For more information about Commerce, contact Mr Tusa- Leader of Learning: HSIE
ptusa@parra.catholic.edu.au
Commerce is the study of consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, political and work issues. It provides the knowledge, understanding, skills and values that form the foundation on which young people make sound decisions.
The Commerce equips students to make informed decisions in their personal and professional lives as members of a democratic society. Students develop an understanding of economic, business and legal processes that enables them to build their consumer and financial literacy skills. Through this understanding students can participate in and contribute to the economy.
Students learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and the contributions made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to the economy, including enterprises established by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. They develop an understanding of Aboriginal Customary Lore and its significance. Exploration of these perspectives encourages students to embrace an understanding of Cultural and social diversity. This inclusive approach nurtures students’ respect for diverse Cultural Knowledges and promotes a holistic understanding of society.
Through studying Commerce, students develop an understanding of the relationships between consumers, businesses and governments in the economy. As they investigate these relationships, they learn to apply problem-solving strategies which incorporate the skills of analysis and evaluation. Students are provided with the opportunity to apply critical and creative thinking to their investigations, which can foster the development of an entrepreneurial mindset.
Students learn skills in researching, evaluating, and independent and collaborative decision-making. These skills enable them to participate in the community, contribute to society as active and informed citizens, and develop into self-directed and lifelong learners.
Commerce provides opportunities for students to transfer their knowledge, understanding and skills to a range of contexts and make informed decisions about their future. The study of Commerce promotes students’ awareness of the impact of the forces of change, including rapid changes in technology, changes to the nature of work and workplaces and the increasing global economic interdependence of countries. The syllabus prepares students to navigate education and work transitions, and to develop the agility to deal with change.
Students are empowered to be proactive and to develop values and attitudes that promote ethical behaviour and social responsibility. Students also expand their understanding of the importance of contributing to a more just and equitable society.
What students learn
Students learn about consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, political and work concepts and issues. They are provided with the opportunity to develop their research, communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills. Students develop an understanding of the role of government and the law and are equipped to make well-informed decisions in their personal and professional lives as members of a democratic society.
Students develop an understanding of the relationship between consumers, businesses and governments in the economy, investigating how these interactions impact the wellbeing of individuals and communities. They develop knowledge of civics and skills for citizenship, and recognise the importance of being an informed, responsible and active citizen.
Students develop values and attitudes that promote ethical behaviour, social responsibility and a commitment to contributing to a more just and equitable society.
Topic studied:
Each Core Study topic should be 20–25 indicative hours
Focus areas (core)
Year 9
The consumer and financial environment
The work environment
The business environment
Year 10
The legal and political environment
The economic environment
Focus areas (options)
Each Option topic should be 15–25 indicative hours
Year 9
Running a business
Promoting and selling
Year 10
Investing
Towards independence
Concepts and skills learnt in Commerce
Students develop knowledge and understanding of Commerce concepts and skills.
Concepts
Consumer and financial literacy
Resource allocation and decision-making
Entrepreneurship
Civics and citizenship
Government and democracy
Work and work futures
Skills
Decision-making and problem-solving in relation to consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, political and work contexts
Effective research and communication
Working independently and collaboratively
Site studies
Site studies may be integrated into the study of Commerce
You will be required to purchase a textbook, called the The New Concepts in Commerce, and you will need a device to use in class.
Is there a lot of mathematics in this subject?
There is some basic mathematics in this subject, however you will need to interpret data in tables and graphs, which is a skill you will be developing in commerce.
Is commerce all about writing tasks?
No, you will complete a variety of tasks such as research based activities, presentations, case studies, report writing tasks and simulations.
Who do you contact for information about this course?
Mr. Tusa:
ptusa@parra.catholic.edu.au
What if I do not want to go into a business related occupation when I finish school?
There are many occupations and industries besides business and finance which require the skills and knowledge that commerce provides. It is highly recommended that you learn commerce during high school as the knowledge and skills you acquire are used in all aspects of life once you have completed high school. Commerce helps you become more financially literate, and socially aware and informed of political, legal and economic issues which will help you become a global citizen who participates effectively in the community.
Commerce will provide you with content and an introductory understanding relating to the following subjects which you can select for senior school:
Business Studies
Economics
Legal Studies