Humanities and Social Sciences in the Australian Curriculum (Version 9)

The Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) learning area in the Australian Curriculum focuses on developing students' understanding of the world through four main subjects: History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, and Economics and Business. These subjects equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values to actively participate in and shape their communities and the broader world.

Core Subjects in HaSS

1. History:
   Students explore significant events, ideas, movements, and individuals from ancient to modern times. They develop critical thinking skills and learn how history shapes present and future societies.

2. Geography:
   Geography helps students understand the relationships between people, places, and environments. Students investigate physical and cultural features of the world and develop an awareness of sustainability and global interconnections.

3. Civics and Citizenship:
   This subject focuses on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, government structures, and Australia’s democratic system. Students learn how to engage with societal issues and contribute to the civic life of their communities.

4. Economics and Business:
   Through Economics and Business, students learn how decisions are made by individuals, businesses, and governments, and the economic and business systems that affect daily life. They also develop financial literacy and decision-making skills.

Key Skills Developed in HASS

HASS aims to build primary students’ capacity in:

• Questioning and researching: Asking questions, conducting investigations, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.
• Interpreting, analysing and evaluating: Evaluating sources, analysing perspectives, and developing innovative solutions to challenges.
• Concluding and decision-making: Proposing explanations and drawing evidence-based conclusions. 
• Communicating: Using a variety of communication methods to present ideas, findings, and evidence. 

Connection to General Capabilities

The HASS learning area strongly supports the development of the Australian Curriculum's General Capabilities, helping students gain transferable skills that are essential for life and work in the 21st century. These capabilities include:

• Literacy: Students interpret and create a range of texts, communicate findings, and use discipline-specific language to explain historical, geographical, and social concepts. 
• Numeracy: Students interpret and analyse data, use maps and scales, sequence events chronologically, and apply mathematical concepts to understand and explain social, historical, and geographical patterns. 
• Critical and Creative Thinking: Encouraging students to think deeply about historical events, geographical phenomena, and societal structures.
• Personal and Social Capability: Through Civics and Citizenship, students develop interpersonal and social skills, learning to engage effectively within their communities.
• Ethical Understanding: Students analyse moral and ethical dilemmas in historical and contemporary contexts, fostering responsible decision-making.
• Intercultural Understanding: Geography and Civics engage students in understanding cultural diversity and the complexities of global citizenship.
• Digital Literacy: Students apply digital tools to investigate, analyse, and present findings on various HASS topics.

Cross-Curriculum Priorities

HASS also directly aligns with the Cross-Curriculum Priorities:

1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures:
   In HASS, students explore the rich and diverse history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, fostering an understanding of their cultures and contributions to Australia’s history and future.

2. Asia and Australia’s Engagement with Asia:
   Geography and Civics offer opportunities for students to investigate Australia’s relationships with Asia, emphasizing cultural and economic ties and promoting a deeper understanding of our region.

3. Sustainability:
   HASS subjects, especially Geography, encourage students to think critically about environmental issues and sustainable practices, helping them understand the balance between human activities and the natural world.

Australian Curriculum Version 9: What’s New?

With the introduction of Version 9, the Australian Curriculum has placed a renewed focus on:

• Clarity and Consistency: Streamlining content to ensure key knowledge and skills are prioritised.
• Interdisciplinary Connections: Emphasising the links between subjects within HASS to help students see the broader context of their learning.
• Relevance: Ensuring that the curriculum reflects contemporary global issues such as sustainability, digital technologies, and globalisation.

Resources and Professional Development

SCEAQ supports educators in implementing the updated curriculum through:

• Access to updated lesson plans and resources.
• Webinars and workshops focused on Australian Curriculum Version 9.
• Collaboration with fellow educators to share best practices and insights.