Term 2 Social Sciences Update: A Strong Start to a Thoughtful Term

As we commence Term 2, there is much to look forward to across our Junior Secondary curriculum. This term presents an opportunity for students to build upon their foundational learning from Term 1, with a continued focus on academic growth, deeper engagement, and upcoming assessment tasks.

Commemorating ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day, commemorated annually on April 25, holds deep national significance in Australia and New Zealand. It provides a moment to pause and honour the service and sacrifice of all military personnel, past and present.

Our school community came together for a respectful and meaningful whole school ANZAC Parade. Year 10 History students demonstrated leadership by writing and delivering thoughtful speeches centred on this year’s theme, Remembering Gallipoli. Their reflections highlighted the historical and emotional significance of the campaign and its legacy.

Complementing this, our Year 8 Core classes created commemorative poppy bunting and paper chains. The level of care and commitment shown by our students was commendable and reflected a strong understanding of the occasion’s importance.

In Term 4, Year 9 History students will further investigate the Gallipoli campaign through their curriculum, exploring its social, cultural, and political ramifications. They will also examine the role of collective memory and the varying ways in which communities and nations commemorate conflict and loss. These conversations continue to foster values of resilience, empathy, and global citizenship.

Lest We Forget.

Curriculum Overview: What’s Ahead in Term 2

Year 8 History – Unit 2: Polynesian Expansion
Students will explore the extraordinary achievements of the Polynesian peoples, who navigated the vast Pacific Ocean without modern tools. This unit highlights one of the most remarkable migration and cultural expansion stories in human history.

• Assessment: Investigation – The Decline of Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Year 9 Geography – Unit 2: Interconnections and the Impact of Fast Fashion
This unit examines how people and places are interconnected on a global scale. A key focus will be the environmental and social impacts of the fast fashion industry, prompting students to consider ethical consumption and sustainability.

• Assessment: Investigation – Fast Fashion and Landfill

Year 10 History – Unit 2: Building Modern Nations
Students will investigate how modern nations emerged and developed political, social, and economic structures, with a focus on movements, events, and leaders from the 19th and 20th centuries. This unit also covers important topics such as First Nations activism, migration, and multiculturalism in shaping Australia.

• Assessment Part A: Source Investigation – First Nations Movements
• Assessment Part B: Exam – Migration and Multiculturalism

At the conclusion of Term 2, Year 10 students will transition from History to Health and Physical Education (HPE) in Term 3.

We encourage parents and caregivers to stay connected with their child’s learning. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the Social Sciences curriculum, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s class teacher or myself directly.

Ingrid Ashton

HOD SOSE