2024 has been another successful year for the Humanities Department and it has been wonderful to step into a new role this year. As a College, we continue to recognise the importance of developing our students to be active global citizens. The Humanities subjects form a major component of the curriculum for students in Years 7-12 and we have allowed our students to nurture critical thinking, understand complex ideas, embrace teamwork, and craft well-considered conclusions from asking questions. It really is the all-rounder of subjects!
HISTORY
Students in Years 7-12 embraced opportunities to explore the rich narratives of the past where they were able to make increased connections to events and experiences which have shaped our identity, values and culture. Students have engaged in analysing sources, historical debating, thoughtful reflections and more. A variety of excursions and incursions helped deepen students’ understanding of historical events and artefacts. Year 10 students enjoyed the stage play “Vietnam Dusted Off”, by Mr. Brett Hunt. The play is based on Mr. Hunt’s family’s experience of the Vietnam War. Year 10 History students also enjoyed an excursion to the National Museum of Australia to explore First Nations rights and freedoms. Year 9 History students went to the Australian War Memorial to connect with Australia’s involvement in the First World War. Senior Ancient History students also enjoyed the Discovering Ancient Egypt exhibit at the National Museum of Australia. Many students in Years 7-10 participated in the annual Australian History Competition. We congratulate Therese Brooker of Year 8 who was the overall State Winner.
GEOGRAPHY
Students were given a number of opportunities to explore the complexities of human-environment interactions. Through fieldwork and data analysis, our students are more equipped to respond to some of the most pressing issues facing the planet. Fieldtrips to Lyneham Wetlands for Year 7 and Shellharbour for Year 10, as well as guest speakers from Icon Water for Year 7 allowed our students to use practical knowledge to enhance their awareness of environmental responsibility. Many students in Years 7-10 also participated in the Australian Geography Competition. Their enthusiasm and dedication to understanding global and environmental issues were commendable, with many achieving impressive results and deepening their appreciation for the world around them. Congratulations to Eva Spear of Year 7 who was the Combined Territories Winner for Year 7.
CIVICS & CITIZENSHIP AND BUSINESS & ECONOMICS
Throughout the year, our students were actively engaged in learning about the foundations of the government, economics, and their role as responsible citizens in an ever-changing world. Students enjoyed a guest speaker, a Member of Parliament, who explained the role of leadership in shaping our society, as well as the workings of the government. We had students attend the Constitutional Convention, where they participated in debates and discussions, and gained a deeper understanding of constitutional law, democratic principles, and the importance of civic engagement.
On the last day of Term 3, Merici College had the incredible opportunity to welcome Dr. Mike Kelly AM, a former Member of Parliament, to deliver an engaging discussion on his career in Parliament. The Year 9 and 10 Civics and Citizenship classes arrived to the auditorium with excitement as he shared his insights of the day-to-day life of a Member of Parliament in addition to discussing the importance of civic engagement, particularly for our younger generations.
Dr. Mike Kelly AM shared his thoughts on how young people can become informed global citizens and how young voices can influence change within our society. The Q&A session at the end provided a lively discussion that inspired us all to think more critically about our role within our democracy.
The event was a great learning opportunity for all involved and we would like to thank Dr. Mike Kelly AM for providing our students with a valuable experience in Civics and Citizenship.
Merici’s Year 12 Ethics Olympiad team finished 5th out of 46 schools from 6 different countries in the International Ethics Olympiad final of 2024. The team showed a superb display of critical thinking, collaboration and creativity when discussing complicated ethical dilemmas, and richly deserved their top-five finish. Congratulations to Dr. Stephen Powell and the team – Hannah Ord, Neve Larsen, Eleanor Roggeveen, Lily Sluis and Zahra Walsh.
STUDENT EXPERIENCES
“The Committee Challenge was at the Legislative Assembly, we met Deputy Speaker Mark Parton who gave us an insight about his work. While there we took part in workshops, explaining the basics of the Legislative Assembly including the role of the assembly, different committees and their functions, six stages of a committee inquiry, and how to find if information is reliable. All of this information prepared us for a mock hearing, where we were encouraged to work with students from different schools. At the end we met with Greens representatives Andrew Braddock and Laura Nuttall.” Bunny Swinbourne-White, Year 8 student
“The Committee Challenge was an amazing opportunity to not only think creatively and develop solutions, but branch out and meet students from several other schools. We worked collaboratively on our proposals while learning about Committee functions and processes. It was a fun and rewarding experience, and I hope to go back next year!” Therese Brooker, Year 8 student
“Attending the Committee Challenge at the Legislative Assembly was a great opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes to help run the ACT. I met new people, heard new ideas and debated with others about how we can make Canberra a better place about the impacts of poverty. I also had the experience of meeting some proper politicians who worked at the facility and asking them questions.” Tigerlily Turnbull, Year 8 student
“The Year 10 Geography excursion to Warilla Beach was an educational experience. It allowed us to see our learning in action. We were able to identify a range of coastal management strategies implemented at Warilla Beach to maintain the coastline. We conducted fieldwork such as testing longshore drift and went for a walk along the beach to see the erosion and management strategies put in place. Overall, it has deepened our learning of coastal management strategies and geographical processes affecting beaches which helped us to complete our assessment task.” Olive Hanley and Alice Matthews, Year 10 students
Mrs. Kyla Firman
Humanities Coordinator
