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

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