Commerce
200 hours
Rationale
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 literacy 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 the 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.
Although not a prerequisite, Commerce is recommended for those students thinking about studying Legal Studies, Economics or Business Studies in Stage 6.
Studying Commerce
The course is divided into two parts with students having to study four compulsory Core topics plus an additional 4 options.
Core topics are:
Consumer Choice
Personal Finance
Law and Society
Employment Issues
4 options are chosen from the following topics:
Investing
Promoting and Selling
E-commerce
Global Links
Towards Independence
Political Involvement
Travel
Law in Action
Our Economy
Community Participation
Running a Business
Students are encouraged to learn the basics of the commercial world with as much practical experience as possible. Classroom theory is augmented with real life practical education. Students are encouraged to take on the roles of consumers and small business operators to get a real life experience of the topic they are learning.
In the past students have participated in the Australian Stock Market game as well as planning and running their own business in the school playground!!