Rationale:

Commerce provides the knowledge, understanding, skills and values that form the foundation on which young people make sound decisions about consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, political and employment issues. It develops in students an understanding of commercial and legal processes and competencies for personal consumer and financial management. Through the study of Commerce students develop consumer and 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 have the opportunity to apply problem-solving strategies which incorporate the skills of analysis and evaluation. In the study of Commerce, students develop critical thinking, reflective learning and the opportunity to participate in the community.

Developing skills of research, evaluation and collaborative decision-making through the study of Commerce enables students to contribute to our democratic and pluralistic society as well as develop the skills to become self-directed lifelong learners.

Commerce provides for a range of learning experiences. It emphasises the potential and use of information and communications technology. Students develop greater competence in problem-solving and decision-making by evaluating a range of consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, political and employment strategies. In examining these, students have the opportunity to develop values and attitudes that promote ethical behaviour and social responsibility and a commitment to contribute to a more just and equitable society.

Aim:

The aim of the Commerce Years 7–10 Syllabus is to enable young people to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to research and develop solutions to consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, political and employment issues in order to make informed and responsible decisions as individuals and as part of the community.

Objectives:

Knowledge and Understanding

Students develop knowledge and understanding of:

· consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, political and employment matters.

Skills

Students develop skills in:

· decision-making and problem-solving in relation to consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, political and employment issues

· effective research and communication

· working independently and collaboratively.

Values and Attitudes

Students value and appreciate:

· ethical and socially responsible behaviour in relation to personal decision-making, business practices, employment and legal issues

· fundamental rights, rules and laws that promote fairness, justice and equity in society through informed, responsible and active citizenship.

Content:

Core study

1. Consumer and Financial Decisions

2. The Economic and Business Environment

3. Employment and Work Futures

4. Law, Society and Political Involvement

Options

1. Our Economy

2. Investing

3. Promoting and Selling

4. Running a Business

5. Law in Action

6. Travel

7. Towards Independence

8. School-developed Option