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Humanities

At Padua College, Humanities invites students to explore the richness and complexity of human experience across time, cultures, and environments. 

Through the study of History, Geography, Philosophy, and Sociology, students develop critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and a deep understanding of the world and their place within it. 

Padua College

Years 7-10

Humanities is a core subject in Years 7–10, aligned with the Victorian Curriculum Version 2.0. Students engage in inquiry-based learning that encourages curiosity, reflection, and real-world application.

History

In History, students investigate:

• Ancient and medieval societies including Ancient Rome, Ancient China, the Vikings, and Japan under the Shoguns

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures

• The making of modern Australia, including colonisation, Federation, and World War I, World War II

• Global movements for freedom and justice, with a focus on civil rights in Australia and the United States

Geography

In Geography, students explore:

• Water as a resource and the concept of liveability in urban environments

• Landforms and landscapes, including geomorphology and Indigenous perspectives

• Urbanisation and population change, with local fieldwork connecting learning to community

• Biomes, food security, and global interconnections through trade, technology, and migration

• These units foster spatial thinking, environmental awareness, and an appreciation of global diversity. 

VCE Pathways

Senior School students can pursue VCE Humanities subjects in:

  • History - Modern History and Revolutions
  • Geography - Hazards, tourism, land use, and population trends
  • Philosophy - Ethics, knowledge, and the good life
  • Sociology - Youth, family, culture, ethnicity, and social movements

Each subject encourages deep inquiry, debate, and analysis, preparing students for tertiary study and active citizenship.

A philosophy class is like no other, where answers are not wrong nor right, disagreement is welcome and big ideas and discussions are always needed. Every student leaves with a broader understanding of the world and our place within it, improved skills in public speaking, analysis and communication, and of course, we are well equipped with some of the world’s greatest phrases from ‘The unexamined life is not worth living’ to ‘cogito, ergo sum!

Fin, Year 12 Bernard

Padua College
Learning Beyond the Classroom

Humanities at Padua is enriched by excursions, fieldwork, and inquiry projects. Whether investigating urban development in Mornington, analysing historical narratives, or debating philosophical dilemmas, students are supported to think critically, act ethically, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

Padua College
Padua College

Choosing to study geography was a way to learn more about the world we live in and explore the dynamics between people and land, helping me to understand how people interact with place and how place interacts with people. It has encouraged me to understand the dynamics of the world and how things like movement in population change the very landscape of the earth, and vice versa. Keeping on top of global events and learning about the inner workings of why things happen has really helped me understand the world around me and become a better humanitarian.

Kaitlyn, Year 11 Bernard

Humanities at Padua

Geography
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At Padua College, students are at the heart of what we do. We help young people discover their passions and grow their talents so they can live purposefully and make an impact on their community.

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We know that a child who discovers their passions and reveals their talents has the most powerful driver to find motivation, purpose, and direction in life. 

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Mrs Penny Farmer

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Padua College
Padua College