The study of Geography, History, Economics and Business, and Civics and Citizenship, are compulsory at Years 7 to 9. The focus is on combining and applying a range of skills to complement the key knowledge of the subjects. Geography is centred on the earth: its features and resources, and the interconnections between people and place. Our History focus is aimed at developing historical skills and knowledge of key people and events for a particular period from the past. The Economics and Business curriculum explores the ways in which individuals, families, the community, workers, businesses and governments make decisions in relation to the allocation of resources. It enables students to understand the process of economic and business decision-making at the personal, local, national, regional and global levels and the effects of these decisions on themselves and others, now and in the future. Whereas, Civics and Citizenship is essential in enabling students to become active and informed citizens who participate in and sustain Australia’s democracy. Through the study of Civics and Citizenship, students investigate political and legal systems, and explore the nature of citizenship, diversity and identity in contemporary society. 

As students move into Year 10 they can choose to study the following: Geography, History, Careers and Industry and Commerce through either Money and Markets, or Law and Civics. Geography and History continue to build on relevant skills and prepare students for the study of these subjects at VCE level. The commerce offerings are designed to extend students’ knowledge and skills in the areas of economics, business, and personal finance.

VCE subjects currently offered include:

VCE Business Management examines the ways businesses manage resources to achieve objectives. The VCE Business Management Study Design follows the process from the initial idea for a business concept, to planning and establishing a business, through to the day-to-day management of a business. It also considers changes that need to be made to ensure the continued success of a business. Students develop an understanding of the complexity of the challenges facing decision-makers in managing businesses and their resources. A range of management theories is considered and compared with management in practice through contemporary case studies drawn from the past four years. Students learn to propose and evaluate alternative strategies in response to contemporary challenges in establishing and operating a business.

VCE Economics is the study of how resources are allocated to meet the needs and wants of society. It attempts to explain how and why people behave the way they do and the consequences of their decision-making. By unpacking the economic considerations around how to best meet the needs and wants of citizens, the study of Economics provides students with valuable insight into issues that may affect them both individually and as members of society. Economics assists us in making more informed and responsible decisions and in making a contribution to public debate as active citizens.

VCE Legal Studies examines the institutions and principles which are essential to Australia’s legal system. Students develop an understanding of the rule of law, law-makers, key legal institutions, rights protection in Australia, and the justice system. Through applying knowledge of legal concepts and principles to a range of actual and/or hypothetical scenarios, students develop their ability to use legal reasoning to argue a case for or against a party in a civil or criminal matter. They consider and evaluate recent and recommended reforms to the criminal and civil justice systems, and engage in an analysis of the extent to which our legal institutions are effective and our justice system achieves the principles of justice. For the purposes of this study, the principles of justice are fairness (fair legal processes are in place, and all parties receive a fair hearing); equality (all people treated equally before the law, with an equal opportunity to present their case); and access (understanding of legal rights and ability to pursue their case).

VCE Geography allows students to explore, analyse and come to understand the characteristics of places that make up our world. Geographers are interested in key questions concerning places and geographic phenomena: What is there? Where is it? Why is it there? What are the effects of it being there? How is it changing over time? How could, and should, it change in the future? How is it different from other places and phenomena? How are places and phenomena connected? Students explore these questions through fieldwork, the use of geospatial technologies and investigation of a wide range of secondary sources. These methods underpin the development of a unique framework for understanding the world, enabling students to appreciate its complexity, the diversity and interactions of its environments, economies and cultures, and the processes that helped form and transform these.

VCE History is a dynamic discipline that involves structured inquiry into the human actions, forces and conditions (social, political, economic, cultural, environmental and technological) that have shaped the past and present. To make meaning of the past, historians use historical sources, which include primary sources and historical interpretations. Historians analyse and evaluate evidence and use this when constructing historical arguments. As historians ask new questions, revise interpretations, or discover new sources, fresh understandings about the past come to light.

Although history deals with the particular – specific individuals and key events – the potential scope of historical inquiry is vast and formed by the questions that historians pursue, the availability of historical sources, and the capacity of historians to interpret those sources. VCE History reflects this by enabling students to explore a variety of eras and periods, events, people, places and ideas.

Modern History examines the causes and consequences of conflict and change in the modern era. Revolutions explores the causes and consequences of significant social upheaval (America, France, Russia and China) in the modern period.

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