Social Science
The Social science Faculty at Loreto Normanhurst is made up of an experienced team of committed teachers. Through student centred learning, in the diverse range of subjects we teach, the teachers in the Social Science faculty are dedicated to developing young women who have a depth and breadth of knowledge of the society in which they are living. We seek to develop students who on leaving the school are critical thinkers and active participants in the communities in which they will be living and working within, knowing they have an important contribution to make within these communities. Members of the Social Science staff are integral members of each of the holistic learning teams at the school and are working on further developing the examination of issues raised in the courses offered from a Christian perspective.
- Across all the subjects offered a range of information and technology skills are incorporated.
- An essential aspect of student learning is the opportunity to view and experience aspects of their study in the real world. Excursions and field trips that directly relate to areas of study are an important aspect of the courses offered.
The Social Science Faculty currently offers the following courses;
| Subject available | Years available |
|||||
|
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
Geography (Core) |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Geography (Elective) |
|
|
Yes |
|
|
|
Commerce |
|
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
Business Studies |
|
|
|
|
Yes |
Yes |
Economics |
|
|
|
|
Yes |
Yes |
Legal Studies |
|
|
|
|
Yes |
Yes |
Please note that a subject may not run in a calendar year if there is not enough demand for it.
Geography (Core) (7-10)
Geography must be studied in years 7, 8 and 10 and has a compulsory exam for the award of a School Certificate, at the end of year 10.
Geography is a diverse and rich subject that involves the study of the world we live in and the interactions people have in the world.
It involves the spatial dimension – involving the examination of where things are and why they are there as well as the ecological dimension which examines how people interact with the environments they live within.
Junior course (7 - 8)
The junior course focuses on global issues with the aim of developing an appreciation of the environment, both natural and man made, and the many geographical issues facing the world today.
Students develop a number of useful skills such as reading and interpreting maps, photos and graphs and developing and carrying out fieldwork skills.
Intermediate Course (10)
The intermediate course involves studying a variety of geographical issues within Australia, as well as developing skills for understanding the roles and responsibilities of people within society, with the aim of developing active citizens in the future. Geographical issues studied include investigating Australia’s physical environments, including the hazards faced by all Australians, Australian Communities, issues of land degradation and urban growth and decline and the relationships Australia has within its region and globally.
Students continue to develop a number of useful skills such as reading and interpreting maps, photos and graphs and developing and carrying out fieldwork skills.
Senior Course (11 – 12)
The senior course is an interesting course that examines both physical (natural systems) and human (human patterns and interactions) geography in a great level of depth. Students in year 11 undertake a personal geographical fieldwork project (Senior Geography Project) alongside the normal geographic studies. The year 12 course involves an in depth study of the wine industry, the urban dynamics occurring in a variety of cities around the world and the management of ecosystems at risk. The skills acquired during the course include a high level of critical analysis of information and build on those skill developed in the earlier Geography courses offered.
Geography (Elective) (9)
The elective course offers the student the opportunity to study in greater depth than the junior course allows a variety of interesting geographical areas including: Physical Geography, Development geography, the geography of primary production and Australia’s neighbours.
More specific information regarding Geography courses offered is available here (PDF)
Commerce (9 – 10)
Commerce is an incredibly practical subject that seeks to introduce and develop the students’ knowledge, skills and understanding of commercial, political and legal processes within Australia. Through the examination of consumers, business, money and finance, government, law and labour students can develop a basic understanding of the institutions and systems they are living within now and in the future will be required to participate in. Students will develop an understanding of commercial and legal processes and skills for personal financial management.
More specific information regarding the Commerce course offered is available here (pdf)
Business Studies (11 – 12)
Business Studies provides students with the opportunity to study business and how a variety of businesses operate. It seeks to give an understanding of the practical nature of running a business, especially a small business in year 11. While the year 12 course focuses on the role of management, planning, finance, employment relations, marketing and the global business environment through examining larger businesses.
More specific information regarding the Business Studies course offered is available here (pdf)
Economics (11 – 12)
Economics is a theoretical study of the economy as a whole, with a focus on particular sections of the Australian economy. The year 11 course focuses on the economic behaviour of consumers, business and governments and how this behaviour is influenced by the operation of markets. The year 12 course focuses on the management of the economy examining how the Australian economy operates within the global economy and the management of the Australian economy. Students are required to read widely from a variety of print media and think critically to various public debates regarding the economy.
More specific information regarding the Economics course offered is available here (pdf)
Legal Studies (11 – 12)
The Legal Studies course seeks to develop an understanding and knowledge of the Legal system operating in Australia. Students will develop knowledge of the various institutions, functions and processes of the Australian legal system at a local and national level and its relationship with the international legal system. Students will study the operation of the legal system with regards to particular groups in society such as women, migrants, consumers and the family. A specific study in year 12 will concentrate on Criminal law.
More specific information regarding the Legal Studies course offered is available here (pdf)
