Year 11 and 12

Geographical inquiry is fundamental to all topics studied in Geography in the preliminary and Higher School Certificate (HSC). Students should be proficient in understanding and applying a range of geographical questions and issues.

Year 11 (preliminary) focus of study

• biophysical processes and how an understanding of these processes contributes to sustainable management
• the social, cultural, political, economic and environmental challenges which are occurring at the global scale

Year 12 (HSC) focus of study

• the functioning of ecosystems at risk, their management and protection of world cities
• mega cities and the urban dynamics of large cities and urban localities.
• economic activity, integrating the local and global context.

Case studies and fieldwork are integral to these studies.

Business studies encompasses aspects of business and management in contexts which students will encounter in life.

Students in Year 11 investigate business establishment and operations and utilise a range of business information to assess and evaluate business performance, with particular reference to small business.

Year 11 (preliminary) focus of study

Students in Year 11 investigate business establishment and operations, and utilise a range of business information to assess and evaluate business performance, with particular reference to small business.

Year 12 (HSC) focus of study

In Year 12, students use existing business case studies to examine business management and change, financial planning and management, marketing, employment relations and global business.

Modern History is designed to enable students to acquire knowledge and understanding, the skills of critical analysis and synthesis, and values and attitudes essential to an appreciation of forces that have shaped the modern world; to develop a lifelong interest in the study of history; and to prepare them for informed and active citizenship in the contemporary world.

Year 11 (preliminary) focus of study

The preliminary course is structured to provide students with opportunities to investigate key features, individuals, groups, events, concepts and historiographical issues in a range of historical contexts as background for their Higher School Certificate (HSC) studies.

Year 12 (HSC) focus of study

Topics covered:

• Power and Authority in the Modern World
• One National Study
• One Personality in the Twentieth Century
• One International Study in Peace and Conflict.

The key competencies of collecting, analysing and organising information and communicating ideas and information reflect core processes of historical inquiry and are explicit in the objectives and outcomes of the syllabus.

Year 11 (preliminary) focus of study

The preliminary course is structured to provide students with opportunities to investigate past people, groups, events, institutions, societies and historical sites through archaeological and written sources by applying the methods used by historians, archaeologists and other related specialists and scholars.

Year 12 (HSC) focus of study

In Year 12, students investigate the range and nature of archaeological and written sources available for the study of the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum through an exploration of issues relating to reconstruction, ownership and custodianship of the past.

This is followed by the investigation of key features of one ancient society, one personality on the context of their time and an investigation of one historical period. The focus is always on a critical analysis of sources.

Legal Studies develops students' knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to the legal system and its effectiveness in promoting a just and fair society, with a view to empowering students to participate effectively as citizens at the local, national and international level.

Year 11 (preliminary) and Year 12 (HSC) focus of study

• justice, law and society
• culture, values and ethics
• continuity and change
• legal processes and institutions
• conflict and cooperation
• effectiveness of the legal system.

The aim of Economics is to develop students' knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes for effective economic thinking that contributes to socially responsible, competent economic decision-making in a changing economy.

Year 11 (preliminary) focus of study

The preliminary course is essentially micro-economic in nature, focusing on aspects of the economic behaviours of consumers, business and governments. Much of this behaviour is influenced by the operation of markets. Two key markets, the labour market and the financial market are examined in detail.

The preliminary course provides an essential foundation for the Higher School Certificate (HSC) course.

Year 12 (HSC) focus of study

The Higher School Certificate course focuses on the management of an economy and is therefore essentially macroeconomic in nature. It examines the external framework in which the Australian economy operates. The course investigates the impact of the global economy on the Australian economy and the link between economic issues and the management of an economy, with specific reference to the Australian economy.

Studies of Religion emphasises the development of skills of analysis, independent research, collaboration and effective communication. Visit religious places of worship, group work, research, powerpoint presentations, debates, and essay writing.

Year 12 (HSC) focus of study

• Part 1: Religion and belief systems in Australia post-1945
• Part 2:
  • Religious tradition depth study 1
  • Religious tradition depth study 2
  • Religious tradition depth study 3
• Part 3: Religion and peace
• Part 4: Religion and non-religion.

School assessment

• knowledge and understanding of course content - 40%
• source-based skills - 20%
  
• investigation and research - 20%
• communication of information, ideas and issues in appropriate forms - 20%.

HSC examination

• Part A: Religion and belief systems in Australia post-1945 (15 marks)
• Part B: Religion and non-religion (15 marks)
• Section two: Religious tradition depth study (30 marks)
• Section three: Religious tradition depth study (20 marks).

The retail services curriculum framework provides opportunities for students to develop relevant technical, vocational and interpersonal competencies suitable for employment and further training in retail services industries. It also provides skills, knowledge and experiences such as teamwork, communication and occupational health and safety, that are transferable to other industry areas.