Social Science

The Social Science faculty aims to inspire curiosity about the world around us. We teach students to develop the critical thinking skills to:

investigate the extent and causes of important issues in our society
have a complex understanding of the impacts of these issues on different individuals, groups, businesses, communities and environments
develop informed and sophisticated arguments about strategies to address these issues
work collaboratively and creatively both individually and with peers to communicate their knowledge and understanding in a range of informative, analytical and persuasive ways.

In years 7-10, students undertake the mandatory Geography course which uses geographical investigation and source analysis to examine changes to our natural and human environments with local, national and global case studies. The faculty offers two elective subjects for stage 5 - Global Issues, which investigates global geopolitical challenges and Commerce, which equips students to make informed decisions in their personal and professional lives as members of a democratic society.

In years 11 and 12, the faculty offers courses in Business Studies, Economics, Geography and Legal Studies. In each of these courses there is a focus on knowledge of theory, examination of contemporary case studies and development of analytical skills. In each subject, students are explicitly taught the literacy skills required for success.

The Social Science faculty provides a rich and diverse array of authentic learning experiences to engage and enthuse students and help them apply their knowledge in creative and interesting ways. In particular, the following experiences have been offered to students:

Year 7 Geography - excursion to Long Reef to investigate coastal change; presentation to the Principal about changes that can be made to the school environment to improve liveability; and a presentation by Dr Rob Brander from UNSW about coastal geomorphological change and implications for surf safety.
Year 8 Geography - excursion to Manly Dam to investigate natural and human impacts on waterways
Year 9 Geography - excursion to Barangaroo to conduct primary and secondary research into changes to the urban environment and strategies to improve sustainability
Year 10 Geography - excursions to Clifton Gardens in Mosman to investigate the Sydney Harbour environment and to the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to investigate the impact of fire on woodland ecosystems will be replaced in 2027 by a model United Nations experience for all year 10 students to allow them to participate in negotiations to address global wellbeing challenges
Year 9 Commerce - excursion to NSW Parliament House and the Justice & Police Museum to find out how our laws are changed, and how policing and the administration of justice have changed over time; and participation in the ESSI Money competition to make informed consumption, financial, employment and investment decisions
Year 10 Commerce - students work in groups to run businesses in our annual Market Day on the Pacific campus, leading to a lot of fun and raising money for a charity of the students’ choice
Year 9 Global Issues - snorkelling excursion at Cabbage Tree Bay in Manly to investigate the marine ecosystem and impact of the protections in this aquatic reserve
Year 10 Global Issues - students participate in the annual Evatt interschool Model United Nations competition
Year 11 Business Studies - excursion to Taronga Zoo to investigate the marketing and operations strategies of the zoo as a business
Year 11 Economics - excursion to the Sydney Fish Market to learn about the microeconomics of supply and demand in the seafood industry
Year 12 Economics - attendance at the Echo Economics conference to hear from economic thought leaders. Speakers have included former Prime Ministers Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull, heads of economic agencies such as the Productivity Commission and economic commentators such as Ross Gittins from the Sydney Morning Herald
Year 11 Geography - kayaking excursion to the Hawkesbury River to explore a riverine environment, and an urban excursion to the city to investigate people and economic change.
Year 11 Legal Studies - excursion to NSW Parliament House Question Time to see the role of Parliament in statutory law. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the interschool mock trial competition
Year 12 Legal Studies - excursion to the courts to see the processes and institutions involved in the prosecution and sentencing of crime.

On top of these subject specific experiences, the faculty also facilitates engaged students across the school participating in the Australian Securities Exchange competition, the Playconomics tournament, the Echo Girls in Economics conference and the Australian Geography competition.