Welcome to Coffs Harbour High School's Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) - Languages webpage. This page is designed to provide you with information about our faculty and assist you in directing enquiries to specific faculty members. We can be found in the top of A block.
In human society and its environment (HSIE), both subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
Students learn specific historical and geographical concepts and skills in history and geography. They also have an opportunity to learn more about people and the societies and environments in which they live through elective subjects in Years 7 to 10 (Stages 4 to 5).
A large number of individual subjects make up the key learning area of HSIE in which students:
- research, gather and analyse information
- question and make judgements
- write for a variety of purposes.
In the junior school we offer in 200 or 100 hours of study:
- Commerce: a mix of Business, Law and Civics;
- Aboriginal Studies: working with the Aboriginal Education team;
- Big History: an internationally designed course linking Science with History;
- Elective History; and
- Elective Geography.
In Year 11 and 12, students can choose from a range of HSIE courses. These include:
- Aboriginal Studies
- Ancient History
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Geography
- History Extension
- Legal Studies
- Modern History
- Society and Culture
- Studies of Religion.
All of our staff deliver courses in mandatory History and Geography across years 7 to 10 and many hold additional teaching qualifications in other learning areas such as English and Vocational Education. We are also experienced in making the Wellbeing, EAL/D and special education accommodations and adjustments needed to suit individual differences in the students we work with.
Mr Simon Donald - Head Teacher
Simon has been at Coffs Harbour High School since 2017 and specialises in both Society & Culture and Geography in the HSC curriculum. He previously taught at Dorrigo HS and is a keen sportsman who plays both local club Rugby Union and Cricket across the year.
Mr Ryan Hardie-Porter
Ryan has been at Coffs Harbour High School since 2014 and specialises in both Society & Culture and Geography in the HSC curriculum. He previously taught in schools in Queensland and has had leadership roles in Wellbeing. He is a keen surfer!
Mrs Lynette Bailey
Lyn has been at Coffs Harbour High School since 1996 and specialises in both Modern and Extension History in the HSC curriculum. Her previous schools include Bellingen and Orara HS and previous appointments within Victoria. Lyn is highly regarded for the success she has with her HSC classes and has been the organiser for the Cam-Nam overseas excursion to Indochina for many years.
Mr David Dun
David has been at Coffs Harbour High School since 2014 and is our school’s specialist Languages teacher. He designs and teaches Chinese and Spanish language study for mandatory languages in the junior school and offers both Beginners and Continuers level study in both languages for the HSC curriculum. David brings to the faculty a passion for integrating new technologies into the classroom and is regularly updating his expertise in this area. He is also involved in local football.
Ms Donna Stanmore
Donna has been at Coffs Harbour High School since 2016 and specialises in both Ancient History and Business Studies in the HSC curriculum. Donna is especially supportive of student wellbeing and is recognised by students for her firm but fair student centred approach to student wellbeing. Donna also contributes to student academic support programs in the school.
Mr Ray Pobjoy
Ray has been at Coffs Harbour High School since 2018 and specialises in both Ancient History and Legal Studies in the HSC curriculum. His previous appointments include South Grafton and Quakers Hill HS, as well as the seniors only Wyndham College. Ray’s strengths include wellbeing, Aboriginal Education and Anti-Racism programs. Just don’t ask him to play sport!
Ms Kristal Bonney
Kristal has been at Coffs Harbour High School since 2016 and specialises in both Legal Studies and Aboriginal Studies in the HSC curriculum. Kristal has been the backbone of the school’s Environment Club for many years and has been of huge support to many sporting teams and Aboriginal Education programs here. She continues with her wellbeing responsibilities and is currently Year 9 Year Advisor.
Ms Tiffanie Jones
Tiffanie has been at Coffs Harbour High School since 2019 and specialises in Business Studies in the HSC curriculum. She also delivers our junior Commerce course in business, law and civics. Her previous experience includes business administration in the USA before training as a teacher here in Australia. Volleyball is her favorite sport.
Ms Alana Castor
Alana has been at Coffs Harbour High School since 2022 and specialises in Business Studies and Legal Studies in the HSC curriculum. She also teaches junior Commerce (Stage 5). She is a keen sportswoman and coaches school Basketball teams and plays Netball in her own time. Alana has previously taught at Woolgoolga HS and John Paul College, Coffs Harbour.
Ms Simrit Atwal
Simrit has been at Coffs Harbour High School since 2023 and specialises in Modern History and Business Studies in the HSC Curriculum, and Commerce. Before teaching at Dorrigo High School in 2017, she previously worked as a National Account Manager working closely with National and State Sporting Associations. Simrit is a keen netballer and an avid book reader.
All students in Years 7 to 10 will study one semester of History and one semester of Geography each year as mandatory subjects. We also offer elective History, Geography and Commerce. Most of our teachers have a Google Classroom page where you can find further information regarding the topics studied and assessment.
Should you require any further information about our faculty or courses, or have any concerns or queries regarding your child, please contact Mr Donald on 6652 3466.
All details correct as of January 2024