Abbotsford Public School

An innovative and inclusive learning space

Telephone02 9713 6220

Emailabbotsford-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Human society and its environment

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. 

National History Challenge

Stage 3 students can voluntarily take part in the National History Challenge each year. Students elect themselves or are encouraged by their teachers to enter the competition based on their interest or achievement in history.

After working either individually or in groups on their entries based on the yearly theme, students submit them to be judged at a school level. Up to six entries are then sent further to be judged at a regional level, resulting in one entry advancing to the state level of judging.

Entries vary in format from written essays and 3D models to digital slideshows. All students receive bronze awards for their efforts.