Rationale:

Society has a responsibility to provide a safe, nurturing and challenging environment for children in their early years, as this is crucial to optimal growth and development. Child Studies explores the broad range of social, environmental, genetic and cultural factors that influence prenatal development and a child’s sense of wellbeing and belonging between 0 and 8 years of age.

This syllabus reflects the multidimensional nature of child development and learning and the interconnectedness of the physical, social, emotional, personal, creative, spiritual, cognitive and linguistic domains. Students have the opportunity to explore this interrelationship through each stage of development in the early years. Child Studies also includes study of preconception and family preparation, newborn care and the influence and impact of nutrition, play, technology and the media.

Child Studies assists students to understand the significant impact of the child’s environment and the role that the child and others can take in the active construction of this environment. They have the opportunity to reflect and think critically on the value of the cultural context and influence of ancestral and traditional practices. They learn to identify, create and evaluate solutions to enhance child wellbeing. They become aware of and learn to access a range of relevant community resources and services.

Learning in Child Studies promotes in students a sense of empathy for children, their parents, caregivers and those that have the potential to influence the learning environments. It contributes to the development in young people of an understanding and appreciation of the range of ways they can positively affect the wellbeing of children through roles in both paid and unpaid contexts.

The knowledge, understanding, skills and values developed through Child Studies provides a foundation for a wide range of study options in and beyond school and also a range of vocational pathways that support and enhance the wellbeing of children. Study of this syllabus supports young people engaged in voluntary caring, supervision and child support roles and in formal work opportunities such as childcare and education.

A better start to life creates a better future for the child. Child Studies enables young people to understand the interrelated factors that influence the early years and their impact on the next generation of successful, creative and confident learners and citizens. 

Aim:

The aim of the Child Studies Content Endorsed Course Years 7–10 Syllabus is to develop in students the knowledge, understanding and skills to positively influence the wellbeing and development of children in the critical early years (0–8 years) in a range of settings and contexts.

Objectives:

Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

Students develop:

• knowledge and understanding of child development from preconception to and including the early years

• knowledge, understanding and skills required to positively influence the growth, development and wellbeing of children

• knowledge and understanding of external factors that support the growth, development and wellbeing of children

• skills in researching, communicating and evaluating issues related to child development.

Values and Attitudes

Students value and appreciate:

• the role positive parenting and caring has on a child’s sense of belonging and their health and wellbeing

• the positive impact that significant others play in the growth and development of children. 

Content:

The content is organised into the following modules:

·       Preparing for parenthood

·       Conception to birth

·       Family interactions

·       Newborn care

·       Growth and development

·       Play and the developing child

·       Health and safety in childhood

·       Food and nutrition in childhood

·       The diverse needs of children

·       Children and culture

·       Media and technology in childhood

·       Aboriginal cultures and childhood

·       Childcare services and career opportunities.