Civics and citizenship is the study of the rights and responsibilities of Australians. Students will have opportunities to explore the concepts of democracy and Australia’s Westminster system by examining the key features of Australia’s democratic system, and how it is shaped through the Australian Constitution. The issues of justice, rights and responsibilities are further developed through a focus on Australia’s legal system. The course introduces the fundamental principles of our political system including the separation of powers, division of powers between federal, state and local governments, and constitutional change. In addition, students will investigate how Australia’s legal system aims to provide justice to all citizens.

Geography is the study of the world around us. With a focus on water in the world, students can further develop their understanding of the geographical concepts of interconnection, sustainability and change. This includes studying the quantity and variability of Australia’s water supply compared with those of other continents. The threat of water scarcity is examined in terms of its extent, cause and affect, as well as how people can provide solutions to this issue. The concepts of place and space is expanded through the investigation of the liveability of places around in the world, and how it is influenced by environmental, social, economic and cultural factors. Students can apply this understanding to a wide range of places and environments at the full range of scales, from local to global, and in a range of locations.

History is concerned with all aspects of the past and seeks to piece together accurate pictures of what life in days gone by. Students will develop their understanding of key concepts of evidence, continuity and change, perspectives and empathy, within the context of the ancient past. This includes studying the heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and why and where the earliest societies developed. With a focus on Ancient Rome and archaeological discoveries, students will be able to identify a range of sources and develop an appreciation for the importance of conserving the remains of the ancient past. The course aims to provide students with the opportunity to actively investigate how ancient ideas and beliefs influence our modern world.

Economics investigates the choices which all people, groups and societies face as they confront the ongoing problem of satisfying their unlimited wants with limited resources. Students are able to explore the theory that markets, through the forces of demand and supply, are an efficient way to allocate scarce resources using real world examples. Students examine the government’s role in the economy and Australia’s performance in recent years. The fluctuations in the level of economic activity result in changes in the levels of output, income, spending and employment in the economy which, in turn, have implications for economic growth, inflation and unemployment. Students are also introduced to the language of economics and the use of theories and models to explain and interpret economic events and issues. As well as providing students with the practical knowledge and skills necessary to fully understand the economic world, the Economics course can inspire a variety of career paths including business and finance, law, marketing, journalism, information technology and management.

The Modern History ATAR course enables students to study the forces that have shaped the world in which they live. Students examine developments in the modern era, in particular the American experience of capitalism from 1907 to 1941.  The course includes the study of the rise of capitalism in the USA in the first half of the 20th century, its effects on different groups within society, as well as the impact of the Great Depression and World War II. Opportunities will also be provided for students to investigate the movements that led to change in society, including people’s attitudes and circumstances, within the context of the rise of Nazism in Germany. Students will learn the reasons for the Nazi Party’s rise to power, the effects of the Nazi state and anti-Semitic policies, and the impact of significant individuals. The study of capitalism in America and fascism in Germany will introduce students to the skills that are required to investigate controversial issues that have a powerful contemporary significance. The Modern History course can inspire a variety of career paths including journalism, archaeology, politics, media, writing and publishing, and education.

The Business Management and Enterprise course aims to prepare all students for a future where they will need to identify and create opportunities within a business environment and to create their own futures. It provides students with the ability to make sound and ethical business decisions based on critical thinking, in line with their own and societal values. They will develop lateral thinking skills and learn how successful businesses continue to innovate to survive.  Exposure to a wide range of business activities, management strategies and an understanding of enterprise, helps students to appreciate the significance of their role as both participants and consumers in the business world. In a constantly changing world, individuals, businesses and nations must adapt their position in an increasingly global economy and generate the wealth to sustain economic growth. To do this, business requires people with strategic vision who are enterprising, innovative and creative. This course is recommended for further study of Commerce or Business Studies Courses at tertiary Institutions. It is also a valuable preparation for students seeking work in a range of occupations including banking, finance, public administration or accounting

The Modern History General course provides students with an understanding of the driving forces behind present local and global issues. Investigating the past helps students to understand why and how groups and societies changed or resisted change. Students will have the opportunity to examine the power of significant individuals from the past, such as Nelson Mandela, Eddie Mabo and Charles Perkins, in shaping the course of a nation over time. The course allows for an investigation into how power and authority is distributed throughout a society. With a focus on Communist Russia, students will discover how individuals and groups seek to influence power structures as well as the difficulties of wielding power and authority in a just or fair manner. In learning about the power structures and institutions of societies, students can then make comparisons and judgements about own society. The Modern History General course offers students an understanding into why nations and people hold certain values, and why these values vary from one group to another. This knowledge is crucial to the development of active and informed citizens in any society. The study of history ensures that they gain essential knowledge of the past – its legacy and heritage.

The Business Management and Enterprise General course gives students the opportunity to understand how vital business is to individuals and society, and how it impacts on many aspects of our lives. Businesses are dynamic organisational structures that require a combination of skills, aptitude, creativity, intiative and enterprise in order to be successful, and they must be able to adapt in an ever- changing world. Therefore, businesses require people with vision who are enterprising, innovative and creative. This course focuses on the development of these skills within the day to day running of a business. Exposure to a wide range of management strategies and an understanding of enterprise helps students to appreciate the significance of their role as both participants and consumers of the business world. The Business Management and Enterprise course aims to prepare students for a future where they will need to create opportunities and make decisions on critical thinking in line with societal values. The course equips students with the 21st century skills highly demanded by the business world and allows them to participate in business activities with responsibility and integrity.