Commerce

Course Description

Students undertake 200 hours of study in Commerce in Stage 5. The 200 hour course incorporates all four Core Study topics and additional study of selected options to meet the 200-hour requirement.

Commerce provides the knowledge, understanding, skills and values that form the foundation on which young people make sound decisions about consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, political and employment issues.

Students assess consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, political and employment information using research and communication skills. Through the investigation of contemporary issues, students work independently and collaboratively to meet individual and collective goals. They develop knowledge of civics and skills for citizenship, and recognise the importance of being an informed, responsible and active citizen.

Students appreciate the importance of ethical and socially responsible behaviour, and fundamental rights, rules and laws that promote fairness, justice and equity in society.

What will students learn about?

Core Topics;

1. Consumer and Financial Decisions - Students learn how to identify and research issues that individuals encounter when making consumer and financial decisions.

2. The Economic and Business Environment - Students explore the nature, role and operation of businesses in the context of an increasingly globalised economy.

3. Employment and Work Futures - They examine how individuals may derive an income, and the changing rights and responsibilities of workplace participants.

4. Law, Society and Political Involvement Options - Students develop an understanding of how laws affect individuals and groups and regulate society, and how individuals and groups participate in the democratic process.

Elective Options;

1. Our Economy - Students investigate Australia’s place in the global economy, measurement of economic performance, trade patterns, the impact of changes in our economy and the implications of these changes for consumers, businesses and broader society.

2. Investing - Students explore the range of investment options available and analyse information and data to make informed investment decisions.

3. Promoting and Selling - Students analyse the strategies that sellers use to promote products and maximise sales, and evaluate the impact on consumers.

4. Running a Business - Students investigate how entrepreneurial attributes and dispositions contribute to business success, and examine the considerations involved when planning and running a business.

5. Law in Action - They examine the legal rights and responsibilities of individuals in society and the range of options available for dispute resolution.

6. Travel - Students learn how to plan for travel and how to solve problems encountered when travelling.

7. Towards Independence - They examine a range of strategies that young people may use in their move towards independence.

8. School-developed Option - Students are provided with the opportunity to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills related to a particular area of interest, and design and develop strategies for effective learning.

Site studies may be integrated within the study of Commerce. They enable students to explore the processes that take place in the consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, political and employment world, and provide an opportunity for students to develop an understanding of the key factors affecting decisions that shape their lives.

The cross-curriculum priorities include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia Sustainability.