Human Society and its Environment is a study of human progress and how people have organised themselves into societies over time, and how they have interacted with both themselves and their physical environments. It examines the nature and interdependence of environments and people. Students also learn to develop respect and care for the environment.  

The study of HSIE seeks to develop within students four important conceptual areas of knowledge: - Change and Continuity; Environments; Cultures; and Social Systems and Structures.

These HSIE understandings also aim to develop in students the skills to:

• Identify, collect and process data from a range of sources, including electronic media.
• Use the inquiry process to plan an investigation, analyse data, and form conclusions supported by evidence.
• Reason and solve problems to assist them in making meaning of their society and environment.
• Clarify values and attitudes about issues affecting society and the environment, in particular tolerance of people from many cultures and commitment to the democratic process. 
• Participate in activities that enhance community life, particularly in making decisions about civic projects and in ways of achieving ecologically sustainable development.
• Use information technology to support learning about society and environment and in investigating and communicating ideas.