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
Do you require an intermediate level of Maths to pursue your career? General Mathematics has a strong emphasis on logical thought, formulating problems to allow you to compute, make decisions and apply mathematical concepts. Major topics covered in General Mathematics are Statistics, Finance and Recursion, Matrices and Networks.
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
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 probability and 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
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
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
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
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur/business owner/leader? Studying business management is a good opportunity for you to learn the knowledge and skills to help you pursue this aspiration. Students will follow an idea for a business concept, to planning and establishing a business, through to the day-to-day management of a business. Using contemporary business case studies students will compare a range of management theories with management in practice. Students will have the opportunity to propose and evaluate alternative strategies for establishing and maintaining a business.
VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available
Learning Activities & Assessment
Investigate the planning stage of setting up a business
Learn how to establish a business
Examine how large businesses operate
Learn what makes a good manager and management styles
Explore change management strategies and how to ensure transformation and continued success of a business
VCE Literature provides opportunities for you to develop an awareness of other people, places and cultures and explore the way texts represent the complexity of human experience. This subject equips you with skills to examine the evolving and dialogic nature of texts, the changing contexts in which they were produced and notions of value. You’ll develop an understanding and appreciation of literature, and an ability to reflect critically on the aesthetic and intellectual aspects of texts. The study of Literature enables you to consider the power and complexity of language, the ways literary features and techniques contribute to meaning and the significance of form and structure.
VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available
Learning Activities & Assessment
Develop critical and creative responses and deepen your understanding of the meaning of texts by studying literacy elements such as narrative, the characters, the language and structure of the text
Explore the impact of culture as an influence on understanding and interpretation of the text
Complete frequent and detailed reading and writing
Reflect and develop individual interpretations
Explore adaptations and transformations, creative responses to texts, literary perspectives and close analysis
Do you like interacting with the natural environment? Are you adventurous? Studying Outdoor and Environmental Studies will enable you to make critically informed comments on questions of environmental sustainability, as well as, you’ll understand the importance of environmental health, particularly in local contexts. Through both passive and active outdoor activities, you will develop experiential knowledge of outdoor environments. This is further enhanced through the complex interplay between outdoor environment and humans including environmental history, ecology and the social studies of human relationships with nature.
Unit 1: Examines how humans connect with outdoor environments and why these connections are important. Throughout the unit we learn about our place within outdoor environments and learn safe and sustainable participation in outdoor experiences.
Unit 2: Focuses on the different ways to understand outdoor environments and the impact of humans on outdoor environments. We also learn about planning trips and learning about the weather and minimal impact strategies.
Unit 3: Focuses on the ecological, historical and social contexts of relationships between humans and outdoor environments in Australia. Including the changes over time, from historical time periods to modern day contexts.
Unit 4: Explores the sustainable use and management of outdoor environments. Observing and assessing the health of outdoor environments and considering the importance of this health for the future of Australian outdoor environments and the Australian population.
Students have the opportunity to attend one (3-4 day) outdoor trip / experience each term, which directly links to the Unit 1-4 coursework and requirements. These trips include kayaking, hiking, abseiling, caving, skiing, canoeing, surfing, canyoning, rock climbing and white water rafting.
VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available
Learning Activities & Assessment
Explore some of the ways in which people understand and relate to nature through experiences of the outdoor environment
Explore what motivates individuals towards outdoor environments and experiences, how people interact with the outdoor environment
Develop adventure skills in rock climbing, snow camping, skiing and boarding, bushwalking, horse riding or surfing including termly overnight/s outdoor activities
Investigate the ecological, historical and social effects of people on the Australian environment
Explore the sustainable use and management of outdoor environments
FAQ’s & Myth Busters
Will I miss too much school if I study Outdoor & Environmental Studies?
OED trips are only once a term for 3 to 4 days duration. In fact, the student who received the third highest ATAR score for 2019 did all the OED trips (as well as being involved in many of the sports teams).
Outdoor & Environmental Studies is too expensive
Whilst some trips do cost up to $300 there are always lower-cost options and payment plans available. Even the more expensive trips do offer excellent value for money. For example, the four-day surfing trip offered to Unit 2 students includes three surfing sessions, one surf kayak session, all gear and wetsuits, professional instruction, meals, accommodation and transport – all for approx. $300.
Do I need a lot of expensive gear to do outdoor & Environment Studies?
At the College, we have a large range of outdoor adventure gear that can be borrowed for adventure trips. You only have to have a good sleeping bag and we recommend that you buy thermals for the colder months’ activities.
Is English your additional language? Bridging English as an Additional Language (EAL) is the intensive and explicit study of the English language in a range of socio-cultural contexts and for a range of purposes, including further education and the workplace. You will develop your language skills and confidence, assisting you to communicate effectively in a range of contexts, including academic and every day, using a range of spoken and written Standard Australian English.
VCE: Unit 1 and Unit 2 available
Learning Activities & Assessment
Explore the English language in a range of socio-cultural contexts and for a range of purposes, including further education and the workplace
Develop language skills and confidence for you to communicate effectively academically and personally
Apply language skills to participate effectively in Australian life
