Studies of Society and Environment - SOSE

Year 7

In Year 7 all students participate in a program which aims to integrate the disciplines of History and Geography. Students are given the opportunity to gain insights into, and an appreciation of, the historical, geographic, economic and political forces which shape life in their own and other societies. The content in Year 7 includes;

• Early People and Ancient Civilizations
• World and Australian Geography
• Introduction to Commerce
• World Environments and Environmental Issues

Year 8

In Year 8 all students participate in a program which integrates the disciplines of History, Geography and Civics and Citizenship with a focus on Australia.

• In History, students examine topics from traditional Aboriginal society to World War I.
• In Geography, students investigate Australian landforms and environmental issues.
• In Civics and Citizenship students study Australian Government, laws, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. 

Year 9

In Year 9, students can select units in Legal Studies, Geography, History and SOSE. Units offered include;

Legal Studies

This unit examines the concepts, structures and issues within the Australian legal system. The topics covered include: the origin and role of law, branches of the law, hierarchy of courts, regulations and controls within society and the changing nature of the legal system. By visiting courts, engaging in mock trials and listening to guest speakers, students will come to understand and appreciate the legal system.

The Living Planet

In this unit students will study natural ecosystems, which are increasingly affected by humans. Regions studied may include: the African savannah with its vast herds of animals; the world’s highest mountains, the Himalayas; Russian and Canadian coniferous forests; hot and cold deserts; tropical and temperate forests; Mediterranean nations; and temperate grasslands. Location, landforms, climate, plants, animals and human use of each area will be studied. The impact of farming, tourism and industry on the ecosystems will be examined.

Disasters

Natural disasters include volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, bushfires, floods, avalanches, cyclones and tornadoes. Students will study the location, causes, effects, relief operations and prevention of at least one of these disasters in detail. Violence against the environment includes the study of plane crashes, the spread of disease, environmental issues and nuclear accidents. Case studies allow students to pursue a wide range of topics within this unit.

Medieval Times

Early Medieval Times covers the period from the fall of the Roman Empire, through the Dark Ages, looking particularly at the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings. Later Medieval Times looks at aspects of life in the Middle Ages, including castles and the Feudal System, as well as personalities. St Joan, Genghis Khan and important events such as The Crusades and the Black Death will also be explored.

Renaissance to Revolution.

Renaissance to Revolution covers significant world developments from 1450 to 1900. The unit looks at the achievements of the Renaissance, world explorers and the conquest and settlement of America, particularly the impact on Native Americans and the slave trade. The causes and results of revolutions are investigated through a study of the French Revolution, the American War of Independence and the Industrial Revolution.

Mysteries of the World

This unit attempts to improve literacy, research, writing and organisational skills through the study of three topics. Students will investigate UFOs, the Bermuda Triangle and bizarre happenings. Current events will also be examined and compared to those in earlier times. Research assignments and creative tasks will form a major part of the assessment. Techniques for completing these tasks, along with basic essay writing strategies, will be addressed in the unit.

Year 10

In Semester 1, all Year 10 students are placed into one of two courses:

Workready/Roadready

This unit focuses on students learning about themselves in relation to work and the world of work. Students learn to make career plans/pathways and to implement a career decision by organising a work experience placement and by applying for a job.

Road Ready is the pre learner licence program that all learner drivers must undertake prior to receiving their learner licence. The course offers students the opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge about driver behaviour. It aims to motivate students to voluntarily comply with road rules and to use the roads safely.

Melrose Leadership Program (Selected Students)

This unit focuses students on leadership, human development, psychology and sociology, high order communication skills and group management. Students will conduct a peer support style program for Year 7 students. This program will combine elements of the Peer Support concept with the Lions-Quest Skills for Adolescence program. Students will be assessed through their delivery of the program to Year 7 students as well as assignments and class work.

In Semester 2, students can select units in Business Studies, Geography, History and SOSE. Units offered include

World of Investment

This unit identifies the key structures of business, government and financial sectors. The roles of different financial institutions such as banks, stock exchanges and credit providers are examined. Investment opportunities confronting modern investors are explored via share markets, property purchases and asset accumulation. The dynamic nature of the investment environment and the impact of technology are also examined. Preparation of an investment portfolio is a requirement of this unit. Students may participate in the Australian Stock Exchange Game.

The Global Village

This unit looks at nations and cities throughout the world. Students will compare and contrast living standards in the developed and developing nations of the world. They will study the origins, structure and functions of urban areas as well as their problems and future planning. As part of their studies they will investigate issues such as squatter settlements and urban renewal projects. Students will gain an understanding of the functioning and impact of human settlement through research work on the environmental effects of cities and farming.

The Age of the Superpowers

This unit covers the Rise of Hitler, the course of World War II, the Cold War, the beginnings of Rock ‘n’ Roll, the Protest Era, the Vietnam War, civil and human rights. The impact of these events on Australia will also be examined. Research assignments, interviews, simulations, debates and posters will form part of assessment.

Organised Crime

This unit examines how crime has been organised through the ages. Criminal groups and key individuals from the past and present are discussed. Historical links between crime, political, economic and social decision making are explored. Students will also explore how and why individuals become involved in the underworld or with corrupt forces and then seek to understand society’s various attempts and strategies for dealing with the impact and influence of these darker forces.

World Issues

This content of theunit will be negotiated between the class teacher and students. Topics to be covered may include terrorism and its origins, religions of the world, the influence of different nations on world affairs, immigration and refugees and environmental change. New topics may arise as current events and student interests dictate. A major component of the course will be a research project giving students the opportunity to explore an area of interest to them.

Melrose Leadership and Peer Support Program

Melrose High School runs a peer mentoring program for Year 7 called Peer Support. This program trains senior students, through the Melrose Leadership Program to assist incoming Year 7 students to adjust to life at high school. The program focuses on social challenges such as making and dealing with friends, self esteem and how to improve it, time management and resolving conflicts.

The Selection of Leaders

Towards the end of Year 9, the whole year group relocates to The Canberra College for three days of Student Leadership Training. At the end of these training workshops, students submit a written application and resume that details their community involvement during their time at Melrose High School. The teachers, who have trained the group, select up to sixty students as Peer Support Leaders for the following year. Leaders work in groups of four with the groups of Year 7 students in the delivery of the Peer Support Program.

Year 7 Peer Support groups

Incoming Year 7 students are placed into groups based on their English classes. This ensures that they are grouped with students from a range of primary schools. The aim is to allow students to meet a wide range of students in their year group.

The Program

Peer Support leaders teach Year 7 students during SOSE and English classes once a fortnight during semester one. All workshops are designed to assist students in adjusting to high school and adolescence and use aspects of the Peer Support Program and Quest Internationals ‘Skills of Adolesence’ program. The workshops run for one time block and are conducted by the Year 10 students with classroom teachers supervising and assisting.