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

General Maths

General Maths

Course Summary

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

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

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 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

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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

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

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

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

Physical Education

Physical Education

Course Summary

Do you love playing sport and learning about movement? Are you interested in health, wellbeing and the human body? Studying Physical Education will equip you with strong communication skills and provides you with practical activities to examine the core concepts that underpin movement and that influence performance and participation in physical activity, sport and exercise. You will also examine how behavioural, psychological, environmental and sociocultural factors influence performance and participation in physical activity.

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

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Explore physical activity, sport and exercise, and the enablers and barriers to movement
  • Investigate the musculoskeletal system
  • Participate in a range of physical activities
  • Participate in and understand a range of fundamental movement skills (FMS)
  • Write a report on an activity analysis

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Workbook $30

Unit 3 & 4

Workbook $30

Optional Text $32

Learning Area Contact

Health & Physical Education Learning Area Leader

Theatre Studies

Theatre Studies

Course Summary

Are you interested in theatre, performing or designing? Interested in art, fashion, technology, making, history and culture? In Theatre Studies, you will interpret scripts from the past and produce theatre for audiences. You will look at the history of theatre and its influence on cultures and societies. You will be able to explore the production roles of actor, designer or director. Designers work across costume, set, props, sound, lighting, hair and makeup.  Actors and directors focus on psychology, motivation, voice, physicality and audience interaction.

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

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Interpret a script across two production roles and present performance
  • Explain how a script could be interpreted for performance
  • View and evaluate professional productions

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Learning Area Contact

Arts Learning Area Leader

Lynette Campbell

Visual Communication & Design

Visual Communication & Design

Course Summary

Are you interested in creating designs for a purpose? Are you creative and like to design places and images that engage an audience? By studying Visual Communication & Design you will engage in a range of activities to develop technical drawing skills (manual and digital), learn how to apply the design process and develop a sense of design aesthetics. You will use a range of drawing equipment and work with computer design programs like Photoshop, Illustrator and SketchUp. You will be equipped to study and analyse existing designers to understand how they attract and engage their audience.

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

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Write design briefs
  • Present critiques and pitches about your work
  • Create a folio of examples and annotations
  • Create finished designs and mock-ups

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Learning Area Contact

Arts Learning Area Leader

Lynette Campbell

VCE VET Circus

VCE VET Circus

Course Summary

Are you a member of the Flying Fruit Fly Circus? This subject is designed to provide you with specific skills and knowledge required for fitness instructors in circus training and performance at a basic level. You will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to assist more qualified circus trainers. This subject provides you with a firm foundation of theory and practice to assist with a future diploma or degree courses in the circus area.

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

ATAR Contribution: Unit 3 & 4 students do not receive a Study Score for this subject. Instead, they receive an ATAR increment of 10% of their fourth Study Score in other subjects 

VET: 10823NAT Certificate III in Circus Arts. Completed over a two-year cycle

Structured workplace learning advice: To be completed in conjunction with circus training for students enrolled in the Fruit Fly Circus

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Explore the role of body awareness and knowledge of major body systems in elementary training for circus performers
  • Reflect on the physiological and psychological requirement of performance for specific circus apparatus
  • Assess individual requirements for fitness, strength and conditioning and participate in relevant pre and post-training fitness testing
  • Participate in individual fitness strength and conditioning program
  • Reflect on one’s individual training program, progress and outcomes

This program is run as part of an Auspicing arrangement with Swinburne (NICA) – RTO# 01108-3059

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

N/A

Unit 3 & 4

N/A

Learning Area Contact

Health & Physical Education Learning Area Leader