Social Sciences is a dynamic ever changing area of study that examines our world. Human activity is progressing at a rate never known beforehand. This activity is impacting on the way we live our lives and the environment we engage with. Environmental events are also occurring at a variety of levels, which is also affecting the lives of the world’s population.
The field of Social Sciences examines a wide range of contemporary issues in order to investigate these changes on the world and ourselves. St Clair High offers many courses to allow students to opportunity to study world phenomena from a range of perspectives. Students are encouraged to utilise a variety of techniques to develop a first hand understanding of the manner in which today’s society is interacting with the environment and the effects these interactions are having.
Subjects currently operating in the Social Sciences faculty that students are participating in at St Clair High are;
Business Studies
Business Services
Commerce
Economics
Geography
Legal Studies
Retail Studies
Work Education
Work Studies
The wide breath of curriculum caters for a diverse range of students. Students have varying interests and ability levels. They also have different educational requirements, depending on future aspirations. The Social Sciences faculty at St Clair High provides great choice, reflecting the demand of a progressive community.
Each of the above subjects contain a mixture of necessary theory with ‘real life’ experiences. Education is a learning experience that needs to accommodate academic demands with preparation for effective participation in the community. The students who undertake Social Sciences programs are presented with many interactive initiatives that allow them to adapt what they learn from school into their present and future lives.
Initiatives undertaken to provide a holistic education include;
Work Experience – many of our subjects require students to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to begin work. Students through Years 9 – 12 are assisted to gain week long placements to enhance their ability to present themselves as viable employees
Industry visits – business have a major influence on the lives of all Australians. Many situations that are dealt with in our curriculum directly relate to business activity. The St Clair Social Sciences faculty have developed many industry links with local employers that allow our students to discuss and work with employers to complement their studies.
Fieldwork – Students from all years participate in many field work activities. Examples include Penrith Courthouse visits, Terrigal beach study, Wild Africa at the Imax cinema, Rainforest walks and local area surveys. All activities enhance the students’ ability to relate course curriculum with our ever changing world.
Virtual Enterprise – this program has enabled our students to take part in a global event. With the aid of our business mentor McDonalds St Clair, the students set up a business operation that buys and sells virtual products with other educational providers around the globe. This extremely exciting initiative exposes our students to the demands that are experienced in the business environment. We are greatly appreciative of the support that McDonalds St Clair have given to this project.