the Colonisation of Australia and the North Americas. In Year 7 and 8, all students undertake a mandatory course in World Geography. The major themes are an introduction to Geography and the study of a variety of global environments, communities and globalisation using tools like maps, photos and tables.
Students in Years 9 and 10 are also able to select two Elective subjects from the range offered to them. The HSIE faculty is currently offering Commerce as an Elective subject in Year 9 and 10 level Commerce in Stage 5 studies. In Year 9 Commerce key emphasis is placed on students developing a deep understanding of their rights and responsibilities as a consumer and applying the same in various scenarios. Students also adopt a case study approach to undertake learning in the Personal fiancé and Running a Business topics. In the Year 10 Commerce course students put on the economist’s hat to in the Our Economy topic to carry out the analysis of the current fiscal and monetary policies. Students also investigate catalysts for economic growth and development. In promotion and selling unit students learn through product development and marketing campaign method followed by exploring the potential of e-commerce in the business world.a
Excursions – Stage 4 And Stage 5
- Year 7 History – Investigating History Archaeological dig at the Rocks, Sydney
- Year 8 Geography – Ecological sustainability and Conservation; Featherdale Park
- Year 8 Geography – Guest lecturers – Western Sydney University on Climate change and conservation
- Year 9 Commerce Westfield’s Shopping Centre – Promoting and Selling and Running a business and Incursion; Consumer laws
- Year 9 History – Australia’s Convict past at Sydney living Museum & Police and Justice Museum at Circular Quay
- Year 10 Geography Cronulla beach- Coastal Processes and Management
- Year 10 History – Guest lecturers – Western Sydney University on Human Rights and Australian government policies on displaced individuals from around the world.
Preparing the next generation of global thinkers and leaders
At Al Amanah College, the Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) curriculum reflects the aims and structure of the NSW syllabus. Through the study of subjects including History, Geography, Commerce, Business Studies, and Economics, students develop a comprehensive understanding of societies, environments, and systems—both past and present.
HSIE equips students with critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and communication skills. Students explore ethical decision-making, social justice, environmental sustainability, and the role of individuals in shaping communities and the broader world.
Our HSIE Faculty is committed to:
- Delivering a dynamic and inclusive curriculum across multiple HSIE subjects including History, Geography, and Commerce.
- Fostering inquiry-based learning and source analysis aligned with NSW syllabus outcomes.
- Developing student capacity for independent research, critical reasoning, and persuasive communication.
- Enriching learning through real-world engagement such as fieldwork, case studies, and excursions.
- Promoting civic responsibility and global citizenship through contextual learning.
HSIE Curriculum Overview
Our curriculum follows the NSW HSIE Syllabus, ensuring students develop historical, geographical, and economic literacy across Stage 4, Stage 5, and Stage 6.
Stage 4 (Years 7 & 8) – Foundations of History & Geography
In Stage 4, students explore the foundations of ancient civilizations, global connections, and environmental sustainability.
History
🔹 Ancient Rome and The Ottoman Empire – Investigating powerful civilizations and their lasting legacies.
🔹 Historical Inquiry Skills – Understanding cause and effect, perspectives, and significancein historical events.
Geography
🔹 Human & Environmental Geography – Exploring how humans interact with the natural world.
🔹 Water & Biomes – Investigating ecosystems, climate change, and sustainable resource management.
These foundational years develop students’ source analysis, geographical mapping, and research skills, setting them up for future studies in HSIE subjects.
Stage 5 (Years 9 & 10) – Expanding Knowledge & Analytical Skills
History
World Wars & The Industrial Revolution – Examining the causes and consequences of major historical shifts.
Dictatorships & Totalitarianism – Analysing Stalinism, Hitler’s regime, and the effects of absolute power.
Geography
Coastal Fieldwork – Investigating coastal defence mechanisms, bio-indicator assessments, and eco-friendly structures.
Sustainable Cities & Global Issues – Exploring solutions to urbanisation and climate change.
Commerce
Consumer Behaviour & Business Strategy – Visiting the Sydney CBD & Queen Victoria Building to examine real-world marketing techniques.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation – Developing business plans and exploring financial literacy.
At this stage, students refine their research, writing, and presentation skills, preparing them for more specialised Stage 6 subjects.
Stage 6 (Years 11 & 12) – Specialised Studies in History, Geography & Business
In Stage 6, students can choose from a variety of HSIE subjects to match their interests and career aspirations.
Modern History – Exploring global events, dictatorships, and social movements.
Business Studies – Understanding business operations, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Economics – Analysing financial markets, economic policies, and global trade.
Geography – Investigating Earth’s natural ecosystems, sustainability, and environmental management.
Key Learning Highlights
Stage 6 Economics: Virtual incursions on Monetary Policy & Current Economic Conditions, covering household income, investment trends, and unemployment rates.
Business Studies Shark Tank Event: Students pitch innovative business ideas, such as:
- Pickacollar – A fashionable, detachable faux collar designed for hijabi women.
- Kaaba Speaker – A Qur’an and adhan-playing device styled after the Ka’ba.
Through these courses, students develop analytical, mathematical, and communication skills that prepare them for university and careers in law, business, politics, and environmental sciences.
Student Engagement & Enrichment
Our HSIE Department encourages students to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom through:
Fieldwork & Excursions – Hands-on experiences such as:
Coastal Geography Studies – Mapping, sketching, and ecological analysis of Sydney beaches.
Commerce & Business Excursions – Visiting retailers to study marketing strategies and consumer behaviour.
HSIE Shark Tank Event – Annual business pitch competition showcasing student entrepreneurship.
Virtual Economics & Business Workshops – Interactive sessions on monetary policy, aggregate demand, and financial trends.
These experiences enhance learning, creativity, and real-world application, ensuring students graduate with valuable practical knowledge.
Assessments & Homework
Assessment is a key part of the HSIE learning process, allowing students to refine their research, writing, and analytical skills.
Formative Assessments – Source analysis, research projects, and case studies.
Summative Assessments – Essays, reports, and major inquiry-based investigations.
Presentations & Debates – Oral assessments to develop public speaking skills.
HSC Exam Preparation – Revision workshops and practice exams for senior students.
Homework is designed to:
Strengthen research and analytical skills through independent study.
Encourage critical thinking by exploring case studies and current global issues.
Prepare students for assessments through structured writing and revision.
Shaping Future Historians, Economists, and Business Leaders
The HSIE program at Al Amanah College nurtures informed, ethical, and socially responsible citizens. Through engagement with history, geography, and the social sciences, students gain a deep understanding of their world and are equipped with the skills to contribute meaningfully to society.