Community and Family Studies

COMMUNITY AND FAMILY STUDIES

2 UNIT CAFS

Community and Family Studies is a course intended to make living in today’s society more manageable. Today’s society is characterised by rapid social and technological change, cultural diversity, conflicting valuesand competitive pressures. This course combines Sociology, Economics, Health Studies, Family Studies and the Law as well as our own life experiences.

Community and Family Studies provides students with opportunities to develop confidence and competence in solving practical problems in the management of everyday living. Community and Family Studies explores life issues that are important to all young people and of equal relevance to female and male students.

One aspect of this course is research, and you will develop and use various research skills, which are invaluableto you during the Senior years at school and beyond. In the HSC Course in Year 12 there is an Independent Research Project to be undertaken which is usually of an issue of personal interest to the student. The HSC Course builds on the foundations of the Preliminary Course by examining how the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities are affected by broader societal influences including cultural, economic, physical, emotional, spiritual, and social factors.

Topic areas in this course include Resource Management, Individuals and Groups, Families and Communities,Research Methodology, Groups in Context, Parenting and Caring as well as the option, Individuals and Work. As well as using a textbook we also use a wide range of other resources including the newspaper, journals, and current affairs programs.

This course is great for anyone looking at doing Social Work, Health Work, teaching, or whose career will mean dealing with families and their situations. Once leaving school it is possible to gain recognition for completing Community and Family Studies in some industry training packages and gain credit points at TAFE.

Aim: Community and Family Studies Stage 6 aims to develop in each student an ability to manage resources and take action to support the needs of individuals, groups, families, and communities in Australian society.

Objectives:

Students will develop: • Knowledge and understanding about resource management and its role in ensuring individual, group, family, and community well-being • Knowledge and understanding about the contribution positive relationships make to individual, group, family, and community well-being • Knowledge and understanding about the influence of a range of societal factors on individuals and the nature of groups, families, and communities • Knowledge and understanding about research methodology and skills in researching, analysing, and communicating • Skills in the application of management processes to meet the needs of individuals, groups, families, and communities • Skills in critical thinking and the ability to take responsible action to promote well-being • An appreciation of the diversity and interdependence of individuals, groups, families, and communities.