Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)

The Humanities and Social Sciences subjects provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to develop a broad understanding of the world in which we live and how people can participate as active and informed citizens of the 21st century.

The Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) learning area is comprised of: 

History and Geography

Civics and Citizenship

Economics and Business. 

The HASS area uses an inquiry based approach to assist children in making meaning of the world around them. Through subject specific topics, children develop their inquiry skills through posing questions and developing inquiries to research. They then have an opportunity to collect this information and learn to evaluate, analyse and interpret the effectiveness of the sources. 

Children develop the ability to think critically and creatively, and refine a variety of skills and capabilities that allow for an informed and active participation in Australia’s diverse society.

The WA Curriculum Cross Curricular Priorities are incorporated into the teaching and learning of HASS wherever possible. These priorities are:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures

Asia and Australia's engagement with Asia

Sustainability

To address our commitment to sustainability at South Thornlie Primary School we participate in the Waterwise School program, aluminium cans and other recyclable drink containers. We are also committed to phasing out single use plastics in line with DoE guidelines.  

The WA Curriculum General Capabilities are also considered when planning and delivering the HASS curriculum at South Thornlie Primary School. The seven capabilities are:

Literacy

Numeracy

Information and communication technology (ICT) capability

Critical and creative thinking

Personal and social capability

Ethical understanding

Intercultural understanding.

Humanities and Social Sciences are usually taught by classroom teachers. Through the integration of HASS subject knowledge and understandings into the English learning area, children are provided with enriched experiences and opportunities.