ACADEMIC

Commerce, Economics, Business and Legal Studies Department

Commerce: Year 8, 9 and 10

Commerce provides the knowledge, skills, understanding and values that form the foundation on which young people make sound decisions on consumer, financial, business, legal and employment issues. It develops in students an understanding of commercial and legal processes and competencies for personal financial management. Through the study of Commerce students develop financial literary which enables them to participate in the financial system in an informed way.

Central to the course is the development of an understanding of the relationships between consumers, businesses and governments in an overall economy. Through their investigation of these relationships, students develop the capacity to apply problem-solving strategies which incorporate the skills of analysis and evaluation. Students engage in the learning process which promotes critical thinking, reflective learning and the opportunity to participate in the community.

To function competently in our democratic and pluralistic society, students need to develop the ability to research information, evaluate options, and participate in collaborative decision-making within the commercial and legal framework and acquire the necessary skills to become self-directed lifelong learners.

Commerce provides for a range of learning styles and experiences that suit the interests and needs of all students. It emphasises the potential and use of information and communication technologies. Students gain greater competence in problem-solving and decision-making by evaluating the range of consumer, financial, business, legal and employment strategies. In examining these they also develop attitudes and values that promote ethical behaviour and social responsibility and a commitment to contribute to a more just and equitable society.

Years 11 and 12

Business Studies
Students should become extremely familiar with the HSC Business Studies course objectives and outcomes, as a major purpose of the Business Studies external examination is to assess how well you have developed your knowledge and understanding about the:

• the nature, role and structure of business.
• the functions, processes and operations of business.
• the nature, role, responsibilities and effectiveness of management.
• the impact of internal and external factors on business.

Economics
One of the best ways of ensuring that students can focus on the right content and skills in the course this year is to be familiar with the HSC Economics course objectives and outcomes. The exam, and the assessment tasks which you undertake throughout the year, are intended to assess how well you have developed your knowledge and understanding about:

• the economic behaviour of individuals, firms, institutions and governments.
• the functions and operation of markets.
• the operation and management of economies.
• contemporary economic problems and issues facing individuals, firms and governments.

Legal Studies
One of the best ways of ensuring that students can focus on the right content and skills in the course this year is to be familiar with the HSC Legal Studies course objectives and outcomes. The exam, and the assessment tasks which you undertake throughout the year, are intended to assess how well you have developed your knowledge and understanding about:

• the general nature, functions, systems, processes and institutions of domestic and international law.
• the operation and dimensions of the Australian and international legal systems and the importance of the role of law.
• how changes in societies influence change and reform in the law.
• access to and participation in the legal system and methods of dispute resolution.