HSIE News...

Exciting things have been happening in the HSIE department this term. Our students have been engaged in a variety of activities that have deepened their knowledge and understanding of the topics they have been studying in class. 

These activities can not take place without the support of our staff and I would personally like to thank all HSIE staff for their assistance and dedication.

Please keep an eye out for the activities running in the HSIE Department next term! 

Mrs Pender

Assistant HSIE Coordinator

Year 12 Legal Studies Excursion - Parramatta Court Complex

On Wednesday 20th May, our Year 12 Legal Studies cohort travelled to the Parramatta Court complex to observe how Australia’s legal system works in practice. 

This excursion was directly linked to the HSC syllabus, providing students with valuable insight into court procedures, roles within the legal system, and the application of criminal and civil law. 

Many of our Legal Studies students aspire to work in the legal system when they leave school so this excursion provided an invaluable opportunity for them. 

Thank you to Mr. Sweilem, Mrs. Ilic and Mrs. Pender for supervising our students. It was a great day! 

Year 12 Geography - Ecosystems and Biodiversity - Mt Keira

On Tuesday 9th June, our Year 12 Geography teacher Mr. Salontai travelled with our students to Mount Keira to undertake fieldwork for their topic, Ecosystems and Biodiversity.  

Students had the opportunity to observe a rare example of Australian subtropical rainforest. Using site specific flora and fauna identification keys as well as a variety of field equipment they investigated the nature of this rainforest’s biodiversity and the physical characteristics that facilitate its functioning. 

This hands-on experience allowed students to consolidate their classroom learning by directly engaging with a unique ecosystem and developing their fieldwork and analytical skills.

12 Geography - Urban and Rural Places - Ultimo/Darling Harbour

On 24th April, our Year 12 Geography teacher Mr. Salontai travelled with our students to Darling Harbour to undertake fieldwork for their topic, Urban and Rural Places. 

Our students traversed a route that showcases the area’s shift from trade and transport to education, hospitality and tourism. They had the opportunity to conduct testing and surveys in order to collect data about geographical processes that shape Darling Harbour’s identity. Additionally, they used secondary data and field observations to investigate the social, economic and environmental changes in the area.

Students were encouraged to form their own opinions about what strategies will work to ensure this locality’s sustainability in the heart of Sydney. 

Thank you to Mr. Salontai and Mr. Ossio for accompanying our students on the day. 

Year 12 Ancient History - Chau Chak Wing Museum, University of Sydney

On 15th May, our Year 12 Ancient History students travelled to the University of Sydney to visit the Chau Chak Wing Museum. 

During the visit, students explored a range of exhibitions featuring artefacts from ancient civilisations, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome. They engaged with primary sources such as sculptures, inscriptions, and everyday objects, gaining valuable insight into the social, cultural, and political life of the ancient world. 

The museum experience provided a unique opportunity for students to connect their classroom learning with real historical evidence.

Students also participated in guided learning activities that encouraged critical thinking and analysis, helping them to further develop the source-based skills essential for success in Ancient History.

This excursion was an invaluable opportunity for students to deepen their historical knowledge and enhance their interpretation skills in preparation for their HSC examinations.

Thank you to Mrs. Younan and Mr. Ossio for accompanying our students on the day. 

Year 11 Geography - Peoples, Patterns and Processes - Ultimo

On Thursday 18th June, our Year 11 Geography cohort travelled to Ultimo and Chippendale to investigate how people, patterns and processes shape one of Sydney’s most dynamic urban environments. The excursion allowed our students to apply their geographical inquiry skills in the field. 

Throughout the day, students explored how historical change, cultural diversity, sustainability initiatives and urban renewal have transformed these suburbs into vibrant, interconnected precincts. Students completed a series of fieldwork activities, including:

• Urban transects along Jones Street and The Goods Line

• Field sketches capturing architectural diversity

• Environmental measurements with light meters, sound meters, range finders and anemometers

• Analysis of cultural diffusion and place perception

• Sustainability investigations at Central Park, focusing on green walls, water recycling and energy efficiency

The excursion ended with a visit to the iconic Spice Alley where students had the opportunity to have lunch from a variety of different cultures. Overall, it was a great day. Thank you to Ms Ilic and Ms McInerney for supervising our students!

Year 11 Business Studies - Symbio Wildlife Park

On Wednesday 24th June, our Year 11 Business Studies students travelled to Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh to gain a practical understanding of how a business operates in a real-world setting.

During the visit, students explored the park’s daily operations and examined key business functions such as marketing, human resources, finance, and operations. They investigated how Symbio balances profitability with ethical considerations, including animal welfare, sustainability, and customer experience.

Students also had the opportunity to observe how the park attracts and engages visitors, analysing marketing strategies and the importance of providing a unique and memorable customer experience in a competitive leisure industry.

This excursion provided valuable insight into the practical application of business concepts and allowed students to connect their classroom learning to a dynamic and engaging business environment.

Students also had the opportunity to feed some of the wildlife! A memorable day for everyone involved.

Thank you to Mrs. Cancino, Mrs. Vukman and Mr. Newman for supervising our students

Year 11 Legal Studies Mock Trial Competition

I am extremely pleased to announce that our Year 11 Mock Trial Team has progressed to the Elimination Round of The Law Society’s Mock Trial Competition. This is an outstanding feat for our College and is a reflection of the hard work and dedication our students have shown.

Our results in the Round Robin Competition were as follows:

●     Round 1: successfully defeated Emmaus Catholic College

●     Round 2: successfully defeated St Francis Edmondson Park

●     Round 3: valiantly defeated by Meriden School in a tightly contested trial.

At the conclusion of the Round Robin, the Good Samaritan Mock Trial Team placed 24th out of 99 schools and proceeded to the Elimination Round of the competition. The Elimination Round is only open to the top 32 scoring teams.

This is a fabulous result for our College. I would like to thank Mrs. Ilic, Mr. Sweilem and Mr. Newman for their support of our Mock Trial Students.

Wishing our students the best of luck for the Elimination Round in Term 3.

HSIE Drop-In

Thank you to Mrs.Cancino the HSIE Coordinator for establishing the HSIE Drop-In at our College. This is a brilliant initiative which runs twice a term at recess in C203. It provides HSIE Students with an opportunity to drop in and ask their HSIE teachers questions about their upcoming assessment tasks.

Please keep an eye out for HSIE drop-in dates in Term 3.

Thank you to the HSIE staff for supporting these initiatives.

Mrs Pender.

Mock Trial Coach

Assistant HSIE Coordinator