Humanities & Social Sciences at Spearwood Primary School

Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) is the study of human behaviour and interaction in social, cultural, environmental, economic, and political contexts. Humanities and Social Sciences has a historical and contemporary focus, from personal to global contexts, and considers opportunities and challenges for the future.

In the Western Australian Curriculum, the Humanities and Social Sciences learning area comprises four subjects:

• History
• Civics and Citizenship
• Economics and Business
• Geography

Spearwood Primary School has implemented ‘Inquisitive’ as the main Humanities and Social Sciences teaching and learning program in years Pre-Primary to Year 6.  Every Inquisitive HASS lesson starts with a key inquiry question from the curriculum that ignites curiosity. Scaffolded learning activities provide rich opportunities for student voice, collaboration, and discussion.

Each lesson is supported by engaging stimulus, such as eBooks, videos, maps, interactives and more.  Differentiated learning activities make it easy to provide a range of challenges and meet the needs of every learner.

Lessons are identified as Core, Deeper Learning and Challenging.

Core – Central to the focus question and can be attempted by all students.

Deeper Learning – These activities usually require more time, effort, and occasionally further research.

Challenging – Extended critical and creative thinking as well as independent research by the students.

 

Students learn how to question; think critically; make decisions based on evidence; devise proposals for actions; and communicate effectively.  Thinking about, reflecting on, and responding to issues requires an understanding of the key historical, geographical, political, legal, economic, business, and societal factors involved, and how these different factors interrelate.