Studies of Society and Environment

Studies of Society and Environment (SoSE) is a dynamic and engaging subject which develops students’ understanding of the society and world they live in. It is a collection of disciplines including history, geography, civics and economics. With the introduction of the Australian Curriculum, SoSE at Campbell High School has undergone a transformation with the introduction of new units and a reorganisation of the curriculum.

The SoSE curriculum provides students with opportunities to:

• Increase their knowledge and understanding of history, geography, civics and citizenship and financial literacy
• Understand the political, social, economic and cultural development and history of Australia and the development of ideas about national identity
• Study world history, from ancient and medieval civilisations through to modern conflicts
• Develop mapping skills and consider the uniqueness of Australia’s geography and how it affects our lives and our use of resources
• Recognise the features of Australia’s democracy, the principles that underpin our society, and understand how to be active citizens
• Consider how to make informed decisions about money and skills in developing a budget
• Develop their research, communication and participation skills

In 2012 the Australian Curriculum in history will be fully implemented at Campbell High School, with other units fulfilling the ACT Curriculum framework Every Chance to Learn.

Course structure

From 2012 students will study a full year of SoSE from years 7 to 10. The Australian Curriculum history courses will be taught over a semester. Students will then study two term units in their other semester. In the lead-up to the centenary of Canberra in 2013, the unit of work ‘Canberra through time’ will be incorporated into the year 7 curriculum. 

SoSE Challenge Program

The SoSE challenge program is open to students in all year levels at Campbell High School. Students in the SoSE Challenge participate in a range of extra curricular programs including the National History Challenge, Simpson Prize, National Geography Competition, parliamentary debating and the Kofi Annan Shield. These activities are aimed at broadening a student's understanding of the world in which they live while building links with the broader community.