Subject Overview Stage 4
Geography
Students undertake geographical inquiry to build knowledge and understanding of people, places and environments through the collection, collation and analysis of primary data and secondary information. Students propose explanations for spatial distributions, patterns and trends and infer relationships. They propose solutions, and may take action to address contemporary geographical challenges and predict outcomes. Students participate in fieldwork to collect primary data and develop their personal capabilities, ethical understanding and workplace skills.
History
Students sequence events and developments within a chronological framework with reference to periods of time. They select and organise information from primary and secondary sources and use it as evidence to answer inquiry questions. They identify and describe the meaning, purpose and context of historical sources and use the evidence from these sources to support historical narratives and explanations. They identify and describe different contexts, perspectives and interpretations of the past. Students identify and explain different points of view in sources. They develop texts, particularly descriptions and explanations. In developing these texts, and organising and presenting their findings, they use historical terms and concepts. They use evidence in sources and acknowledge their sources of information. They select and use appropriate oral, written, visual and/or digital forms to communicate about the past.
Subject Overview Stage 5
Geography
Students undertake geographical inquiry to extend knowledge and understanding, and make generalisations and inferences about people, places and environments through the collection, analysis and evaluation of primary data and secondary information. They propose explanations for significant patterns, trends, relationships and anomalies in geographical phenomena. Students propose solutions, and may take action to address contemporary geographical challenges, taking into account alternative points of view and predicted outcomes. Students participate in relevant fieldwork to collect primary data and enhance their personal capabilities, ethical understanding and workplace skills.
History
Students sequence events and developments within a chronological framework, and identify relationships between events across different periods of time and places. When researching, students develop, evaluate and modify questions to frame an historical inquiry. They process, analyse and synthesise information from a range of primary and secondary sources and use it as evidence to answer inquiry questions. Students analyse sources to identify motivations, values and attitudes. When evaluating these sources, they analyse and draw conclusions about their usefulness, taking into account their origin, purpose and context. They develop and justify their own interpretations about the past. Students develop texts, particularly explanations and discussions, incorporating historical arguments. In developing these texts and organising and presenting their arguments, students use historical terms and concepts, evidence identified in sources and they reference these sources.
Commerce
Students demonstrate knowledge and understanding of consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, political and employment matters. They analyse the rights and responsibilities of individuals in a range of contexts, and the role of law in society. Students develop skills in decision-making and problem-solving, related to a range of issues, and apply skills to construct plans designed to achieve a range of goals.Students appreciate the importance of ethical and socially responsible behaviour, and fundamental rights, rules and laws that promote fairness, justice and equity in society.
Aboriginal Studies
Aboriginal students are empowered through the exploration and celebration of their cultural and social heritage, continuity and resilience. Cultural affirmation through the study of their local/regional community(ies) and Aboriginal cultural diversity can contribute to personal and cultural wellbeing.Non-Aboriginal students are provided with opportunities to recognise and respect the knowledges and practices of Aboriginal Peoples as the most sustained globally. The study of Aboriginal identity and lived experiences of Aboriginal Peoples benefits non-Aboriginal students by providing deeper insights that can enable more respectful and reciprocal engagement with Aboriginal Peoples and communities.
Subject Overview Stage 6
Aboriginal Studies
Aboriginal Studies is designed to foster intellectual, social and moral development by enabling students to think critically about the historical and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal peoples. Through this study students will develop a heightened understanding and appreciation of the concepts of social justice and shared histories, and will critically examine their role as active and informed citizens.
Ancient History
The study of Ancient History engages students in an investigation of life in early societies based on the analysis and interpretation of physical and written remains. It offers students the opportunity to investigate the possible motivations and actions of individuals and groups, and how they shaped the political, social, economic and cultural landscapes of the ancient world. Ancient History stimulates students’ curiosity and imagination and enriches their appreciation of humanity by introducing them to a range of cultures and beliefs as well as to the origins and influences of ideas, values and behaviours that are still relevant in the modern world.
Business Studies
Business Studies is distinctive in that it encompasses the theoretical and practical aspects of business in contexts which students will encounter throughout their lives. Conceptually, it offers learning from the planning of a small business to the management of operations, marketing, finance and human resources in large businesses. Through the analysis of contemporary business strategies the course also provides rigour and depth and lays an excellent foundation for students either in tertiary study or in future employment.
Legal Studies
Legal Studies enables students to have confidence in approaching and accessing the legal system and provides them with a better appreciation of the relationship between social and legal structures. The course will assist in the development of students’ knowledge of their basic legal rights and responsibilities in a broad selection of contexts which appeal to their interests.
Modern History
The study of Modern History engages students in an investigation of the forces that have shaped the world, based on the analysis and interpretation of sources. It offers students the opportunity to investigate the possible motivations and actions of individuals and groups, and how they have shaped the world politically, culturally, economically and socially. Modern History stimulates students’ curiosity and imagination, and enriches their appreciation of humanity by introducing them to a range of historical developments and experiences that have defined the modern world.
Senior Geography
Geography is an investigation of the world which provides an accurate description and interpretation of the varied character of the earth and its people. It is a key discipline through which students develop the ability to recognise and understand environmental change and the interactions which take place in our world.
Geography has many dimensions, two of which are emphasised in this syllabus:
the ecological dimension considers how humans interact with environments
the spatial dimension focuses on where things are, why they are there and how people interact differently with environments in different places.
Society and Culture
Society and Culture is a conceptually based course that promotes students' awareness of the cultural continuities and changes within societies and cultures. It provides them with skills to critically analyse social theories and complementary and contrasting viewpoints about people, societies and cultures. Society and Culture promotes an awareness of individuals, groups and institutions and facilitates intercultural understanding and communication.
Work Studies
The Work Studies syllabus is designed to assist students in their transition from school to work. It develops knowledge and understanding of the issues faced by students in the transition to work and the skills needed for effective career planning and performance of tasks in the work environment. The nature of work is constantly changing, reflecting related changes in society, technology and the economy, as well as through globalisation. The world of work and how individuals engage in work is being transformed. Students will need to be flexible and responsive to change along their career pathway. Opportunities for workers to change jobs, develop new skills and obtain new experiences will be part of the future world of work.