2022 School Magazine

HUMANITIES

T he Humanities explores important ideas about what makes us human, how we should live our lives, and how we should conduct our society. Across their time at BGGS, Humanities students gain the skills to make sense of an increasingly complex world, to formulate original and innovative ideas, and to express them articulately. All students study Humanities as a subject in Year 7, before studying History in Year 8 and 9, with an elective of Geography available. During this time, they are able to explore the fundamental factors underpinning today’s society, including various revolutions, historical periods such as Renaissance and global challenges such as population growth. From Year 10 onwards, Humanities is separated into five distinct subjects: Ancient History; Modern History; Geography; Economics; and Accounting. The magic of Ancient History is first unveiled for the Year 10 students who decide to explore it, beginning with a vast array of topics ranging from the Trojan War to the wondrous magic of Ancient Egypt. Senior students then get to delve deeper into the fall of the Roman Republic. As historians, we can understand the beginnings of society, and examine the beliefs and systems that have carried on into our modern age—something which makes Ancient History so special. From Year 10, Modern History students are provided with a deep understanding of the events and ideas that have directly shaped our modern world. Students explore the complex causes and lasting outcomes of global events such as the World Wars, as well as national history including the Indigenous Struggle for Rights and Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War. By examining the past, students gain insight into the tensions and ideas underpinning current world events.

In the Year 10 Geography program, we loved being explorers of the modern world. The course encompasses the study of both people and places, and the real-world interconnections between the two. We studied one of the most urgent issues facing our planet today, climate change, and how different parts of the world are living and responding to such significant environmental change. We also asked: ‘What does it mean to have a good life’? Through global case studies, we studied the concept of conflict, development, and wellbeing, and how we are succeeding in improving peace and equality in developing countries. We also celebrated young people, who are actively making a difference around the world. In the Geography program, we think critically about humanitarian and environmental challenges and how we can respond to make the world a better place. One of the reasons I love Economics is because it takes it a step further from simple textbook learning. Frequently, our lessons entail having conversations/class debates regarding recent economic activity or concepts that relate to our everyday lives (minimum wage, cost of living, etc). The approach to learning is very much conversational and visual— very different to most other subjects! In Accounting, we learn the different types of business structures and their profitability, which is very useful information for those of us that are interested in becoming an entrepreneur or starting our own business one day! We also dive further into the inner workings of said businesses and discuss common issues like fraud, unreliable debtors, and credit policies. Isabella Colledge (12B), Ella Coxon (12W) and Sally Grice (12E)

074 | BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2022