{"id":493,"date":"2017-05-10T08:54:03","date_gmt":"2017-05-09T23:24:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/curric.uhs.sa.edu.au\/?page_id=493"},"modified":"2025-07-16T23:27:22","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T13:57:22","slug":"year-8-humanities-and-social-sciences","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/curric.uhs.sa.edu.au\/index.php\/year-8-humanities-and-social-sciences\/","title":{"rendered":"Year 8 Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Level:\u00a0<\/strong>Year 8<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Length:\u00a0<\/strong>Full Year Compulsory<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Content<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students study the Year 8 Australian Curriculum HASS course. This involves students studying History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, and Economics and Business. The HASS course comprises two interrelated strands: knowledge and understanding, and skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The History curriculum will provide a study of history from the end of the ancient period to the beginning of the modern period (c. 650 \u2013 1750 CE), including Medieval Europe and the early modern world, as well as empires and expansions. In undertaking these depth studies, students will use historical sources in order to understand historical perspectives and interpretations, and will use questioning and researching in communicating their learning. Civilisations studied may include a combination of: Medieval Europe, and\/or The Spanish conquest of the Americas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Geography component will involve students studying two topics: Landforms and Landscapes, and Changing Nations. In studying landforms and landscapes, students will investigate Australia\u2019s natural and physical features, the value of landscapes and landforms for First Nations Australians, and the hazards associated with landscapes. Changing Nations focuses on the changing human geography of countries with the process of urbanisation, and internal and external migration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Civics and Citizenship curriculum allows students to develop an understanding of Australia\u2019s system of government, the role and impact of elections, and the way in which political parties, interest groups, media and individuals influence government and decision-making processes. Additionally, students will unpack the reasons and influences that shape national identity, and how this contributes to active citizenship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Year 8, the focus for Business and Economics is Australian markets. Students will explore the way in which resources are allocated to produce goods and services in the operation of markets, and how businesses may adapt and respond to the changing nature of work. They will also develop an understanding of Australia\u2019s taxation system, particularly in relation to individuals and businesses, and the importance of goal-setting, budgeting and planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assessment<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students\u2019 performance will be determined according to the subject\u2019s Achievement Standards. Grades A to E will be used for reporting purposes. Students\u2019 knowledge and understanding, and skills will be assessed in a variety of formative and summative tasks that may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n