Wheelers Hill Secondary College Senior School Handbook 2020

Year 10 - Humanities Electives

Electives

Students can choose a MAXIMUM of two electives from this Domain area.

Geography

Course Description:

Geography is the study of where geographical features are located and why they are there.  It looks at the interaction between human activities and natural processes and develops an understanding of the distribution of human and natural phenomena on or near the surface of the Earth from a spatial perspective.

Through studying geography, students develop knowledge and skills that enable them to understand the complex interactions of their world. They learn to participate effectively as global citizens in the sustainable use and management of the world’s resources.

This elective will introduce students to the skills and knowledge necessary for them to successfully complete VCE Geography.  Topics will cover Natural Environments, Human Environments, Regional Resources and Global Perspectives.

Assessment:

This subject includes the following methods of assessment:

  • Assignment work
  • Tests
  • Exam
  • Class Presentations
  • Fieldwork Reports

Pathway:

It is strongly recommended that students considering undertaking Geography Units 1 and 2 select this subject.

Special Requirements:

This subject will require attendance on fieldwork excursions.

Global Conflict and Crises

Course Description:

This elective will introduce students to the study of politics by considering global conflicts such as terrorism, human rights and war. Students will evaluate organisations such as the United Nations and their effectiveness in managing these crises. It will also explore the role and responsibilities of Australia in the international community and consider globalisation and its economic and political impacts in the Asia Pacific region. Students will consider and debate global issues from multiple perspectives in order to develop their understanding of what it means to be an active and informed citizen in our ever changing world. This elective would lead students into the study of Global or Australian politics in Year 11 and 12.   

Assessment Tasks:

This subject includes the following methods of assessment:

Written Reports/evaluations  

Mock UN Conference

Case Studies

Examination

Proposed Topics:

  • The United Nations – including their role in the international community and evaluation of how they have dealt with a global crisis
  • 9/11 and the War on Terror
  • The Refugee Crisis
  • Globalisation
  • Australia’s role in the Asia Pacific and international obligations

Pathway:

It is strongly recommended that students considering undertaking Australian and Global Politics Units 1 & 2  select this subject.

History

Course Description:

This core unit incorporates studies in History and this course is assessed using the Victorian Curriculum standards.

The focus of History is The Modern World and Australia. Within this study, there two depth studies which the teacher can elect to teach in more detail: World War II and Twentieth Century Ideologies such as Nazism, Communism and Capitalism.

Assessment: 

This subject could use the following methods of assessment:

  • Research projects
  • Essays
  • Tests
  • Class presentations
  • Work Folio of activities
  • Exam

Pathway:

It is strongly recommended that students considering undertaking History Units 1 & 2 select this subject.

Introduction to Accounting & Business Management

Course Description:      

This course aims to introduce students to two of the four Commerce disciplines.

1. Introduction to VCE Accounting 

This unit focuses on the financial recording, reporting and decision-making processes of a sole proprietor small business. Students study both theoretical and practical aspects of accounting.

2. Introduction to VCE Business Management 

This unit examines the ways businesses manage resources to achieve objectives. The VCE Business Management study design follows the process from the first idea for a business concept, to planning and establishing a business, through to the day-to-day management of a business. It also considers changes that need to be made to ensure continued success of a business

Assessment:

This subject uses the following methods of assessment:

  • Assignment work
  • Tests
  • Exam

Pathway:

It is strongly recommended that students considering undertaking Accounting Units 1 & 2 and/or Business Management Units 1 & 2  select this subject.

Introduction to Legal Studies & Economics

Course Description:      

This course aims to introduce students to the Commerce VCE studies of Legal Studies and Economics.

1. Introduction to Legal Studies 

This unit examines the need for laws and the difference between legal and non-legal rules.

Students develop an understanding of the sources of law and principles which are essential to Australia’s legal system and study the structure of our parliamentary system. Through the study of types of legal disputes, students apply knowledge of legal concepts and principles to a range of actual and/or hypothetical scenarios and use legal reasoning to determine possible culpability in a criminal and/or civil matter.

2. Introduction to Economics 

In this unit students undertake the study of key economic concepts such as scarcity, opportunity cost, economic resources and maximising the production of goods and services. Students research the characteristics of various Economic systems which exist to coordinate and organise the production of goods and services. Globalisation and its effects on living standards in the Australian economy is explored.

Assessment: 

This subject uses the following methods of assessment:

  • Tests
  • Case Studies
  • PowerPoints
  • Assignment work
  • Exam

Pathway:

It is strongly recommended that students considering undertaking Legal Studies Units 1 and 2, Accounting Units 1 & 2 and/or Business Management Units 1 & 2  select this subject.