Courses Pastoral Care and Student Pathways Vocational Education (VET)

COMMERCIAL STUDIES

The courses offered in Commerce are: 

These courses give breadth and depth to the academic studies of students aiming for Tertiary packages, provide sound vocational skills for students who want to move directly into the workforce or into training programs, and foster creativity and group cohesion through involvement in many of the cultural activities which occur within the college.

LEGAL STUDIES (T and A) 

Legal Studies students (T and A) will be introduced to an understanding of the law, legal institutions and legal processes of modern society.  This course examines the Australian Legal System, Criminal Law, Law of Torts, Family and Consumer Law, Human Rights Law and Industrial Relations Law.  It provides students with the opportunity to examine current legal issues in an area that they are interested in.

A minor or major can be obtained in this course.

                                                                                                                                                                                 

UNIT CONTENT:

The Australian Legal System – An overview

This unit focuses on the way the law relates to and serves both individuals and the community.   It allows students to develop an understanding of the way in which law is generated, structured and operates within Australian and international contexts.  (0.5 unit)

Criminal Law

Criminal Law is concerned with the investigation and understanding of laws, the enforcement process and their impact on society.  Students in this unit will examine and analyse current laws, and suggest alternative proposals to such laws. 

       

Students study crime, punishment and deterrence in society. Major issues in criminal law are examined on a project basis. Skills developed in previous units will be expanded. (1 unit)

The Law of Torts

Students in this unit will study torts, civil wrongs and civil liabilities, negligence, trespass, nuisance, defamation, defences, remedies, civil procedures and employer's liability. This unit allows students to gain an understanding of civil law and civil liability, and apply reasoned legal argument to develop their knowledge. (0.5 unit)

 Family Law

This unit enables students to demonstrate their understanding and knowledge of the relationship between family institutions and the legal system.  It focuses on the technicalities and social problems involved in family relations, marriage and divorce and the courts’ role in this aspect of law. (0.5 unit)
Contract and Consumer Law This unit allows students to demonstrate knowledge of the legal significance and the law of everyday consumer transactions.  It enables students to apply consumer rights laws and responsibilities, and increase awareness of redress. (0.5 unit)
 Human Rights Law

Human Rights Law enables students to identify and explain fundamental human rights and liberties in society and analyse the proposition that all persons have equal rights and are entitled to be treated equally by the courts

       

It focuses on the tension between the protection of society and the rights and liberties of the individual.  Students will have the opportunity to develop an argument about human rights issues and visit justice systems. (0.5 unit)
Industrial Relations Law

This unit focuses on the nature, history and development of the employer and employee relationships in the Australian workplace.  Students will describe the social impact of employment law and the impact of such laws on society and assess the effectiveness of dispute resolution mechanisms

       

Legislation, cases, media reports and opinions will be reviewed and arguments for change and reform in the law developed.  (0.5 unit)

Current Legal Issues

This unit enable students to demonstrate a substantial knowledge of their selected area of study and the issues involved in that area.  It focuses on the views about the adequacy of the existing law and where appropriate, the possible need for law reform.

       

Students will have the opportunity to individually research and analyse a current Legal Issue of their choice. (0.5 unit)

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ECONOMICS (T) (IB)

Economics (T) is the study of disciplines concerning how individuals, groups and societies use limited resources to satisfy unlimited wants.  It studies a central human concern - economic well-being and the efforts to maintain and improve that well-being within society. 

It focuses on every day economic forces that affect society either through individual economic decision-making, the decisions of others, the policies of the government or through the media focusing on the outcome of certain economic decisions or events.  The study of economics helps students to understand and deal with these important and pervasive aspects of their lives.

To obtain a minor in Economics (T), two of the following semester units will need to studied.  To obtain a major in Economics all four-semester units will need to be studied.

Economics (IB) students study the BSSS course, as outlined below, and, the IB Degree Program in Economics for two years.

 

ECONOMIC UNITS

Introduction to Economics
This unit that encompasses Basic Economics and the Price Mechanism, is an introduction to Economics in Australia and focuses on current economic issues.  It presents a broad range of economic principles and concepts, while focusing on the implications of the economic problem for a contemporary society.  Students have the opportunity to analyse the Australian economy and micro-economic policies. (1 unit)

Australian Macro Economics
Australian Macro Economics offers students the opportunity to apply economic knowledge using the circular flow of income model and the multiplier process to economic activity.  Economic models, economic policies, inflation and unemployment will be critically analysed, whilst drawing on current events and issues throughout Australia. (1 unit)

Growth and Development
This unit focuses on economic models, theoretical elements and economic strategies of economic growth and development, in both advanced industrial nations and Less Developed Countries.  Students will identify the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of economic development, whilst analysing relevant issues relating to economic growth and development throughout the world. (1 unit)

Global Economics
Students will have the opportunity in this unit to examine the key features of globalisation and the main components of the global economy.  They will identify economic theories and the economic consequences of globalisation between advanced industrial nations and Less Developed Countries.  Research will be conducted on contemporary global economic issues and issues relating to the Australian economy. (1 unit)

Government and the Australian Economy
The Government and the Australian Economy unit focuses on the Australian economy and the role the Government undertakes.  It encompasses market structures, economic policies, and, income and wealth distribution throughout Australia and the world.  (1 unit)

Markets, Competition and Regulation 
Students will acquire an understanding of the production process, market competition and profit maximization in this unit.  It focuses on decision-making, government intervention and the roles of Advisory bodies within Australia. The unit allows students to apply microeconomic models to contemporary situations and critically analyse current issues. (1 unit)

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BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (T)

Business Management is a study of a variety of disciplines that are relevant to the business environment for employees, employers, consumers and those dealing with business.  It is distinctive in that it encompasses the theoretical and practical aspects of business and management, which students will encounter in life.

To obtain a minor in Business Management (T), 2 of the following semester units will need to be studied. To obtain a major in Business Management (T) all 4 units will need to be completed.

UNIT CONTENT:

                                                                                   

Business Basics

       

(1 unit)

Business Basics offers focus areas and perspectives ranging from the planning of a small business to the broader roles of management, finance, employment relations, marketing and the impact of the global business environment.

       

The unit is an introduction to the nature of business in Australia and the theoretical and practical basis of business planning. As part of this process, students will prepare a business plan and develop skills using the plan as a basis.

     

 

Marketing

       

(1 unit)

Marketing offers students the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to develop appropriate and effective marketing campaigns for particular types of products and services,

       

This practical unit examines the various aspects of marketing techniques, market research, consumer buying behaviour and market forecasting

       

It allows students to demonstrate a number of business and marketing proposals, plans or projects of already existing products and services, or of those developed by the student themselves

     

 

Economic and Financial Management

       

(1 unit)

This unit examines the various techniques and principles of economic and financial management, and the principles and problems involved in the financial side of business activities.

       

It allows students to gain an understanding of the macroeconomic environment of business, including economic, legal, political, social and technological factors, and the principles and processes involved in economic management of business enterprises in Australia.

     

 

Human Resource Management and Employment Relations

       

(1 unit)

This unit allows students to understand the nature and key factors of Industrial Relations in Australia, with a practical knowledge of the process of how employees and employers establish workplace agreements and employment conditions.

       

It focuses the importance of employment relations, leadership and personnel management. Student will undertake a project around the theme of managing people and change.

LIFE MANAGEMENT MODIFIED (A)

The aim of this course is to develop independent living skills in students experiencing learning difficulties and also to enable students to benefit from the extra time needed to cover content. Each unit has a value of 0.5 standard unit.

The Life Management units are:

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  •     Social Skills 1 & 2
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  •     Consumer Skills 1 & 2
  •  
  •     Law and the Individual 1 & 2

           Plus 2 elective units from:

  •     Food skills
  •  
  •      Individual Projects
  •  
  •     Relationships & Sexuality
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  •     Leisure & Recreation

LIFE SKILLS (A)

The aim of the course is to help students cope with the problems of life that people all face but are not always told much about (e.g. health, relationships). Students planning a career in child care and welfare work would be advised to take this course. It also looks at conception, pregnancy, birth and raising children.

Lifestyle Issues
This unit is an exploration of current and important issues related to personal health. A variety of differing lifestyles is examined. Student interests and concerns are a major part of this unit.(0.5 unit)

Adolescence and Maturity
  The rewarding and turbulent years of adolescence and the challenges of middle and old age are explored. (0.5 unit)

Pregnancy and Birth
  Students study the processes of conception, birth and birth options. Included is the prenatal and postnatal development of the baby and the early care required for the mother and child.(0.5 unit)

Care and Development of the Young Child
  Students take a journey through the physical, mental and social development of children from birth to four years. Problems encountered by parents and some potential solutions and support mechanisms are examined. (0.5 unit)

Care and Development of Child
  Students take a journey through the development of children from four to nine years. Problems encountered by parents and some potential solutions and support mechanisms are examined.(0.5 unit)

Life Management 1
  Students examine a range of responsibilities and important skills required for adult life. (0.5 unit)

Life Management 2
  Students continue to examine a range of responsibilities and important skills required for adult life. (0.5 unit)

Leisure and Welfare
  Students look at planning for the future by examining the work ethic as opposed to leisure activities. (0.5 unit)


PSYCHOLOGY (T or A)

Psychology is a Behavioural Science which, through its distinctive concepts, theories and scientific methodologies, recognises the value of the individual, examines factors that influence people and emphasises the need to deal with people in an ethical way.

Psychology IB
The IB Psychology syllabus has two levels: Higher Level and Standard Level. The perspectives covered include biological, cognitive and learning perspectives. In addition students in the higher level course cover the humanistic perspective.

It is compulsory for students to study research methodology. Some additional work is required to complete the IB course, as some elements are not covered in the BSSS course.

Introduction to Psychology
What is psychology? How do psychologists go about researching behaviour? The history of psychology is examined. (0.5 unit)

Developmental Psychology 1
This unit provides a sound understanding of the forces that shape individuals and how psychologists describe social, moral and cognitive development from birth to middle childhood. (0.5 unit)

Developmental Psychology 2
This unit continues to explore the theme of development with emphasis on adolescence, adulthood and aging. (0.5 unit)

Consciousness
Sleep, sensory deprivation, dreaming, hypnosis, meditation and drugs are considered as means of altering human consciousness. What is consciousness and what is the role of the brain in maintaining or altering consciousness? (0.5 unit)

Perception
The processes of sensing information from the environment and interpreting that information are explored. (0.5 unit)

Learning and Memory
The theories of learning and memory are studied and related to students’ own experiences, including how to improve memory and understanding why humans forget some things. (0.5 unit)

Personality
Personality theories are critically examined. The nature of personality, individual differences, the role of genetics, the environment and the concept of self are explored. (0.5 unit)

Behavioural Disorders
  This unit involves the understanding and treatment of mental illness and behavioural disorders. Community attitudes are explored and students are encouraged to visit support groups. (0.5 unit)

Health Psychology
  This unit takes a holistic approach to the human being. It studies stress and related health problems, care of the ill, and health promotion. (0.5 unit)

Attitudes and Prejudice
  Students consider how attitudes to race, sex and current issues are acquired and are able to be changed. (0.5 unit)

Methods of Psychology
  This unit provides a more in-depth study of the research methods of Psychology as a foundation to further study at tertiary level. (0.5 unit)


RETAIL (A/V)

This course helps to prepare students for careers in the retail industry. The course delivers information and career advice to assist students seeking pathways into the retail industry. By studying this course students will gain an understanding of the current working retail environment. The Retail course provides the student with relevant skills and nationally recognized competencies in order to gain certification for either articulation into a CIT retail course or directly into employment.

This program is based on nationally recognised competencies from the Retail Operations Certificates. Students who successfully complete all the learning outcomes and vocational placements will gain a Certificate I in Retail (through a minor course of study) and a Certificate II in Retail Operations (through a major course of study).

Introduction to Retail
This unit includes: structure of retail in industry, contact with customers, personal presentations, working with numbers, retail documents, OH&S issues and safety and emergency procedures. (1 unit)

Communication in Retail
Topics include: product knowledge, dealing with customers’ complaints, operate point of sale equipment, EFTPOS, packaging, awards, teamwork and establishing contact with internal and external customers. (1 unit)

Presentation in Retail
Topics include: merchandising displays; ticketing, receive and process receipt of incoming goods; stocktake, reorder stock, store security; minimise theft. (1 unit)

Retail Administration
Topics include: keyboard skills, data entry; process mail; operate equipment; file and retrieve documents; prepare correspondence; e-commerce on-line shopping; remove takings from register; reconcile takings; process petty cash; prepare banking and invoices. (1 unit)


SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY WORK (A)

This A course introduces students to the social, cultural and psychological factors that influence individuals, groups and institutions within society, their dynamics and interrelationships.

Students with a personal interest in the community services area will find this course rewarding.

The course may focus on a community, youth work, childcare, disability care or age care, or take a more eclectic approach, working across these different areas.

LIST OF POTENTIAL UNITS

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  •    
    Introduction to Community Services
     
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  •   Interpersonal Communication Skills  
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  •   Child Care and Community Work
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  •   Working in the Community Sector  
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  •   Disability Work  
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  •   Caring for Older People  
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  •   Working in the Youth Sector  
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  •   Drug Use and Related Issues  
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  •   Workplace Procedures and Practices  
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  •   Child Development A  
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  •   Child Development B  
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  •   Working With Children A  
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  •   Working With Children B  
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  •   Caring for Children A 
  •   Caring for Children B  
  •  
  •   Community Development Project  
  •  
  •   Motivation and Emotions  
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  •   Health Psychology  
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  •   Sociology of the Family  
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  •   Sociology of Health and Medicine  
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  •   Sociology of Ethnicity and Race 1  
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  •   Sociology of Ethnicity and Race 2  
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  •   Social Deviance 1  
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  •   Social Deviance 2  
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  •   Attitudes and Prejudice  
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  •   Social Influences and Group Dynamics  
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  •   Vocational Psychology  
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  •   Sociology of Education  
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  •   Sociology of Work and Leisure