Community and Family Studies (CAFS)

Board Developed Course - 2 Units for each of Preliminary and HSC                                                         

Exclusions: Nil 

Course description

Community and Family Studies Stage 6 syllabus is designed to develop in each student an understanding of the diverse nature and interdependence of families and communities within Australian society. The course enables students to plan and manage resources effectively in order to address contemporary issues facing families and communities.

What students learn

Through the study of the Community and Family Studies course, students learn to develop:

• knowledge and understanding about resource management and its role in ensuring individual, group, family and community wellbeing

• knowledge and understanding about the contribution positive relationships make to individual, group, family and community wellbeing

• knowledge and understanding about the influence of a range of societal factors on individuals and the nature of groups, families and communities

• knowledge and understanding about research methodology and skills in researching, analysing and communicating

• skills in the application of management processes to meet the needs of individuals, groups, families and communities

• skills in critical thinking and the ability to take responsible action to promote wellbeing

• an appreciation of the diversity and interdependence of individuals, groups, families and communities.

Preliminary course

• Resource Management (20%): Basic concepts of the resource-management process

• Individuals and Groups (40%): The individual's roles, relationships and tasks within and between groups

• Families and Communities (40%): Family structures and functions, and the interaction between family and community

HSC course

• Research Methodology (25%): Research methodology and skills culminating in the production of an Independent Research Project

• Groups in Context (25%): The characteristics and needs of specific community groups

• Parenting and Caring (25%): Issues facing individuals and groups who adopt roles of parenting and caring in contemporary society

HSC modules

Select ONE of the following:

• Family and Societal Interactions (25%): Government and community structures that support and protect family members throughout their lifespan

• Social Impact of Technology (25%): The impact of evolving technologies on individuals and lifestyle

• Individuals and Work (25%): Contemporary issues confronting individuals as they manage roles within both their family and work environments

Course requirements

The Preliminary course consists of three mandatory modules and the indicative course time allocated to their study.

The HSC course consists of three mandatory modules representing 75 per cent of course time. An options component representing 25 per cent of course time includes three modules of which students are to study only one.

Students are required to complete an Independent Research Project (IRP) in the context of the HSC core module – Research Methodology – and forms part of the HSC internal assessment. The focus of the IRP should be related to the course content of one or more of the following areas: individuals, groups, families, communities, resource management.

Industries related to Community and Family Studies

The knowledge and skills developed in this course can be applied across a range of career pathways.

Industries related to this course include, but are not limited to, the following outlined on the Your Career website:

• Education and Training

• Health Care and Social Assistance

• Public Administration and Safety

Assessment: HSC course only