In human society and its environment (HSIE), the subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10, where students study specific historical and geographical concepts and skills.
In HSIE, students explore varied subjects in human society and its environment to learn about history, geography, people, societies and culture.
Students also have an opportunity to learn more about people and the societies and environments in which they live through elective subjects.
A large number of individual subjects make up the key learning area of HSIE in which students:
- research, gather and analyse information
- question and make judgements
- write for a variety of purposes.
Scope and Sequences
In New South Wales, students have two years to achieve the intended outcomes in each Key Learning Area. Early Stage 1 is the only exception which covers the first year of schooling. To ensure the breadth of the HSIE KLA is taught, learning has been organised into even and odd years.
Early Stage 1 – each year
- Term 1 - All about me
- Term 2 - Important places
- Term 3 - Caring for special places
- Term 4 - Personal and family history
Even years
Stage 1
- Term 1 - Families: past and present
- Term 2 - Connections
- Term 3 - Local history
- Term 4 - Australia
Stage 2
- Term 1 - Community and remembrance
- Term 2 - Community and remembrance
- Term 3 - Places are similar and different
- Term 4 - Places are similar and different
Stage 3
- Term 1 - Politics in Australia
- Term 2 - Politics in Australia
- Term 3 - Globalisation
- Term 4 - Globalisation
Odd years
Stage 1
- Term 1 - Families: past and present
- Term 2 - Connections
- Term 3 - Local history
- Term 4 - Australia
Stage 2
- Term 1 - The Earth's environment
- Term 2 - The Earth's environment
- Term 3 - First contact
- Term 4 - First contact
Stage 3
- Term 1 - Colonies
- Term 2 - Colonies
- Term 3 - Migration to Australia
- Term 4 - Migration to Australia
For more information about human society and its environment and the study of history and geography please visit the NSW Education Standards Authority.