COMMERCE

WHY STUDY COMMERCE?

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.

WHAT TOPICS DO I STUDY?

YEAR 9 TOPICS

1. Consumer and Financial Decisions

This topic focuses on financial management, including budgeting, investing, consumer protection legislation and current relevant consumer issues. It investigates a variety of issues that consumers face and teaches you skills essential for responsible financial management, which is one of the most important life skills for young people to learn.

2. Promoting and Selling

This topic focuses marketing. You will learn about the techniques employed by businesses to promote and sell their products, and how their marketing strategies influence our lives everyday.

A very useful topic for any student considering studying Business Studies in Year 11-12 as it directly relates to the Business Studies syllabus.

3. Employment and Work Futures

This topic examines current employment trends, industrial relations law, employer and employee rights and entitlements and emerging employment issues. This topic is very relevant for young people who will soon become part of the workforce. After all, how can you advocate for your rights if you don't know them?

4. Travel

This topic explores both domestic and international travelling. Students learn solve problems, how to plan, budget for and organise travel arrangements, and develop their own hypothetical travel plans based on a set budget. This topic allows students to develop important life skills such as organisational, time management, budgeting and problem solving skills that will assist them in their adult life.

YEAR 10 TOPICS

1. Running a Business

Students will learn about the intricacies of the business environment and learn about the operation of small to large businesses. Students learn about the legalities of opening, owning and operating a business and explore current issues impacting the business environment.

2. The Economic and Business Environment

A very relevant topic for students considering studying Business Studies and Economics in Year 11-12 as it directly relates to these syllabi.

This topic examines a variety of economic models and theories, looks at the current state of the global economy and analyses how this impacts the business environment.

3. Law, Society and Political Involvement

This topic explores the Australian legal system and its impact on young people. Students will learn about the structure and functioning of the legal system here in Australia and analyse its effectiveness. Students learn how laws are made, the role of politicians in our legal system and explore the importance of participation in the political process.

This topic provides important foundation knowledge for students considering studying Legal Studies in year 11-12.

4. Law in Action

Students will investigate a range of situations in which individuals may come in contact with the law. They examine the legal rights and responsibilities of individuals in society and the range of options available for dispute resolution. There will also be a range of interesting and controversial cases to analyse and discuss.

This topic also provides important foundation knowledge for Legal Studies.

HOW DOES COMMERCE LINK TO SENIOR SUBJECTS AND FURTHER STUDIES?

Commerce gives students a foundation in understanding the Australian economy and basic but important business, economic and legal concepts. It also allows you to develop key competencies that can help you make better decisions in your adult life such as financial literacy, and understanding of taxation, the Australian legal system and how to vote. It can also spark your interest in further studies in Commerce-related fields in university or TAFE.

Commerce directly links to several senior HSIE subjects that students can choose in Year 11 and 12. In fact, studying Commerce will give students a head start in:

Economics
Business Studies
Legal Studies

Any student considering studying any of the above subjects will benefit from choosing Commerce from Year 9.

SOME CAREER PROSPECTS FROM STUDYING COMMERCE

CEO

JUDGE/LAWYER

BUSINESS OWNER

MARKETING EXECUTIVE

ECONOMIST

BANKER

MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

FAQ FROM STUDENTS ABOUT COMMERCE

Here are frequently asked questions from students considering studying Commerce. If your question is not on here, fill in the Google Forms at the bottom of this page.

Q: Is there a lot of maths in Commerce?

A: There is some maths involved in studying Commerce. Not a lot though so don't panic! The maths is mostly simple addition and subtraction, and the ability to interpret graphs, charts and diagrams

Q: Is there group work involved in Commerce?

A: There will be both group work in class activities and in assessments. Working as a team is an essential skill in the workplace and so studying Commerce will equip you with the important communication and teamwork skills needed for your future success.

Q: Do we get to go on any excursions?

A: Possibly! The teachers in HSIE at BBHS are always keen to organise fun, engaging excursions that benefit student learning. While we will aim to organise an excursion at some point during the Commerce program, it ultimately depends on things like student numbers, date availability, cost, etc. Excursion possibilities include visits to actual courts to watch real life legal proceedings in action. In the past Ms. Marsh has taken students to see murder trials, bombing trials, assault trials and drink driving trials. In the past students have even been able to talk to Judges and Lawyers and have had the opportunity to discuss what they are learning and ask questions.

Q: Will studying Commerce be helpful for senior subjects?

A: YES! Commerce directly links to senior subjects like Business Studies, Economics and Legal Studies. Any student considering studying these subjects in Year 11 will benefit from studying Commerce in year 9. Commerce also helps students develop important numeracy and literacy skills which students can apply to any subject studied in senior school.

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