Society and Environment

The Society and Environment learning area develops students' understanding of how and why individuals and groups live together; interact with and within their environment; manage resources; and create institutions and systems. Students further understand that, over time, these relationships and interactions change.

Students develop a respect for cultural heritage and a commitment to social justice, the democratic process and ecological sustainability. Students develop these understandings through processes of social inquiry, environmental appraisal, ethical analysis and the skills to critique various perspectives of human society. (Adapted from the Western Australian Curriculum Framework)

At St Mary's these understandings, skills and values are achieved through study of the individual disciplines of Economics, History, Geography, and Politics and Law. Our philosophy is to create an educationally challenging environment, which will foster the development of skills that 1 students to become well-informed, critically thinking, active citizens with confidence in their ability and a genuine desire to learn. The courses are strongly skills-oriented, encouraging students to research, analyse, interpret and present, using a wide range of media.

Years 8, 9 and 10

In Years 8, 9 and 10 all students study courses in History and Geography. Year 8 students also study a short, introductory course in Economics. All Year 10 students study four courses: Economics, History, Geography and Politics.

Years 11 and 12

Students in Year 11 can choose Stage 2 Economics, Modern History and Politics and Law and Stages 1 and 2 Geography. In Year 12 students can choose Stage 3 Economics, Modern History and Politics and Law and Stages 2 and 3 Geography.