Preliminary Course (Year 11)

• Part I: Aboriginality and the Land: Aboriginal Peoples' relationship to Country, and the impacts of dispossession and British colonisation.

• Part II: Heritage and Identity: The Dreaming, diversity of cultural and social life, and the impact of racism and stereotyping.

• Part III: International Indigenous Community - Comparative Study: Comparing the experiences of an Australian Aboriginal community with an international Indigenous community.

• Part IV: Research and Inquiry Methods - Local Community Case Study: Developing culturally appropriate community consultation and research skills.

HSC Course (Year 12)

The Year 12 course provides for an in-depth study of legislation, policy, and current events from the 1960s onwards, culminating in a self-directed major project.

• Part I: Social Justice and Human Rights Issues: A global perspective and comparative study of topics such as Health, Education, Housing, or Criminal Justice.

• Part II: Case Study of an Aboriginal community for each topic: Deep-dives into Aboriginality and the Land or Heritage and Identity.

• Part III: Research and Inquiry Methods - Major Project: Students demonstrate their understanding of research and inquiry methods through a self-directed Major Project based on student interest.

Typical School-Based Course Assessment

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

• Media File & Extended Response

• Local Community Research Task

• End of Course Exam

HSC Course (Year 12)

• Major Project

• ResearchEssay/Comparative Report

• Mid Course Exam, Trial HSC Exam

HSC Exam

Duration: 3 hours (+5 mins reading)

Typical format: Multiple-choice, short-answer responses, & extended response questions.

Possible Vocational/Career Pathways

• Education/Teaching, Aboriginal Education Officer, Community Development Worker, Social Worker, Museum Curator 

• Human Rights Advocate, Policy Advisor, Legal Aid/Lawyer, Government, NGO roles, Journalism

Tertiary Prerequisite Possibilities

• Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies)

• Bachelor of Education

• Bachelor of Social Work

• Bachelor of Laws.

Past Student Challenges

• Navigating a high volume of complex subject-specific terminology and legislation

• Consistently focusing on and analysing the role of Aboriginal culture without resorting to generalisations

• Self-managing independent responsibilities, such as initiating culturally appropriate community consultations for the Major Project

Students who do well in/enjoy this subject

• Respectful, empathetic communicators who have a strong interest in social justice, human rights, and the process of reconciliation.

• Are independent learners who enjoy self-directed research and have strong critical thinking and analytical writing skills.

• Are  willing to participate in community consultations and fieldwork

Course Overview

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

• Three core areas: The Nature of Ancient History, Case Studies, and Features of Ancient Societies. Students must complete at least one option regarding the nature of history + two case studies - one from a Western context (e.g., Egypt or Rome) + one from a non-Western context (e.g., Asia or the Americas). Students also examine at least two ancient societies through specific historical features, while completing a mandatory Historical Investigation

• Throughout the course, historical concepts and skills are integrated to teach students how to analyze archaeological and written sources without duplicating content studied in Year 12. 

HSC Course (Year 12)

• Four mandatory focus areas: the Core Study (Cities of Vesuvius – Pompeii and Herculaneum), one Ancient Society, one Historical Personality, and one Historical Period.

• At least two different regions from a list including Egypt, the Near East, China, Greece, and Rome. Throughout these studies, students integrate historical concepts and skills to conduct high-level analysis and argument, with each optional unit beginning with a brief "Context" overview.

Typical School-Based Course Assessment

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

• Historical Investigation Submission

• Source Analysis Portfolio

• End of Course Exam

HSC Course (Year 12)

• Research Essay

• Historical Analysis

• Mid Course Exam; Trial HSC Exam

HSC Exam

Duration: 3 hours (+5 mins reading)

Typical format: Four sections, a range of short to medium length responses + one extended response

Possible Vocational/Career Pathways

• Historical consultant for film/tv

• Archaelogist, Lawyer, Journalist

• Archivist/records manager

• History Teacher

Tertiary Prerequisite Possibilities

• Various Undergraduate/Bachelor Degrees, eg. Ancient History, Archaeology, Arts (Major in Ancient/Modern History) or Law

• Various universities and colleges throughout NSW/Aus & globally

Past Student Challenges

• Unwillingness to study during personal-time

• Working with "cold cases" where many primary sources are lost, destroyed, or physically broken.

• Navigating ancient authors who wrote with heavy political, personal, or cultural agendas rather than objectivity.

• Avoiding the trap of judging ancient cultural practices through the lens of modern 21st-century values.

• Mastering a vast range of specific names, dates, site locations, and Latin/Greek terminology.

• Managing a high-volume literacy load, analytical responses + researching, critical thinking, analysing and communicating

Students who do well in/enjoy this subject

• Those who enjoy questioning the reliability, motive, and perspective of a source.

• Those willing to develop skills in visual analysis, intellectual empathy, literacy and attention to detail

• Students who have a multidisciplinary interest (eg. how forensics/chemistry helps solve historical mysteries)

Course Overview

Students learn about the planning of a small business, the management of operations, marketing, finance and human resources in large businesses. Contemporary business issues and case studies are embedded in the course for students to apply to problems encountered in the business environment. Business Studies fosters intellectual, social and moral development by assisting students think critically about the role of business and its ethical responsibilities to society. 

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

Theoretical and practical aspects of establishing and managing a small-to-medium enterprise, via:

• Nature of Business: The role and nature of business in a changing business environment.

• Business Management: The nature and responsibilities of management in the business environment.

• Business Planning: The processes of establishing and planning a small to medium enterprise.

HSC Course (Year 12)

The Year 12 course shifts the focus to the strategic management of large businesses. 

• Operations: Strategies for the transformation of inputs into goods and services.

• Marketing: Strategies to increase market share and satisfy customer needs.

• Finance: Processes and strategies to manage financial resources effectively.

• Human Resources: The management of the relationship between employers and employees.

Typical School-Based Course Assessment

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

• Scenario based Business Report

• Business Plan

• End of course examination

HSC Course (Year 12)

• Scenario based Business Report

• Case Study Written Response 

• Mid Course & Trial HSC Examinations

HSC Exam

Duration: 3 hours (+5 mins reading).

Typical format: Multiple Choice, Short Answer, a Business Report and Extended Response.

Possible Vocational/Career Pathways

• Business Manager, Operations Manager, Consultant, Entrepreneur/ Business Owner.

• Marketing Executive, Public Relations Specialist, Market Research Analyst.

• Financial Analyst, Human Resources Manager, Recruitment Consultant, Accountant.

Tertiary Prerequisite Possibilities

Bachelor of Various Undergraduate/Bachelor Degrees, eg. Business, Commerce, Management, Economics or Law

Various universities and colleges throughout NSW/Aus & globally

Past Student Challenges

• Applying knowledge to specific business situations.

• Learning specific business related content.

• Memorising a high volume of syllabus content and complex, subject-specific terminology.

• Writing structured business reports and extended response questions under strict time pressure.

Students who do well in/enjoy this subject

• Enjoy the opportunity to look at real world case studies and apply theoretical knowledge to real life scenarios.

• Have a strong interest in current affairs and the dynamic nature of the business environment.

• Are logical and critical thinkers who enjoy problem-solving and evaluating business performance.

• Have strong analytical writing skills and can communicate complex ideas clearly in a report format.

Course Overview

The Economics 11–12 Syllabus has an overarching emphasis on microeconomics in the Year 11 course, beginning with a study of the foundation principles and models of the discipline, followed by extensive learning of demand and supply in Markets, with the Household and business sector, Financial sector, Government sector, and International sector arranged around the circular flow of income model. The Year 12 course has a primary focus on macroeconomics through the study of Economic issues in the Australian economy, Economic management of the Australian economy, and Australia and the global economy. The structure of the course provides students with opportunities to apply their knowledge of economic principles to a range of real-world contexts. 

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

The Year 11 course has a ‘Microeconomic’ focus. The specific focus areas for Year 11 are: 

• Introduction to economics; Markets

• Household and business sector

• Financial sector

• Government sector

• International sector. 

HSC Course (Year 12)

The Year 12 course has a ‘Macroeconomic’ economic focus. The specific focus areas for Year 12 are:

• Economic issues in the Australian economy

• Economic management of the Australian economy

• Australia and the global economy 

Typical School-Based Course Assessment

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

• In Class Unit Test

• Research Task

• Eknd of Course Exam

HSC Course (Year 12)

• Source Based Skills Task

• In Class Research Essay

• Mid Course and Trial HSC Exams

HSC Exam

Duration: 3 hours (+ 5 mins reading)

Typical format: multi choice questions, short answer, 2 x extended response questions.

Possible Vocational/Career Pathways

• Banking, Finance, Accounting, Financial Consulting, Mortgage Broking

• Government/Public Policy, Labour Market Analyst, Data Science

Tertiary Prerequisite Possibilities

• Bachelor of Various Undergraduate/Bachelor Degrees, eg. Actuarial Studies, Law, Business, Commerce, Management or Economics 

• Various universities and colleges throughout NSW/Aus & globally

Past Student Challenges

• Dynamic nature of economic statistics and policy

• Unwillingness to develop skills in researching, critical thinking, analysing and communicating

• Unwillingness to invest in study or practice writing extended response questions under time pressure, during personal-time 

• High level of subject specific vocabulary

Students who do well in/enjoy this subject

• Those interested in current affairs

• Those interested in evidence and data analysis

• Logical/deep thinkers

• Students with a strong mathematical understanding and ability, or desire to improve it

• Students with strong analytical writing skills

Course Overview

Geographers investigate the opportunities for human activities, varied character of the earth and its people, the constraints placed upon them and the impacts of these activities. It is a key discipline through which students develop the ability to recognise and understand environmental change and the interactions which take place in our world. 

Preliminary Course (Year 11):  

• Focuses on foundational geographical concepts, skills, and tools. 

• Earth's Natural Systems: Exploring biophysical elements and the ecological dimensions of how natural systems function.

• People, Patterns and Processes: Examining the spatial dimensions of human populations, demographics, and spatial patterns.

• Human–Environment Interactions: Investigating how humans interact with environments and the resulting ecological impacts.

• Geographical Investigation: Developing geographical inquiry skills and tools through practical fieldwork.

HSC Course (Year 12): 

• Shifts the focus to complex global and local geographical issues. 

• Global Sustainability: Evaluating global responses and management strategies for sustainable futures.

• Rural and Urban Places: Investigating the dynamics, challenges, and opportunities of human settlements and urbanization.

• Ecosystems and Global Biodiversity: Analysing complex natural ecosystems and strategies for managing biodiversity

Typical School-Based Course Assessment

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

• Fieldwork Report

• Research Task

• End of Course Examination

HSC Course (Year 12)

• Fieldwork Report

• Research Task

• Mid Course & Trial HSC Examinations

HSC Exam

Duration: 3 Hours (+5mins reading)

Typical format:  Multiple Choice, Short Answer, Structured Extended Response and Unstructured Extended Response

Possible Vocatinal/Career Pathways

• Environmental Consultant, Urban Planner, Climatologist, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist

• Demographer, International Aid Worker, Policy Analyst, Researcher, Teacher

• Tourism Officer, Sustainability Manager

Tertiary Prerequisite Possibilities

• Bachelor of Various Undergraduate/Bachelor Degrees, eg. Urban and Regional Planning, Arts (Human Geography), Science (Geography/Environmental Science Majors)

• Various universities and colleges throughout NSW/Aus & globally

Past Student Challenges

• Interpreting, analysing and applying complex geographical issues across various scales.

• Unwillingness to develop skills in effective communication and writing structured extended responses.

• Synthesising & interpreting mathematical data, spatial technologies, and fieldwork information

Students who do well in/enjoy this subject

• Enjoy engaging with real-world concepts, analysing complex geographical issues, the spatial dimension, and how people interact differently with environments.

• Thrive in collaborative and independent fieldwork environments, and have a strong interest in global sustainability and environmental change.

Course Overview

Students investigate the key features of the law and understand how the law interacts with aspects of society,  the domestic and international legal systems and how they have been shaped over time. 

Preliminary Course (Year 11) -  Four focus areas:

• Investigating the law

• Disputes under the law

• Changing the law

• Experiences with the law

HSC Course (Year 12) - Three focus areas (including two options):

• Core: The criminal justice system (core)

• Core: International relations and human rights (core)

• Options: (Consumer Law, Family Law, Housing Law, Peace, conflict and the law, Workplace law)

Typical School-Based Course Assessment

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

• Research Essay

• Research and Presentation

• End of Course Exam

HSC Course (Year 12)

• Multimedia Infographic Presentation 

• Research Essay

• Mid Course and Trial HSC Exams

HSC Exam

Duration: 3 hours

Typical format: 15 marks  multi choice, 35 marks short answer and extended response on core units {2-8marks}, 50 marks extended response on options

Possible Vocational/Career Pathways

• Conveyancing, Solicitor, Barrister, Industrial Relations, Policy Analyst, Teaching

• Police Officer, Border Enforcement Officer

Tertiary Prerequisite Possibilities

• Bachelor of Various Undergraduate/Bachelor Degrees, eg. Law, Criminology, Arts, Arts/Social Work, Business/Commerce (Majoring in HR)

• Various universities and colleges throughout NSW/Aus & globally

Past Student Challenges

• Volume of syllabus content

• Eg. Independent responsibilities/initiative

• Complex and vast vocabulary

• Skills in researching, critical thinking, analysing and communicating

• Unwilling to study during personal-time 

• Time management in the exam

• Keeping up to speed with current information/cases

Students who do well in/enjoy this subject

• Those who are critical thinkers

• Students who enjoy a debate and considering multiple perspectives

• Those with curiosity around current affairs

• Interested in justice and its complexity

• Those with a high level of attention to detail.

Course Overview

Modern History 11–12 focuses on developing student understanding about the history of the world in which they live, and the people, events and forces that have shaped it. The course offers students opportunities to engage with sources from the past, developing their analysis and reasoning skills. 

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

Three focus areas:

• Investigating Modern History

• The Shaping of the Modern World

• Historical Investigation

HSC Course (Year 12)

• Four focus areas:

• Core Study: Democracy and dictatorship 1919-1939

• National studies

• Peace and conflict

• Chang in the modern world

Typical School-Based Course Assessment

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

• Source Analysis

• Historical Investigation

• End of Course Exam 

HSC Course (Year 12)

• Source Analysis

• Research and Essay 

• Mid Course and Trial HSC Exams

HSC Exam

Duration: 3 hours

Typical format: Four sections involving a range of short answer and essay style questions.

Possible Vocational/Career Pathways

• Intelligence Officer, Policy Advisor, Journalist, Foreign Correspondent

• Diplomat, Law

• Archivist, History teacher

Tertiary Prerequisite Possibilities

Bachelor of Various Undergraduate/Bachelor Degrees, eg. Law, International and Global Studies, Arts, Journalism, Communications, Education (History)

Various universities and colleges throughout NSW/Aus & globally

Past Student Challenges

• Volume of syllabus content

• Independent responsibilities/initiative

• Depth of content knowledge required

• Skills in researching, critical thinking, analysing and communicating

• Unwilling to study during personal-time 

• Depth of source analysis required

• Time management in exams

Students who do well in/enjoy this subject

• Students with strong logical reasoning

• Those with a critical eye for sources

• Students with strong research skills

• Those who can consider multiple viewpoints

• Strong writing skills

• Can work independently and is self motivated

Course Overview

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

• Introduction to the fundamental concepts and research methodologies of the social sciences:

• The Social and Cultural World: the interactions between persons, societies, cultures, environments, and time.

• Personal and Social Identity: Understanding socialization, the development of identity, and the transitions through life stages.

• Intercultural Communication: Investigating how culture determines the ways people communicate and interact across different contexts.

HSC Course (Year 12) 

• Applies research methods to deep, analytical studies of social continuity and change, culminating in a major independent research project:

• Social and Cultural Continuity and Change: Analysing the nature of social and cultural change, using a specific country as a focus study.

• The Personal Interest Project (PIP): A major independent research project where students apply social research methods to a topic of their choice.

• Depth Studies: Students study two options chosen from Popular Culture, Belief Systems and Ideologies, Social Inclusion and Exclusion, or Social Conformity and Nonconformity.

Typical School-Based Course Assessment

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

• Research and written report

• In-Class Extended Response

• End of Course Exam 

HSC Course (Year 12)

• Research Task - Social and cultural continuity and change 

• Extended response - Social conformity and non-conformity 

• Mid Course and Trial HSC Exams

HSC Exam

Duration: 2 hours

Typical format: The HSC assessment includes both the external written exam (60 marks) and the Personal Interest Project (PIP) (40 marks). The written exam is broken down into three sections (multiple choice, short answer responses on Continuity and Change, & extended response depth studies).

Possible Vocational/Career Pathways

• Social Worker, Community Development Officer, Youth Worker, Policy Advisor.

• Journalist, Public Relations Specialist, Market Researcher, Human Resources Manager, Marketing Executive, Diversity/Inclusion Officer.

Tertiary Prerequisite Possibilities

• Bachelor of Various Undergraduate/Bachelor Degrees, eg. Arts, Arts/Social Work, Social Sciences, Communications, International Studies

• Various universities and colleges throughout NSW/Aus & globally

Past Student Challenges

• Managing time effectively on the Personal Interest Project (PIP).

• Grasping and applying abstract sociological, cultural, and psychological concepts.

• Synthesizing primary and secondary research data into a cohesive, structured argument.

• Sustaining independent motivation for a long-term research project.

Students who do well in/enjoy this subject

• Value the opportunity to engage with content on a real-world level and explore areas of their own interest, independently and with self-motivation

• Are highly curious about human behavior, different cultures, and how society functions.

• Willing to develop written communication skills and enjoy designing and conducting their own primary research (like surveys and interviews).

Course Overview

History Extension focuses on the nature of history as a discipline and the various ways humanity has attempted to investigate and understand the past. The course requires students to engage with complex historiographical ideas, methodologies and sources to communicate arguments about the nature and construction of history. 

The subject is only undertaken in Year 12 and is on an application basis. Students must be studying Ancient History, Modern History or both to undertake History Extension.

HSC Course (Year 12)

Two components

• Constructing History: 

  • Students engage with a range of relevant sources to investigate: What history is? Who are the producers of history in different eras? How has history been constructed, recorded and presented in different eras? How have approaches to history changed in different eras? Students undertake one case study throughout the course to help explore these concepts.

• History Project

  • Students will undertake an individual investigation into an area of historical and/or historiographical interpretation. The historiographical skills are to be integrated with the History project. 

Typical School-Based Course Assessment

HSC Course (Year 12)

• Proposal and Process Log 

• Annotated Sources and Process Log

• Essay 

• Trial HSC Exam 

HSC Exam

Duration: 2 hours

Typical format: Two sections worth 25 marks each. Each section is a 25 mark extended response essay

Possible Vocational/Career Pathways

• Investigative Journalism

• Intelligence Analyst

• Legal Researcher

• History Teacher/Researcher

Tertiary Prerequisite Possibilities

• Bachelor of Philosophy

• Bachelor of Laws

• International Relations and Security Studies

• Bachelor of Arts

Past Student Challenges

• Depth of syllabus content

• Independent/self guided nature of History Project

• Extra independent work outside of normal classes

• Complex vocabulary

• Skills in researching, critical thinking, analysing and communicating

• High level of writing required in assessments

• Analysing unseen sources/stimulus

Students who do well in/enjoy this subject

• Strong interest in historical concepts

• Self motivated individuals

• Exceptional time management skills

• Willingness to consider multiple viewpoints

• Strong level of intellectual curiosity

• Well developed research skills

Course Overview

The Work Studies CEC syllabus is designed to assist students in their transition from school to work. It develops knowledge and understanding of the issues faced by students in the transition to work and the skills needed for effective career planning and performance of tasks in the work environment. Integral to the Work Studies syllabus is a focus on the development of essential workplace skills. They are central to the core module and each of the elective modules. Students have an opportunity to practise these skills in appropriate work contexts.  

This course only runs in Year 11

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

Core Module - My Working Life

Workplace Communication

Experiencing Work

Typical School-Based Course Assessment

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

• Employment Case Study Analysis 

• Use of Technology Report 

• Hazard Minimisation Task  

Possible Vocational/Career Pathways

• Any traineeship/apprenticeship

• Roles requiring strong communication skills

• Career paths with hazard minimisation as a priority

Tertiary Prerequisite Possibilities

• Bachelor of Business

• Bachelor of Education

• Certificate III and IV qualifications

Past Student Challenges

• Time management of portfolio

• Self reflection and goal setting

• Lack of awareness of workload being a non ATAR subject

• Independent responsibilities/initiative

• Skills in researching, critical thinking, analysing and communicating

Students who do well in/enjoy this subject

• Enjoy hands on learning

• Are self reflective

• Involve themselves in classroom discussion

• Enjoy learning about the concept or work and the working environment.