Humanities and Social Sciences teaches students the important skills of problem solving, critical thinking, and understanding our environment and history.
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Support for Humanities and Social Sciences is provided through the Australian Curriculum. Humanities and Social Science includes History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, and Economics and Business. Information on the various programs are listed below.
Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER)
The Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) Program supports students' on-site learning about national democratic, historical and cultural institutions in Canberra in order to improve their understanding of Australian democracy. The PACER Program provides a travel subsidy for Year 4-12 students visiting Parliament House, Museum of Australian Democracy, National Electoral Education Centre, the Australian War Memorial and other national institutions as part of their civics and citizenship education. The rebate amounts are allocated on a per student basis at rates varying according to the distance travelled from the student’s school to Canberra.
The principle purpose for school groups travelling to Canberra is to enhance student learning in civics and citizenship, schools are therefore encouraged to utilise relevant education resources to prepare for the excursion. Information on the PACER eligibility, requirements and application process is available on the PACER website or by emailing PACER@busyatwork.com.au.
National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC)
The National Schools Constitutional Convention is an annual event that brings senior secondary students (Years 11 and 12) to Canberra to discuss the Australian Constitution.
Supported by the Australian Government, it promotes learning about the Australian Constitution and how it shapes our democracy, and promotes understanding of our democratic heritage and traditions.
Australian Constitution Centre
The Australian Government supports the next stages of development of the Australian Constitution Centre located at the High Court, Canberra. Launched in April 2018, the Centre provides a new way for young Australians to experience and learn about Australia’s constitutional arrangements and systems of government.
National History Challenge
The Australian Government supports the National History Challenge, a national competition for Year 5 to Year 12 students that encourages sound and in-depth research using primary and secondary sources. Students are invited to submit responses to a set topic in various formats, including research essays, multimedia presentations, performances and museum displays.
The Simpson Prize
The Simpson Prize is a national competition for Year 9 to Year 10 students, which focuses on the Australian ANZAC tradition. The competition honours John Simpson Kirkpatrick, the 'man with the donkey' at Gallipoli. Students are asked to write an essay or prepare an audio-visual presentation on a given statement. The eight winning students attend ANZAC Day commemorations at Gallipoli or an alternative suitable overseas venue.
Geography
The Australian Government provides funding to the Royal Geographical Society of Queensland to support Australia's participation at the International Geography Olympiads and Geography's Big Week Out.
Debating
The Australian Government provides funding to the Australian Debating Federation to support Australian participation in the World Schools Debating Championships, where schools compete in national teams for the title of ‘world champion’. Students are selected to compete through their participation in preliminary rounds within their respective states and territories.