Human Society and its Environment
Hurlstone’s HSIE Faculty inspires future leaders to think critically, act ethically, and understand the forces that shape our world through evidence, inquiry, and global awareness.
At Hurlstone Agricultural High School, the Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) Faculty empowers students to understand the world around them – past, present, and future – through critical inquiry, ethical reasoning, and global awareness. In a high-achieving context, our HSIE programs challenge students to think deeply, question intelligently, and act responsibly as informed citizens and future leaders.
Our teachers create learning experiences that connect history, geography, commerce, economics, business, and legal studies to real-world contexts. Whether exploring the economic systems shaping our future, the forces that drive social change, or the environmental challenges facing global agriculture, students are guided to see how knowledge leads to action.
Learning in HSIE is driven by curiosity and grounded in evidence. Students analyse primary and secondary sources, debate ideas, and develop the communication and research skills essential for university and professional success. They also engage in fieldwork and enrichment experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom – from investigating land use across the Hurlstone Farm to understanding the economic drivers of regional communities.
As a faculty, we cultivate both academic excellence and civic purpose. We encourage students to not only excel in their studies but to contribute thoughtfully to the world they will one day shape.
If your child shows high potential for analytical thinking, social understanding, or global leadership, contact us to learn how our HSIE Faculty can help them reach their highest aspirations.
Teaching and Learning
Below you’ll find an overview of the courses provided by the Human Society and its Environment from Year 7 to Year 12, showcasing how students build knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience across music, drama, and visual arts.
Histories
History connects students to the stories, struggles, and achievements that have shaped societies across time. Through exploring ancient, modern, and Australian contexts, students learn to question sources, analyse evidence, and understand how human actions influence the world we live in today.
At Hurlstone, History is taught with high expectations and intellectual depth, challenging students to think critically and communicate with precision. Learning experiences extend beyond memorising facts — students debate ethical issues, interpret multiple perspectives, and develop historical arguments grounded in evidence.
For high potential and gifted learners, our Histories courses provide rich opportunities for advanced reasoning, research, and independent inquiry. By understanding the past with rigour and empathy, students build the insight and analytical confidence needed to lead thoughtfully in the future.
Courses delivered at our school include:
- Stage 4 History
- Stage 5 History
- Stage 5 Elective History
- Preliminary and HSC Ancient History
- Preliminary and HSC Modern History
- HSC Extension History
Click here to access further information on our History courses.
Social Sciences
The Social Sciences at Hurlstone empower students to understand and shape the systems that drive our world — from the movement of people and resources to the laws, markets, and institutions that define modern life. Through courses in Geography, Commerce, Legal Studies, Economics, and Business Studies, students explore how societies function, adapt, and make decisions in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.
Learning in the Social Sciences is dynamic and applied. Students investigate contemporary issues, analyse data, model solutions, and engage with authentic case studies drawn from local, national, and international contexts. They develop the ability to interpret complex information, weigh evidence, and make ethical, informed decisions that influence communities and industries.
High potential and gifted learners are extended through inquiry-rich, problem-solving experiences that build leadership, innovation, and enterprise. With a focus on critical thinking and future-focused learning, the Social Sciences prepare Hurlstone students to be globally minded citizens and forward-looking professionals ready to make an impact in the world beyond school.
Courses delivered at our school include:
- Stage 4 Geography
- Stage 5 Geography
- Stage 5 Elective Commerce
- Stage 5 Elective International Studies
- Stage 5 Elective Psychology
- Preliminary and HSC Business Studies
- Preliminary and HSC Economics
- Preliminary and HSC Legal Studies
- Preliminary and HSC Society and Culture
- Preliminary and HSC Studies of Religion
Click here to access further information on our Social Sciences courses.
Support for High Potential Learners
The HSIE Faculty at Hurlstone recognises and extends the abilities of students with high potential in analytical thinking, ethical reasoning, and global understanding. Through enrichment programs, advanced research tasks, and opportunities for academic competition and leadership, these learners are challenged to think critically and communicate with depth and precision. Personalised feedback and differentiated pathways ensure that every student is both supported and stretched to reach their full intellectual potential. If your child shows high potential in the humanities or social sciences, contact us to learn how our High potential and gifted education (HPGE) programs can help them excel at the highest levels.
Have a question for our Human Society and its Environment Faculty?
Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.
Learning
Find out about our approach to learning and supporting students to progress.
Travel to school
Learn about local transport options and how to get here safely.