The Humanities team has been very busy over the last four weeks delivering over 20 VCE and Elective subjects alongside the Year 7 to 10 core subjects. There are a number of new and revised subjects in 2017 including VCE Geography Units 3 and 4, Global Justice (Year 9 & 10 Elective), Accounting: Fashion Cents (Year 9 & 10 elective) and new courses for VCE Business Management and Economics.

In conjunction with this, it has been important for teachers to make the most of the warm weather and undertake Geography fieldwork excursions. Over the past two weeks all Year 8 students enjoyed travelling to St Kilda Harbour to understand coastal processes and management. A special thank you must go to Mr Paul Cross who willingly organised, transported and instructed the four Year 8 classes during this excursion to the beach.

Furthermore, Mr Paul Cross also arranged the Units 3 and 4 Geography class compulsory fieldwork to Melbourne’s Northern Growth Corridor on Monday 27 February. Students conducted surveys, explored new land estates and display homes, and met with various land developers in the area to understand the local land use change and growth of this region.

This year, Year 7 students have commenced with the study of History and have been exploring the School Archive collection as well as touring Illawarra House to gain a greater appreciation of the rich history of St Catherine’s. Each class has enjoyed analysing a wide range of artefacts. This project has been a wonderful collaborative effort between the Year 7 Humanities teachers, the School Archivist, Ms Melissa Campbell and Director of Boarding Services, Mrs Sue Collister.

Humanities is also currently abuzz with competition fever as many annual competitions have been released during Term 1. Entries for the Australian Geography and History competition have been submitted with over 50 students participating this year. Also Years 9 to 12 students can enter the National ASX Sharemarket Game, which has been running for over 40 years. Trading begins on 9 March. Students from Years 7 to 10 are also encouraged to express interest in the following State and National History competitions by emailing or visiting Mrs Katrina Davey.

• Historical Fiction Competition: Create a story based on historical events and people. Students can write about any period of history as long as the entry has a convincing setting that is historically correct in time and place. Winning students at each Year level will each receive a cash prize of $150.
• National History Challenge: Students must submit an essay, exhibit or other presentation format exploring the theme ‘Making a Better World’ which includes historically accurate information and a range of primary and secondary sources. Winning students at each Year level will each receive a cash prize of $200.

It is definitely an exciting year ahead for all Humanities staff with many learning experiences and activities planned to ensure students are aware and interested in the world around them.