Social and Community Studies

Subject Description

The Social and Community Studies Applied syllabus deals with the skills students need to function efficiently, effectively and positively in current and future life roles. It encourages them to recognise that emotional and social wellbeing are significant to individuals, families, the community and society as a whole.

Social and Community Studies fosters personal development and social skills, which lead to self-reliance, self-management and concern for others. It fosters appreciation of, and respect for, cultural diversity and encourages responsible attitudes and behaviours required for effective participation in the community and for thinking critically, creatively and constructively about their future role in it.

What will students learn?

In studying Social & Community Studies, students will learn about:

Life skills encompass social skills, communication skills (e.g. verbal and non-verbal communication, effective speaking, active listening), respect for and interaction with others, building rapport, problem solving and decision making, self-management, building self-esteem, self-confidence and resilience, workplace skills, learning and study skills.

Core topics

The core provides a common body of concepts, ideas, knowledge, understanding and skills that will support students’ further learning and engagement with the personal and social skills necessary for their present and future life. These life skills are explored through the electives by means of a social investigative process and are developed and reviewed throughout the course of study.


Electives

The electives provide the contexts through which the three core life skill areas are explored. They cover broad topics and have been structured and formatted around these three perspectives. Students will study at least 4 electives through which the context of the core skills will be explored, developed and implemented.

Elective examples:


How will students be assessed?

Assessment:

Students will complete the following assessments

4 assessments per year ( 2 per unit), equally weighted at 25% each, comprising:

Where can Social and Community Studies lead?

A course of study in Social and Community Studies is valuable for any student in any further pursuit. In particular it can establish a basis for further education and employment in the fields of:

What's great about Social and Community Studies?

The great thing about choosing Social and Community Studies in senior is that you get to learn valuable life skills, including how to apply for a job and prepare for a job interview, as well as your rights and responsibilities at work, plus understanding the basics of living independently. You will get to participate in group-run projects where your ideas have the potential to turn into an actual event. If you are a real ´hands-on´ learner who prefers to be doing your learning outside of the classroom in a variety of different settings, then this subject could be just what you need. Social and Community Studies offers such a wide variety of activities and experiences that it has something for everyone!