Social Science

Business Studies

HOD Ms Gauri Gupta Course No 15040

2 units for each of Year 11 and HSC NESA Developed Course

Exclusions: Nil

Course Description

Business activity is a feature of everyone’s life. Business Studies investigates the role, operation and management of businesses within our society. Factors in the establishment, operation and management of a small business are integral to this course. Students investigate the role of global business and its impact on Australian business.

Contemporary business issues are embedded in the course to provide a stimulating and relevant framework for the students. Students develop research and independent learning skills in addition to analytical and problem-solving competencies to assess business performance. Business Studies fosters intellectual, social and moral development by assisting students to think critically about the role of business and its ethical responsibilities to society.

Year 11 Course (% of time allocated)

• Nature of Business (20%) –The role and nature of business

• Business Management (40%) –The nature and responsibility of management

• Business Planning (40%) –Establishing and planning a small to medium enterprise

HSC Course (% of time allocated)

• Operations (25%) – Strategies for effective operations management

• Marketing (25%) – Development and implementation of successful marketing strategies

• Finance (25%) – Financial information in the planning and management of business

• Human Resources (25%) – Human resource management and business performance

Economics

HOD Ms Gauri Gupta Course No 15110

2 units for each of Year 11 and HSC NESA Developed Course

Exclusions: Nil

Course Description

Economic decisions have a crucial influence on individuals. Economics provides a comprehensive understanding for students about many aspects of the economy and its operation that are frequently reported in the media. It can help individuals, groups and societies make choices that assist them to improve their quality of life and investigates issues such as unemployment or inflation and their impact on individuals’ rational behaviour.

Economics also develops students’ knowledge and understanding of the operation of the global and the Australian economy and the impact of fluctuations in economic growth. It develops analytical, problem-solving and communication skills of students and challenges them to critique policies adopted to resolve economic issues in a contemporary Australian economic context.

Year 11 Course (% of time allocated)

• Introduction to Economics (10%) –The nature of economics and the operation of an economy

• Consumers and Business (10%) –The role of consumers and tbusiness in the economy

• Markets (20%) – The role of markets, demand, supply and variations in competions

• Labour Markets (20%) – The workforse and role of labour in the economy

• Financial Markets (20%) - Types and regulation of financial markets in Australia including the share market

• Government in the Economy (20%)

– The role of government in the Australian economy

HSC Course (% of time allocated)

• The Global Economy (25%) –Features of the global economy and globalisation

• Australia’s Place in the Global Economy (25%) – Australia’s trade and finance

• Economic Issues (25%) – Issues including growth, unemployment, inflation, wealth and management

• Economic Policies and Management (25%) – The range of policies to manage the economy

Geography

HOD Ms Gauri Gupta Course No 15190

2 units for each of Year 11 and HSC NESA Developed Course Course Requirements: Students complete a Senior Geography Project (SGP) in the Year 11 course and must undertake 10 hours of fieldwork in both the Year 11 and HSC courses. Exclusions: Nil

Course Description

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 global interactions. Geography is a life-long interest stimulating a natural curiosity about how and why human beings and their environments are so varied.

The Year 11 course investigates biophysical and human geography and develops students’ knowledge and understanding about the spatial and ecological dimensions of geography. Enquiry methodologies are used to investigate the unique characteristics of our world through fieldwork, geographical skills and the study of contemporary geographical issues.

The HSC course enables students to appreciate geographical perspectives about the contemporary world. There are specific studies about biophysical and human processes, interactions and trends. Fieldwork and a variety of case studies combined with an assessment of the geographers’ contribution to understanding our environment and demonstrate the relevance of geographical study.

Year 11 Course (% of time allocated)

• Biophysical Interactions (45%) –How biophysical processes contribute to sustainable management.

• Global Challenges (45%) –Geographical study of issues at a global scale.

• Senior Geography Project (10%) –A geographical study of student’s own choosing.

HSC Course (% of time allocated)

• Ecosystems at Risk (33.3%) –The functioning of ecosystems, their management and protection.

• Urban Places (33.3%) –Study of cities and urban dynamics.

• People and Economic Activity (33.3%) –Geographic study of economic activity in a local and global context.

Key concepts incorporated across all topics: change, environment, sustainability, spatial and ecological dimensions, interaction, technology, management and cultural integration.

Economics

HOD Ms Gauri Gupta Course No 15220

2 units for each of Year 11 and HSC NESA Developed Course

Exclusions: Nil

Course Description

Students of Legal Studies develop an understanding of legal concepts including rights and responsibilities, which is an integral part of being an active and informed citizen.

The Year 11 course develops students’ knowledge and understanding of the nature and functions of law and law- reform, the development of Australian and international legal systems, the Australian Constitution, and the role of the individual. Students develop an understanding of the implications that legal decisions can have for Australian society and the ways in which the legal system can affect the lives of Australian citizens. A critical understanding of the processes of reform and change helps students to contribute to making our society more equitable for all. This is achieved by investigating, analysing and synthesising legal information and investigating legal issues from a variety of perspectives.

The HSC course investigates criminal law and human rights through a variety of focus studies which consider the effectiveness of law in achieving justice. The optional studies of Consumer law and World Order enable students to have confidence in approaching and accessing the legal system and provide them with a better appreciation of the relationship between social and legal structures. As students investigate and propose solutions to legal problems, they develop skills of critical analysis, problem solving, collaboration and effective communication.

Year 11 Course (% of time allocated)

• Part I: The Legal System (40%)

• Part II: The Individual and the Law (30%)

• Part III: The Law in Practice (30%)

The Law in Practice unit can be integrated with Part I and/or Part II or treated as a separate unit. In the unit students study at least TWO contemporary issues, which may include:

• Children and Young People

• Consumers