Australian and Global Politics

Australian and Global Politics

Course Summary

Are you interested in politics? Interested in working in government and policymaking? VCE Australian and Global Politics is the study of contemporary power at both national and global levels. Through this study, you explore, explain, analyse and evaluate national and global political issues, and events. You will examine the interconnectedness of the contemporary global political arena and the impact of globalisation on culture, sovereignty, human rights and the environment. It examines the nature and power of key global actors and the types of power used by an Asia-Pacific state to achieve its national interests.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Develop an understanding of fundamental political concepts and be able to apply them
  • Explore the nature of contemporary politics and power in the national and global context
  • Examine and evaluate the characteristics and features of Australian democracy
  • Analyse global issues and challenges and the key factors that influence these
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of responses to global crises

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Madeleine Rowley

Philosophy

Philosophy

Course Summary

Are you interested in ethics and life’s big questions? Do you enjoy debating? VCE Philosophy is a broad introduction into western philosophy and methods of inquiry. You will investigate human nature through questions about the relationship between body and mind, and personal identity, leading to an examination of the good life. VCE Philosophy is a challenging and stimulating study, which nurtures curiosity, problem-solving skills, open-mindedness and intellectual rigour. You will explore foundational ideas and enduring questions related to diverse fields including the humanities, sciences and the arts.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Socratic seminars 
  • Philosothon
  • Critical debate and discussion 

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Readings $25

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Brydie Hind

Specialist Maths

Specialist Maths

Course Summary

Have you got a high level of mathematical competence? Looking at studying science or engineering at University? Specialist Maths is really interesting and has a lot of real-world application. You will complete independent modules with some interconnected themes. Topics covered include advanced functions, Statistics and Probability, Complex Numbers, Kinematics, Vectors, Mechanics Differential and Integral Calculus.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Develop rigorous mathematical arguments and proofs and use mathematical models more extensively
  • Further improve in-depth mathematical skills and knowledge in preparation for complex university studies
  • Demonstrate the application of topics such as functions and calculus
  • Extend the understanding and knowledge of probability and statistics
  • Explore topics such as vectors, complex numbers and matrices

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

USB $8

Unit 3 & 4

USB $8

Checkpoints $35 (Optional Purchase)

Learning Area Contact

Maths Learning Area Leader

Michael Barnard

Mathematical Methods

Mathematical Methods

Course Summary

Do you require a higher level of Maths for university study? Are you able to work with difficult interconnected mathematical topics independently? Topic covered in Maths Methods includes ‘Functions & Relations, ‘Exponential & Logarithms’, ‘Circular Functions’ ‘Differentiation’, ‘Integration & Antidifferentiation’, ‘Probability’, and ‘Statistical Inference & Hypothesis testing’. You will use content that will allow you to develop complex and sophisticated problem-solving skills and mathematical processes.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Further develop an understanding of functions, algebra, calculus and statistical analysis
  • Explore probably statistics
  • Develop the ability to describe and analyse phenomena involving uncertainty and variation
  • Investigate the role mathematics plays in understanding the physical world e.g. rates of change

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

USB $8

Checkpoints $35

Learning Area Contact

Maths Learning Area Leader

Michael Barnard

General Maths

General Maths

Course Summary

Do you require intermediate to advanced level of Maths to pursue your career? General Mathematics has a strong emphasis on logical thought, formulating problems to allow you to compute and decide, deducting from assumption and applying advanced concepts. Topics covered in General Mathematics are ‘Algebra and Structure’, ‘Arithmetic and Number’, ‘Discrete Mathematics’, ‘Geometry, Measurement and Trigonometry’, ‘Graphs of Linear and Non-Linear Relations’ and ‘Statistics’.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Use discrete mathematics to solve problems in financial modelling, network analysis, route & project planning, decision making, and growth and decay
  • Learn how to analyse and solve a wide range of geometrical problems in measurement, scaling, triangulation and navigation
  • Develop systematic relationships based on a statistical investigation process

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Learning Area Contact

Maths Learning Area Leader

Michael Barnard

Legal Studies

Legal Studies

Course Summary

Are our criminal and civil justice systems fair? How are human rights protected in Australia? How can individuals advocate for changes to the law?

In Legal Studies, you will learn how our Legal System works. You will learn about our court system, and the pressures and restrictions on parliaments in making laws. You will study a wide range of current criminal, civil and constitutional law cases, and you will apply your knowledge of the law to interesting and challenging scenarios. We will evaluate how well our legal system meets the needs of different individuals and groups in society, and debate important social justice and law reform issues.

This subject will give you the confidence and ability to pursue further studies in law, politics and related fields. You will also develop the skills and knowledge to advocate for positive changes to our legal system.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Understand how cases are dealt with in the criminal and civil justice system
  • Discuss important cases and law reform issues
  • Evaluate whether the civil and criminal justice systems are fair, equitable and accessible
  • Discuss factors affecting law-making and the role of individuals in advocating for law reform, and evaluate Constitutional checks on power

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Checkpoints $35 (Optional Purchase)

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Madeleine Rowley

Japanese

Japanese

Course Summary

Are you looking to travel or looking to pursue a global career? Studying a foreign Language has great benefits. You will improve verbal and spatial skills, promotes creativity and improves attention to detail. Practising a language helps the brain more healthy, complex, active and engaged.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Develop an understanding of personal identity, lifestyles, relationships, aspiration, education and visiting Japan
  • Apply Japanese language in a personal, imaginative, persuasive, informative and evaluative context
  • Develop an of the Japan speaking community, significant people and a changing Japan
  • Undertake a detailed study on one of the topics covered

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 – 4

Learning Area Contact

Language Learning Area Leader

Lyn Zhang

Chinese: Mandarin

Chinese: Mandarin

Course Summary

Are you looking to travel or looking to pursue a global career? Studying a foreign Language has great benefits. You will improve verbal and spatial skills, promotes creativity and improves attention to detail. Practising a language helps the brain more healthy, complex, active and engaged.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • A role play focusing on negotiating a solution to a personal issue
  • An interview providing information and responding to questions
  • Responses to specific questions using written, spoken and viewed texts
  • A written response for a specific audience and purpose
  • A personal, informative or imaginative piece of writing

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 – 4

Learning Area Contact

Language Learning Area Leader

Lyn Zhang

History: Ancient

History: Ancient

Course Summary

Are you interested in Ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian Empires, Mesopotamian Empires and Ancient China? Studying Ancient History helps students develop an understanding of the social, political, economic and cultural influences on individuals and society across three millennia. Students will examine people, groups, events, ideas and movement to broaden their perspective. Being able to research, understand and interpret history and make informed decisions in the present.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Investigate the creation of city-states and empires
  • Explore the invention of writing – a pivotal development in human history
  • Examine how life in an ancient society of your choice were shaped by the complex interplay of social, political and economic factors
  • Complete historical inquiries into ancient civilisations

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Textbook Hire $30

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Madeleine Rowley

History: Revolutions

History: Revolutions (3 & 4)

Course Summary

‘You say you want a revolution…well you know we all want to change the world…’ If you are like one of the Beatles and want a revolution well then you have come to the right place. Lenin, Robespierre, Mao and Washington are just some of the people you may meet on your journey through Revolutions. Countries have been changed, people have been killed and still many historians ponder whether or not the Revolution really brought about that much change. Join in the debate for yourself and decide whether or not a revolution is the best outcome for society.

VCE: Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • An analysis of primary sources to analyse the causes of revolution
  • An analysis of historical interpretations to analyse the consequences of revolution
  • An essay to analyse the causes of revolution
  • A historical inquiry in which you research a series of chosen topics to analyse the consequences of revolution

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Approximate Costs

Unit 3 & 4

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Madeleine Rowley