HSIE Department

The HSIE Department encompasses a variety of disciplines which include learning about the history, geography, cultures, heritages and environment of Australia and comparing these with other societies. Within these disciplines skills are developed in communication, interpretation, investigation, critical thinking and analysis while an awareness of and commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of the environment is developed.

The subjects of economics, geography, legal studies, business studies and commerce equip the young women of St Vincent's College to develop the skills to interpret their life experiences meaningfully and to fulfil their potential.

The Nature of HSIE (Human Society and its Environment)

HSIE is:

  • About personal competence and responsible citizenship
  • A living skills collection of subjects
  • About social responsibility and equity
  • About ecological and environmental management and responsibility
  • Solving problems
  • Developing better ways to live for all
  • About communication
  • The society and world we live in

At St Vincent's College HSIE subjects encourage students to be confident, articulate and independent learners who are impelled by truth, justice, hope and service for the good of the individual and society.

The use of experiential learning, the development of personal awareness, competence, citizenship, life skills, leadership skills, personal and social responsibility within a changing commercial and global environment are actively encouraged so that the young women of the College become competent decision-makers in a changing commercial world.

Excursions/Fieldwork

Excursions are an essential part of the subjects covered within this department. They are not simply outings but assist to fulfil outcomes of the syllabuses and provide experiential learning opportunities for the students. For mandatory geography fieldwork is a compulsory requirement of the course. Fieldwork requirements follow Board of Studies requirements and are negotiated within the College Excursion Policy. The following excursions/fieldwork have been planned for 2005.

  • Year 7 Geography Camp Kedron
  • Year 8 Geography Blue Mountains (World Heritage Site)
  • Year 9 Geography Coasts (Narrabeen)
  • Year 9 Commerce Harbourside ( Darling Harbour)
  • Year 10 Geography Tallong (Southern Highlands/Goulbourn, 2 days overnight)
  • Year 10 Commerce Downing Centre Courts and Ernst and Young
  • Year 11 Geography Jemby Rinjah Eco. Lodge ( Blue Mountains)
  • Year 12 Geography Hunter Valley vineyards

Herald in the classroom

Senior students are encouraged to subscribe to Herald in the classroom. This scheme provides students with a Sydney Morning Herald each school day. It has been very successful and enables students to access significant issues that become pivotal points of discussion during class. Students believe this opportunity to read the Sydney Morning Herald daily has been a valuable part of their learning.