OLMCBI 209

Year 9 Humanities continues to help students make sense of their world
Year 9 Humanities offers a point of difference as we venture from the semester structure of Years 7 and 8.

Instead of enjoying a year of Humanities - with all the variation and world-focus that this brings, our Year 9s rotate through the top hits of the Learning Area. Not only does this allow a change of study scenery for the Year 9 student, but it also allows them to discover the wonders of History, Geography and Economics in discrete, standalone terms.

They also have the chance to choose three electives, to complement their Humanities experience; ‘Change Makers’ (Geography focus) ‘Rights and Freedoms’ (History focus) or ‘Shop Smart’ (Business and Economics focus). By the end of the year, our students have an insight into the areas they enjoy in the rich and diverse field of Humanities.

Year 9: Australian History’s Mysteries
Caution: Historical Detectives at work! Is that Enola Holmes we see?

The Year 9 History curriculum has changed in 2023. With the arrival of the new Victorian curriculum imminent, the team decided to cast a fresher narrative over the Making of the Modern World timeline of 1750 - 1918.

We had three thoughts in mind; to engage the 21st century learner and help them connect history to modern times, to abide by the spirit of the curriculum, and to allow some student voice, giving the learner some say over what they are learning about!

And so, ‘Australian History’s Mysteries’ was born.

Piloted in Term 1 and slated to continue in Terms 2 - 4, students delve into the world of 1750 - 1918 Australia. They select a key area of focus (for instance, Federation of the colonies, The Victorian Gold Rush or the Frontier Wars) and dig. During this deep dive, they are confronted with stories, facts and figures. They present and write and ultimately posit a history mystery to their classmates of Historian Detectives.

And yes, all the while they are developing historical skills, practising their literacy and presentation skills, firing up their critical and creative thinking. It is fabulous to teach and wonderful to watch.

Students are also ticking off these fundamentals of the Victorian curriculum:

  • sequencing chronology
  • using historical sources as evidence
  • identifying continuity and change
  • analysing causes and effect
  • determining historical significance.

We hope they enjoy it as much as we love listening to the mysteries they unearth.

Rosemary Jones
Humanities Learning Leader