In human society and its environment (HSIE), both subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
Students learn specific historical and geographical concepts and skills in history and geography. They also have an opportunity to learn more about people and the societies and environments in which they live through elective subjects in Years 7 to 10 (Stages 4 to 5).
A large number of individual subjects make up the key learning area of HSIE in which students:
- research, gather and analyse information
- question and make judgements
- write for a variety of purposes.
In Year 11 and 12, students can choose from a range of HSIE courses. These include:
- Aboriginal Studies
- Ancient History
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Geography
- History Extension
- Legal Studies
- Modern History
- Society and Culture
- Studies of Religion.
Geography
Geography is a mandatory subject for all students in Years 7-10.
Geography units are designed to engage students in their natural and human environment. This involves geographical investigation and fieldwork in the Albury area such as:
Year 7: What makes Albury a liveable place?
Year 8: How are people and places connected?
Year 9: How many migrant heritages are there in Albury?
Year 10: How do we manage the changes caused by building the Hume Dam?
Commerce
Commerce is an invaluable subject for those who wish to be informed members of society.
It provides foundational knowledge for senior subjects, such as Business and Legal Studies, while familiarising students with the real world of business, law, employment, finance and record keeping.
Commerce is an elective subject offered to student in years 8-10.
Students enjoy learning how to manage their finances!
Language
Students complete their 100 mandatory hours of language in Year 7 through the study of Indonesia and its national language, Bahasa Indonesia. Proficiency in this language is a highly relevant skill for James Fallon High School students as Indonesia is one of our nearest neighbours and it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations for Australians.
The study of language is integrated with Geography in Year 7 where students have the opportunity to learn about the following:
Translating between English and Indonesian in the following areas:
- Beliefs and culture of Indonesians
- Daily life and the livability of Indonesia
- Landscapes and Landforms of Indonesia
Work education
Work Education is an elective subject for students in Years 9 and 10. Changes in work, technology, training, education and the community mean that new skills and knowledge are required in order to succeed in these environments. Work Education is taught with a Project Based Learning approach, which empowers students to investigate areas of interest to them.
Social science senior subjects
Senior Geography
This course provides students with opportunities to investigate contemporary geographical issues to explore why spatial and ecological differences exist, the importance of effective management and actions that can be taken to shape future society. Through fieldwork and a variety of case studies about biophysical and human geography issues, students develop their knowledge and understanding about the spatial and ecological dimensions of geography.
Business Studies
This course provides students with opportunities to develop an understanding of how theoretical and practical aspects of business works. The subject focuses on four key business functions; Marketing, Operations, Human Resource Management and Finance. Students study contemporary business issues through case studies and apply their knowledge to problems encountered in the business environment. Analysing contemporary business operations is a key component of this course, allowing students to attend multiple excursions to observe manufacturing and service based business in operations.
Legal Studies
This course provides students with opportunities to develop their knowledge and understanding of the nature and functions of law and law-making, the development of Australian and International legal systems. the Australian constitution and law reform. Students investigate the key areas of law, justice and human rights through a variety of focus studies, which consider how changes in societies influence law reform. Students are provided with the opportunity to witness District Court in action and attend presentations by the Rule of Law Society and law enforcement agencies.
Community and Family Studies
Students studying Community and Family Studies will develop an understanding about living in a society and how to function effectively in their everyday lives, in both families and communities. Life issues that are important to all young people are investigated and students develop the skills to analyse how the current rapid social and technological change impacts on individuals and communities.
Work Studies
Work in all its form – paid and unpaid – plays a central role in our lives. Technological, social and economic factors are rapidly changing the nature of work, the traditional patterns of work organisation and how individuals engage in work. The successful transition of students from school to the workforce and further education and training is essential for individuals and for society. Individuals will need tp be flexible and responsive to change along their career pathway. Opportunities for workers to change jobs, develop new skills and to obtain new experiences will be part of the future world of work.
Aboriginal Studies
Aboriginal studies provides students with an opportunity to learn about the past and present experiences of Aboriginal and other Indigenous peoples through research and inquiry methods. Students learn a range of research and communication skills essential for further education, traineeships and a wide range of careers.
The Special Education Faculty at James Fallon High School provides students with additional learning needs the opportunity to access discrete Special Education classes. In addition to these classes, students have opportunities to be involved in mainstream classes, sporting and other extra-curricular activities.
The faculty consists of two Multi-Categorical classes and two classes for students with Intellectual Disabilities. Students are placed into classes in our Special Education Faculty after access requests are approved through Albury Area Office.
Individualised planning to support behavioural and learning needs are key features of programs for students in the faculty. Some students are supported in their learning with Life Skills Curriculum, Work Readiness, Work Experience and Community Life Skills programs. Other students in the faculty are supported to fully transition into mainstream classes.