The Humanities Curriculum at Ruyton ensures that each girl has the opportunity to achieve personal excellence and fulfil her academic potential. In Humanities, the skills, concepts, and knowledge of the disciplines of Commerce, Geography and History, give students a wide variety of experiences both inside and outside the classroom. In these varied experiences, an understanding of global responsibilities is developed so that girls will become effective global citizens.
Justicecountry
One of the highlights of the year was the simulation activity, ‘Justicecountry’, which was offered to Year 11 girls who expressed a particular interest in social justice and leadership. Mr Leo Keegan who facilitated the day-long activity, pointed out to the girls in his introductory PowerPoint presentation that social justice is an integral part of the school’s philosophy.
During the day, a variety of skills and concepts were covered and it is interesting to note that the student elected ‘Prime Minister’ of ‘Jusicecountry’ was Madeline Reilly. Later in the year, Madeline was elected as one of the School Co-Captains for 2010.
To see the complete powerpoint presentation, click on the link below.
Within the Humanities classrooms, there are many more ways that students develop skills and achieve personal excellence.
Year 7 Curriculum
Archaelology Simulation Project
The skills, concepts and knowledge of the disciplines of History and Geography are developed in Year 7. Students began the year by recording a snapshot of their new life in secondary school in a Time Capsule which will be opened in 2014. Individual work and group work during the year covers a wide range of topics and activities and culminates in the Archaeology simulation project when ancient civilisations are uncovered in the Dig beyond South House. This is an activity that all the girls in the school remember.
Tower-building
Tower-building illustrated different styles of leadership and government and interestingly, one of the ‘Anarchy’ groups produced a very effective settlement rather than a tower.
Year 8 Curriculum
The Year 8 curriculum includes one semester each of History and Geography.
Global issues are the focus of the Geography course with studies of Antarctica and Tropical Rainforests.
In History, an understanding of life in Medieval Times is developed through individual assignments, classwork and the popular Medieval Feast.
Year 9 and 10 Curriculum
The following electives cover a wide range of Humanities courses and students are required to select 3 in both Year 9 and Year 10.
• AC/DC WHAT POWER! Active Citizenship/Democratic Choices
• ANCIENT CULTURES (History)
• ASIAN STUDIES (History/Geography)
• AUSTRALIAN HISTORY
• BEACHES AND COASTS (Geography)
• ECONOMICS AND THE ENVIRONMENT (Economics and Geography)
• FLORENCE AND VENICE (History)
• LIVING IN CITIES (Geography)
• NATURAL DISASTERS (Geography)
• PROTEST AND CONFLICT (History)
• THEIR SERVICE, OUR HERITAGE (History)
• WOMEN WHO HAVE CHANGED THE WORLD (History)
• WORLD RELIGIONS
• YOU AND YOUR MONEY (Commerce)
• VCE. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Units 1&2 (Year 10 only)
• VCE HISTORY, Twentieth Century, Unit 1 (year 10 only)
In these electives specialist teachers delivered interesting and varied courses and student centred activities included simulations, role plays, mummification and the use of Student Voice to enhance the development of skills and concepts.
Outside the classroom, learning was enhanced through:
A number of Geography classes completing fieldwork activities at beaches on the Mornington Peninsula, the bushfire affected forests of Toolangi and contrasts in the suburban areas of Melbourne.
Richmond
The Living in Cities class investigated the contrasts of a dynamic city, visiting Richmond and Lynbrook.
Lynbrook
The Beaches and Coasts class looked at the changes to coasts on the Mornington Peninsula.
The World Religions class visited the Jewish Museum and the St. Kilda Synagogue.
The Women Who Changed the World class visited the National Gallery of Victoria.
The Ancient Civilizations class attempted mummification.
The Year 10 girls in the VCE Business Management class ran small businesses, donating their profits to charity.
VCE Curriculum
Excellent results are achieved by Ruyton students who study:
• BUSINESS MANAGEMENT: Units 3 & 4
• ECONOMICS: Units 1-4
• GEOGRAPHY: Units 3 & 4
• LEGAL STUDIES: Units 1-4
• HISTORY : Units 1 & 2 Twentieth Century History
• HISTORY: Units 3 & 4 Revolutions
Classes usually include the boys from Trinity.
Enhancement of coursework is evident in all courses through activities which ensure the development of an appreciation of the values, knowledge and concepts which are integral to these disciplines.
Students have participated in fieldwork, visited businesses, listened to guest speakers and attended student lectures.
Some of these activities have included:
The Business Management class visited the brewery, considering the inputs and outputs of a business.
Geography students looked at sustainable management practices at Wattle Park.
Students in the Legal Studies class participated in the Bond University Mooting Competition.