Social Science
Traditionally at Wynnum High, the Social Science Department taught History and Geography in the Junior School, Economics, Ancient and Modern History and Senior Geography in the Senior School. With the changes to curriculum in recent years, the Social Science Department at Wynnum High now includes Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE) in the MIddle School, Ancient and Modern History, Senior Geography and Social and Community Studies in the Senior School.
During the compulsory years of schooling in the Studies of Society and Environment key learning area, students have the opportunity to develop the knowledge, processes and attitudes necessary to understand past ideas, events and actions to:
- explain the causes and effects of changes and continuities
- use various sources of evidence
- value the contribution of people and the importance of diverse heritages
- understand social, natural and built environments to:
- evaluate human–environment relationships
- recognise processes linked to environments and the spatial patterns inherent in environments
- value and promote stewardship and the significance of places
Understand the ways people form groups and develop material and non-material aspects of cultures to:
- recognise, promote and celebrate cultural diversity
- identify cultural perceptions and the processes involved in cultural change
- analyse the construction of identities and the sense of belonging to multiple groups
Understand human experiences in various economic, business, ecological, legal, political and government systems to:
- analyse the interactions between ecological and other systems
- evaluate the operation of business and economic systems with reference to work, productivity and management
- participate in decision-making processes that highlight active and informed citizenship
- reflect on issues related to access to power and resources
- investigate events concerning societies and environments by applying sociocultural and sociocritical inquiries
- understand and value the diverse and dynamic nature of societies and environments by creating and communicating enterprising responses in varied genres
- participate cooperatively to reflect and act upon ethical and informed visions of possible and preferred futures.
Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE) introduces young people to a world of ideas and experiences which will enhance their self knowledge and assist them to actively participate in their world. It examines the way people interact with each other and their environments. It also investigates challenging issues and seeks to promote critical thinking.
It is hoped that students will come to understand how life experiences are the result of particular social, cultural, economic and environmental relationships that characterise communities at particular times and places. By developing the processes, skills and values needed to sustain and improve these relationships, they are better able to participate effectively in society.
The concepts, key values and processes underpinning the SOSE Key Learning Area are drawn from a number of disciplines including History, Geography, Economics, Politics, Sociology, Anthropology, Law, Psychology and Ethics. SOSE uses the following organisers::
- Time, Continuity and Change
- Space & Place
- Culture and Identity
- Political and Economic Systems
Students in Year 9 have a choice to take a Business focus unit or a Social Science focus unit.
Students who are interested in or who are thinking of studying subjects such as Ancient History, Modern History or Geography in Years 11 and 12 will have the opportunity to explore the SOSE KLA with a Social Science focus in Year 10. Students who are interested in Business Education as the focus of the SOSE KLA or who are considering studying Accounting, Business Communication and Technologies or Legal Studies in the Senior School will have the opportunity in Year 10 to select Business specific units. In Year 10 students may study History, Geography or Business units.
