Social Sciences Department
Studies of Society and Environment emphasize the ways in which people engage with
the environment and with other people. There is a focus on exploring how human societies,
groups and individuals in the past and present have created economic, political and social
institutions and systems. The ways in which these institutions and systems function and
evolve over time are investigated.
Students develop these understandings through an active process of inquiry. Through
this process the skills of investigation and ethical research; participation and cooperation;
and written and oral communication are developed.
Year 8 and 9 students study concepts in an integrated curriculum. In Year 10 the
separate disciplines of Geography, History, Politics and Law and Economics are studied
in preparation for Secondary studies.
Year 11 and 12 students may select options from the Curriculum Council subjects of
Geography, History, Economics and Political and Legal Studies.
Students have access to a wide range of print and electronic resources with which to further
their understandings and skills, with a strong encouragement in the use of information technologies.
Excursions and field trips are an essential element of learning in Society and Environment.
Trips to museums, Parliament, natural environments and the cities of Mandurah and
Perth will form part of the learning experiences of all students. Extended tours of
Western Australia and of Canberra and Sydney are undertaken by students of some Upper School courses.
Many co-curricula competitions and events are also offered to further develop students' knowledge and understanding.
Stephen King
Head of Social Sciences
Click to watch PLS Year 11 Supreme Court