Cessnock High School

Age Quid Agas

Telephone02 4990 1977

Emailcessnock-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

HSIE Faculty

Aboriginal Studies 

Who Should Study This Course 

This course is available for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students. It is recommended for students who wish to pursue a career in: Aboriginal affairs, teaching, criminal justice, youth work and the health industry. This course is recommended to any student who is interested in Aboriginal Peoples’ culture and identity. Additionally, the shared history since colonisation and contemporary social justice and human rights issues facing Aboriginal peoples.

 

Course Description 

Aboriginal Studies develops students’ knowledge and understanding about the historical and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal peoples and the concept of ‘shared histories’ with a view to enabling students to be active and informed citizens in promoting a just society for all Australians. 

 

What Students Learn 

Aboriginal Studies provides a vehicle for students to develop interest in, and informed attitudes towards, Aboriginal and Indigenous peoples at local, national and global levels from the past, present and in the future.  Students will also form strong relationships with the Aboriginal community.

Need more information 

https://www.educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/stage-6-learning-areas/hsie/aboriginal-studies 

 

Ancient History 

Who Should Study This Course 

Ancient History is recommended for students who wish to pursue a career in history, archaeology, teaching, library management, and archiving. This course is recommended to any student who is interested in ancient societies, time periods and personalities. 

 

Course Description 

Ancient History develops students’ knowledge and understanding of the ancient world, historical skills and values and attitudes essential to an appreciation of the ancient world.  Students will develop a lifelong interest in the study of history and prepare for active and informed citizenship in the contemporary world. 

The Year 11 course focuses on the methods and issues involved in the investigation of the ancient past. The Year 12 course focuses on using and analysing archaeological and written sources, and relevant historiographical issues, in the investigation of the ancient past. 

 

What Students Learn 

The Year 11 course comprises of three sections: students will investigate the Nature of Ancient History and undertake two case studies; students will study features of two ancient societies; and students will undertake their own Historical Investigation. 

The Year 12 course comprises four sections: a mandatory archaeological-focused study of Pompeii and Herculaneum; and in- depth studies into an Ancient Society; significance Personality; and Historical Period.

Need more information 

https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/stage-6-learning-areas/hsie/ancient-history-2017 

 

Business Studies 

Who Should Study This Course 

Business Studies is recommended for students who wish to pursue a career in management, owning their own business, finance or marketing. This course is recommended to any student who is interested in; the purpose of business, how businesses are structured, financed, operated, advertised and how businesses interact with their employees. Additionally, students learn how to write their own business plans as well as read and interpret numerical data and financial documents. 

 

Course Description 

Business activity is a feature of everyone's life. The Business Studies syllabus encompasses the theoretical and practical aspects of business in ways students encounter throughout their lives. It offers learning from the planning of a small business to the management of operations, marketing, finance and human resource in large businesses. Contemporary business issues and case studies are embedded in the course to provide a stimulating and relevant framework for students to apply to problems encountered in the business environment. Business Studies fosters intellectual, social and moral development by assisting students to think critically about the role of business and its ethical responsibilities to society. 

 

What Students Learn 

Business Studies provides a vehicle for students to develop interest in, and informed attitudes towards the nature, role and structure of business, internal and external influences on business, the functions and processes of business activity, management strategies and their effectiveness.

Need more information 

https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/stage-6-learning-areas/hsie/business-studies 

 

Geography 

Who Should Study This Course 

Students who are  interested  in the environment  and management should choose to study Geography.  This subject can lead into careers in environmental management, park rangers, town planning and ecologist. 

 

Course Description 

The aim of Geography Stage 6 is to enable students to study the spatial and ecological dimensions of biophysical and human phenomena in a changing world. Students will be presented with case studies which they will review to assess the vulnerability of environments and the impacts of people on places. 

 

What Students Learn 

Students will learn to participate in geographical inquiries and participate in fieldwork. As part of the Geography course students will learn to interpret maps and geographical information.

Need more information 

https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/stage-6-learning-areas/hsie/geography 

 

Legal Studies 

Who Should Study This Course 

This course is recommended for students who are interested in the legal system and law and for those students who wish to pursue a career in: Law, Journalism, Human Resources and Teaching. This course would be enjoyed by any student who is interested in law and justice. 

 

Course Description 

This course provides students with opportunities to develop their knowledge and understanding of the nature and functions of law and law-making, the development of Australian and international legal systems, the Australian constitution and law reform. Students investigate the key areas of law, justice and human rights through a variety of focus studies which consider how changes in societies influence law reform. 

The Year 11 course develops students' knowledge and understanding of the nature and functions of law and law-making, the development of Australian and international legal systems, the Australian constitution and law reform. It examines an individual's rights and responsibilities, how disputes are resolved and examines a contemporary issue concerning the individual and technology. The Year 12 course focuses on the key areas of law, justice and human rights through a variety of focus studies, which consider how changes in societies influence law reform. 

 

What Students Learn 

Legal Studies students learn a range of concepts throughout the Year 11 and Year 12 courses. There is a strong focus on legal terms and concepts, as well as the function of law in modern societies. Students also investigate case studies on Crime, Human Rights, Shelter and Family law.

Need more information 

https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/stage-6-learning-areas/hsie/legal-studies 

 

Modern History

Who Should Study This Course 

If you are curious and intrigued about history, learning about the world, and current affairs, then Modern History is definitely for you! Modern History builds on skills and themes introduced in Year 10 History, except now, it explores the history and processes of change in other countries, rather than focusing on Australia. Studying Modern History will offer you deeper insights on how people and events in the past have helped  to shape  today’s modern world.  Students who wish to pursue a  career in policing,  law, teaching or defence  then studying  HSC Modern History will get you ready for those careers! 

 

Course Description 

The study of Modern History requires students to understand and use historical concepts and apply skills in their investigation of people, ideas, movements, events and developments of the modern world within personal, local, national, regional and global contexts. The Year 11 course is structured to provide students with opportunities to develop and apply their understanding of methods and issues involved in the investigation of modern history. Students investigate various aspects of the modern world, including people, ideas, movements, events and developments. The Year 12 course is structured to provide students with opportunities to apply their understanding of sources and relevant historiographical issues in the investigation of the modern world. 

 

What Students Learn 

Modern History enables students to learn the historical background of contemporary issues and to explore the significance of individuals, events and ideas. It equips students with knowledge, understanding and skills to help them examine and make sense of the world around them.

Need more information 

https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/stage-6-learning-areas/hsie/modern-history- 2017 

 

Society & Culture 

Who Should Study This Course 

This course is recommended for those students who wish to pursue tertiary education such as TAFE and  university  as well as those who wish to pursue a career in:  Social work, research, sociology, creative industries, arts, psychology, teaching, education, community affairs, youth work and international affairs. This course is for any student who is interested  in cultures around the world and within Australia, understanding people, research and popular culture.

 

Course Description 

Society and Culture develops social and cultural literacy and a clear understanding of the interactions of persons, society, culture, environment and time and how these shape human behaviour. The course draws on cross-disciplinary concepts and social research methods, and students undertake research in an area of interest to them.

 

What Students Learn 

Society and Culture provides the opportunity to explore other cultures including shared histories and cultures of peoples at a local, national and global level. Students will explore the interactions between persons and groups within various societies, the nature of social and cultural continuity and change as well as application of research methods and social theory to a selected country study, how people in different social, cultural and environmental settings behave, communicate and perceive the world around them and socialisation and the development of personal and social identity in a variety of social and cultural settings.

Need more information 

https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/stage-6-learning-areas/hsie/society-culture 

 

Work Studies 

Who Should Study This Course 

Work Studies is a practical subject that helps  students to  transition into the workforce. If the students are looking for  a subject that helps them secure work, this is the  subject for them. Work Studies is a great alternative  for students  who may struggle with large amounts of  content and writing. 

 

Course Description 

Work Studies gives students hands on experience in the workforce. The topics that are studied are based on the real world. It develops knowledge and understanding of the issues faced by students in the transition to work and the skills needed for effective career planning and performance of tasks in the work environment. 

 

What Students Learn 

The Work Studies course will enable the students to develop the skills, knowledge, understanding and confidence to allow them to experience a successful transition from school to work and further education and training. Practical activities including preparing for job application, first aid and money management will all be covered.

Need more information 

https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/stage-6-learning-areas/hsie/work-studies