Course Summary

In Unit 1, you will learn about natural hazards and disasters, including drought, oil spills, floods, climate change and infectious diseases. You will think about their causes disasters and how we respond to them, including how humans and the environment interact. In Unit 2, you will investigate tourism: where it happens around the world, how changes places and impacts people and environments. You will think about the big issues and challenges, such as making tourism more ethical. You will investigate examples of tourism in Australia and around the world.

We undertake fieldwork in geography! By using geospatial technologies and your research skills you will explore important questions about places local and global. You will develop a better understanding of your own places and spaces, and those in other parts of the world.

VCE: Units 1 & 2

Learning Activities & Assessment

• Examine hazards and hazard events, and analyse the impacts of hazard events
• Explore the nature and effectiveness of specific hazard measures such as prediction and warning programs, community preparedness and land use planning, as well as actions taken after hazards become harmful and destructive
• Examine the characteristics of tourism, the location and distribution of different types of tourism and tourist destinations, and the factors affecting different types of tourism
• Explore the environmental, economic, social and cultural impacts of different types of tourism, and the issues and challenges that these create for people and the environment

Course Summary

Economics is the study of how resources are allocated to meet the needs and wants of society. It attempts to explain how and why people behave the way they do and the consequences of their decision-making. By unpacking the economic considerations around how to best meet the needs and wants of citizens, the study of Economics provides students with valuable insight into issues that may affect them both individually and as members of society. Economics assists us in making more informed and responsible decisions and in making a contribution to public debate as active citizens.

VCE: Units 1, 2, 3 & 4 available  

Learning Activities & Assessment

• Select an industry and create a visual photo-journey of how technology has evolved in this industry over the past fifty years
• Visit a supermarket to investigate the level of competition in certain lines of goods; complete fieldwork to gather information and data on product types and product range, producers and whether the good is manufactured in Australia or overseas; organise to speak to the store manager to discuss some of the current issues and challenges facing supermarkets in Australia, e.g. the level of competition in the grocery industry
• Use the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) website (www.accc.gov.au) to investigate various types of anti-competitive behaviour; select one type of anti-competitive behaviour and prepare a written report on a current or a recent case investigated by the ACCC

Course Summary

Industry and Enterprise at WSSC prepares you to effectively take part in the workplace.  In this course you will explore the development of enterprising behaviour, leadership and innovation in different workplace settings. You will also look at the significant issues faced by industry. You will develop work-related skills by actively exploring personal career goals and pathways. 

After completing the relevant occupational health and safety (OH&S) induction program, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the practical application of your work-related skills, by completing at least 35 hours of structured workplace learning. 

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

Learning Activities & Assessment

• Undertake structured workplace learning and complete a reflective journal or report of your experience
• Investigate a career and create a profile for presentation
• Develop a digital curriculum vitae and learning portfolio

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

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

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

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 

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

Course Summary

Are you interested in human behaviour, how you fit into society and what it means to live in a society together? Studying Sociology gives you the knowledge and skills to understand how this interaction works and doesn’t work in society. You’ll develop critical thinking skills, research skills, interpersonal and cross-cultural skills. In Unit 1 & 2, you’ll take a deep dive into Youth, Family, Education and the Workplace. In Unit 3 & 4, you’ll explore culture and ethnicity.

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

Learning Activities & Assessment

• Examine the role of the family and the impacts on it
• Explore the historical impacts of how we shape First Nations identity today
• Develop an understand of social justice and human rights
• Analyse social movements and evaluate their impact on social change

Course Summary

In the first unit of this subject, students investigate the nature of social, political, economic and cultural change in the later part of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. Modern History provides students with an opportunity to explore the significant events, ideas, individuals and movements that shaped the social, political, economic and technological conditions and developments that have defined the modern world. This study could include the end of World War One and the development of the Treaty of Versailles; the introduction of the League of Nations; the Great Depression of the late 1920’s and early 1930’s; the introduction to new ideologies such as communism, socialism and fascism; the rise of Adolf Hitler and the plunge into another world war.

In the second unit of this subject, students investigate the nature and impact of the Cold War; challenges and changes to social, political and economic structures and systems of power in the second half of the twentieth century through the investigation of Apartheid in South Africa, or civil rights in America and with the new millennium, not a new threat but terrorism comes to the fore with the attack on the Twin Towers in 2002, the Bali Bombings in 2002 and the rise of groups such as Al Qaeda in the first decade of the twenty-first century.

VCE: Unit 1 and Unit 2 available

Learning Activities & Assessment

• A historical inquiry in which you research a chosen topic and prepare a written report on it
• An analysis of primary sources in which you will respond in a combination of short and long answers
• An analysis of historical interpretations in which you will respond in a combination of short and long
• An essay in which you will use a variety of evidence to support your arguments