VCE Humanities
Accounting + Business
Overview
This unit explores the establishment of a business and the role of accounting in either business success or failure. Students analyse both financial and non-financial information and interpret and evaluate performance.
Students learn to record financial information and prepare accounting reports.
Download > VCE Accounting Study Design
Unit Prerequisites
N/A
Assessment
- The role of accounting
- Recording Financial data and reporting accounting information for a service business.
Unit Assessment
Assessment includes:
- Folio of exercises
- Structured Questions
- Topic Tests
Pathways
University and TAFE study in Arts, Startup Businesses, Accounting, Business, Finance, Economics and Law.
Overview
In this unit students develop their knowledge of the accounting process for sole proprietors operating a trading business, with a focus on inventory, accounts receivable, accounts payable and non-current assets. Students use manual processes and ICT, including spreadsheets, to prepare historical and budgeted accounting reports. The financial performance of a business is analysed and evaluated.
Download > VCE Accounting Study Design
Unit Prerequisites
N/A
Assessment
- Accounting for inventory
- Accounting for and managing accounts receivable and accounts payable
- Accounting for and managing non-current assets
Unit Assessment
Assessment includes:
- Folio of exercises
- Structured Questions
- Topic Tests
Pathways
University and TAFE study in Arts, Startup Businesses, Accounting, Business, Finance, Economics and Law.
Overview
Unit 3 focuses on the financial accounting for a trading business owned by a sole proprietor. The double entry system of recording is used to record financial information and reports are prepared using the accrual basis of accounting. The perpetual method of inventory recording is covered.
In Unit 4 students further develop their understanding of the financial system covered in Unit 3. Students explore balance day adjustments and alternative methods of depreciation. The unit also involves the analysis of business performance and providing advice to improve business performance.
Download > VCE Accounting Study Design
Unit Prerequisites
Unit 1+2 Accounting is highly recommended
Areas of Study
- Recording and analysing Financial data
- Preparing and interpreting accounting reports
- Extension of recording and reporting
- Budgeting and decision-making
Unit Assessment
- Unit 3 SACS 25%
- Unit 4 SACS 25%
- End of unit examination 50%
Assessment includes
- Case study
- Structured questions
- Folio of exercises
30% of assessment for both Unit 3 and 4 is ICT based
Pathways
University and TAFE study in Arts, Startup Businesses, Accounting, Business, Finance, Economics and Law.
Businesses of all sizes are major contributors to the economic and social wellbeing of a nation. Therefore how businesses are formed and the fostering of conditions under which new business ideas can emerge are vital for a nation’s wellbeing. Taking a business idea and planning how to make it a reality are the cornerstones of economic and social development.
In Unit 1, students explore the factors affecting business ideas and the internal and external environments within which businesses operate, and the effect of these on planning a business.
Download > VCE Business Management Study Design
Unit Prerequisites
N/A
Assessment
- The business idea
- External environment
- Internal environment
Unit Assessment
Suitable tasks for assessment may be selected from the following:
- Case study analysis
- Business research report
- Development of a business plan and/or feasibility study
- Media analysis
Pathways
Banking, Insurance, Marketing, Finance, International Trade, Travel & Tourism, Clerical Work, Public Administration, Local Government, Real Estate, Sales & Retail, Human Resource Management
Overview
This unit focuses on the establishment phase of a business’s life. Establishing a business involves complying with legal requirements as well as making decisions about how best to establish a system of financial record keeping, staff the business and establish a customer base.
In this unit students examine the legal requirements that must be satisfied to establish a business. They investigate the essential features of effective marketing and consider the best way to meet the needs of the business in terms of staffing and financial record keeping. Students analyse various management practices in this area by applying this knowledge to contemporary business case studies from the past four years.
Download > VCE Business Management Study Design
Unit Prerequisites
N/A
Assessment
- Legal requirements and Financial considerations for establishing a business
- Marketing a business
- Staffing a business
Unit Assessment
Suitable tasks for assessment may be selected from the following:
- Case study analysis
- Business research report
- Development of a business plan and/or feasibility study
- Media analysis
Pathways
Banking, Insurance, Marketing, Finance, International Trade, Travel & Tourism, Clerical Work, Public Administration, Local Government, Real Estate, Sales & Retail, Human Resource Management
In Unit 3, students explore the key processes and considerations for managing a business efficiently and effectively to achieve business objectives. Students examine different types of businesses and their respective objectives and stakeholders. They investigate strategies to manage both staff and business operations to meet objectives, and develop an understanding of the complexity and challenge of managing businesses. Students compare theoretical perspectives with current practice through the use of contemporary Australian and global business case studies from the past four years.
Businesses are under constant pressure to adapt and change to meet their objectives. In Unit 4, students consider the importance of reviewing key performance indicators to determine current performance and the strategic management necessary to position a business for the future. Students study a theoretical model to undertake change and consider a variety of strategies to manage change in the most efficient and effective way to improve business performance. They investigate the importance of effective management and leadership in change management. Using one or more contemporary business case studies from the past four years, students evaluate business practice against theory.
Areas of study
Managing a business:
- Business foundations
- Human resource management
- Operations management
Transforming a business
- Reviewing a performance – the need for change
- Implementing change
Download > VCE Business Management Study Design
Unit Prerequisites
N/A
Areas of Study
Business foundations
- managing employees
- operations management
- reviewing performance
- the need for change
- implementing change
Unit Assessment
- Unit 3 school assessed coursework (SACs) 25%
- Unit 4 school assessed coursework (SACs) 25%
- Units 3 & 4 examination 50%
Pathways
University Bachelor degrees in: Economics, Business Systems, Banking & Finance, Marketing, Management, Business, Information Technology, Arts/Commerce, International Trade, Tourism & Hospitality, Teacher Education, Commerce/Law, Social Sciences
Employment opportunities include: Banking, Insurance, Marketing, Finance, International Trade, Travel & Tourism, Clerical Work, Public Administration, Local Government, Real Estate, Sales & Retail, Human Resource Management
Geography
Overview
Unit 1 Geography examines hazards and disasters. We look at the different types of hazards (biological, geological, hydro-meteorological and technological) and the criteria required to consider a hazard event a disaster. We examine two hazard types in detail and consider specific case studies of disaster events.
We also examine the responses to various disaster events and how these guide disaster response guidelines. Fieldwork is conducted at sites relevant to recent hazard events, for example travelling to the Central Highlands of Victoria to examine the impact of bushfire, or visiting sites along the rivers of Melbourne to assess flood management.
Download > VCE Geography Study Design
Unit Prerequisites
N/A
Areas of Study
- Characteristics of hazards
- Response to hazards and disasters
Unit Assessment
- Fieldwork Report
- Analysis of Geographical Data test
- Case Study Report
- Examination
Pathways
Geographers are highly employable and have many options for their careers, such as: Diplomatic Service, Architecture, Property Management, Climatology, Meteorology, Wildlife Management, Forestry, Education, Emergency Services, Cartography, Civil Aviation, Agriculture, Urban Planning, Tourism and Recreation.
View Geography Careers Pathway
Overview
Unit 2 Geography explores the nature and issues associated with tourism. We look at the location and scale of tourism globally, and compare case studies of tourism within Australia and other destinations. We consider different types of tourism and the ethical and sustainable issues associated with tourism. We examine the way tourism has changed over time, and evaluate the positive and negative impacts of tourism economically, socially and environmentally.
As part of our study of tourism we undertake fieldwork at a well known tourist site in Victoria. Previous fieldwork locations have included Echuca, The Twelve Apostles, Marysville and the City of Melbourne.
Download > VCE Geography Study Design
Unit Prerequisites
N/A
Areas of Study
- Characteristics of tourism
- Impact of tourism: issues and challenges
Unit Assessment
- Fieldwork Report
- Analysis of Geographical Data test
- Case Study Report
- Examination
Pathways
Geographers are highly employable and have many options for their careers, such as: Diplomatic Service, Architecture, Property Management, Climatology, Meteorology, Wildlife Management, Forestry, Education, Emergency Services, Cartography, Civil Aviation, Agriculture, Urban Planning, Tourism and Recreation.
Overview
In Unit 3 Geography we study Changing Land Use and Changing Land Cover. In the first part of the course we complete a fieldwork investigation at the Burwood Brickworks site. Following this we study the global land cover change processes of deforestation and melting glaciers and icesheets.
In Unit 4 we study human population, and consider the factors that influence ageing and growing populations, as well as population movement. We consider case studies from different countries, choosing locations with current population issues. Students in Geography say “Geography is relevant to all that goes on in the world and connects to so many other subjects!”
Download > VCE Geography Study Design
Unit Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this subject. Studying Unit 1 or 2 Geography is recommended but not required.
Areas of Study
- Land cover change
- Land use change
- Population dynamics
- Population issues and challenges
Unit Assessment
- Fieldwork Report
- Short answer Questions
- Data Analysis tasks
- End of Year examination
Pathways
Geographers are highly employable and have many options for their careers, such as: Diplomatic Service, Architecture, Property Management, Climatology, Meteorology, Wildlife Management, Forestry, Education, Emergency Services, Cartography, Civil Aviation, Agriculture, Urban Planning, Tourism and Recreation.
History
Overview
Change and Conflict
In this unit we investigate the nature of social, political, economic and cultural change in the later part of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century and look at the significant events, ideas, individuals and movements that shaped and defined the modern world. We explore the impact of the treaties which ended the Great War and which redrew the maps of Europe and its colonies, breaking up the former empires of the defeated nations and consider the aims, achievements and limitations of the League of Nations. We examine the role of new ideologies of socialism, communism and fascism. Students explore the social life and cultural expression in the late nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century, and their relation to the technological, political and economic changes of the period.
Download > VCE History Study Design
Unit Prerequisites
N/A
Areas of Study
- Ideology and conflict
- Social and cultural change
Unit Assessment
Assessment includes:
- Essay
- Document Analysis
- Historical Inquiry Task
- Examination
Pathways
Students who have studied History are valued for their skills in research, analysis and critical thinking. These skills are utilised in areas such as: journalism, media, marketing, tourism, teaching, librarian, academia, heritage consultancy, public history and restoration projects, archives, curating, museum conservator, foreign affairs, research analyst, lawyer, anthropology and archaeology.
Overview
We explore the nature and impact of the Cold War and challenges and changes to existing political, economic and social arrangements in the second half of the twentieth century which was dominated by the competing ideologies of democracy and communism.
In the first area of study we focus on causes and consequences of the Cold War; the competing ideologies that underpinned events, the effects on people, groups and nations, and the reasons for the end of this sustained period of ideological conflict.
In the second area of study we focus on the ways in which traditional ideas, values and political systems were challenged and changed by individuals and groups in a range of contexts during the second half of the twentieth century and the first decade of the twenty-first century. We explore the causes and consequences of significant political and social events and movements.
Download > VCE History Study Design
Unit Prerequisites
N/A
Areas of Study
- Causes, course and consequences of the Cold War
- Challenge and change
Unit Assessment
Assessment includes:
- Essay
- Document Analysis
- Historical Inquiry Task
- Examination
Pathways
Students who have studied History are valued for their skills in research, analysis and critical thinking. These skills are utilised in areas such as: journalism, media, marketing, tourism, teaching, librarian, academia, heritage consultancy, public history and restoration projects, archives, curating, museum conservator, foreign affairs, research analyst, lawyer, anthropology and archaeology.
Overview
Revolutions are caused by the interplay of ideas, events, individuals and popular movements. In Revolutions, students investigate the causes and consequences of the French and Russian revolutions.
In the first area of study students analyse the long-term causes and short-term triggers of revolution. For France this includes topics such as the Enlightenment, the role of the monarchy, revolt of the Notables, Estates General, Storming of the Bastille and August Decrees. For Russia, students study topics such as the impact of World War I on Tsarist Russia, Bloody Sunday, February and October 1917 revolutions.
In area study two, students analyse the consequences of the revolution and evaluate the extent to which the revolution maintained continuity and brought change to society. They evaluate the success and outcomes of the new regime’s responses to challenges.
Download > VCE History Study Design
Unit Prerequisites
Studying at least one semester of History in either Unit 1 or Unit 2 is advantageous.
Areas of Study
- Causes of revolution
- Consequences of revolution
Unit Assessment
- School assessed coursework for Units 3 & 4 will contribute 50% to the final assessment
- The end of year examination will contribute 50% to the final assessment
Pathways
Students who have studied History are valued for their skills in research, analysis and critical thinking. These skills are utilised in areas such as: journalism, media, marketing, tourism, teaching, librarian, academia, heritage consultancy, public history and restoration projects, archives, curating, museum conservator, foreign affairs, research analyst, lawyer, anthropology and archaeology.
Legal Studies
Unit 1: The Presumption of Innocence
Overview
Laws, including criminal law, aim to achieve social cohesion and protect the rights of individuals. Criminal law is aimed at maintaining social order. When a criminal law is broken, a crime is committed which is punishable and can result in criminal charges and sanctions.
In this unit, students develop an understanding of legal foundations, such as the different types and sources of law, the characteristics of an effective law, and an overview of parliament and the courts. Students are introduced to and apply the principles of justice. They investigate key concepts of criminal law and apply these to actual and/or hypothetical scenarios to determine whether an accused may be found guilty of a crime. In doing this, students develop an appreciation of the manner in which legal principles and information are used in making reasoned judgments and conclusions about the culpability of an accused. Students also develop an appreciation of how a criminal case is determined, and the types and purposes of sanctions. Students apply their understanding of how criminal cases are resolved and the effectiveness of sanctions through consideration of recent criminal cases from the past four years.
Areas of assessment
- Legal foundations
- Proving guilt
- Sanctions
Unit Prerequisites
N/A
Download > VCE Legal Studies Study Design
Unit Assessment
Suitable tasks for assessment in this unit may be selected from the following:
- Folio of exercises
- Structured questions
- Report
Pathways
Crime, justice and legal studies trains you for careers in a range of fields including community services, social welfare, human rights, criminal justice and legal education. It prepares you to work in both government and non-government sectors, in advocacy, policy evaluation, policy development and research. Some other roles could include correctional officer, police officer, investigator, detective, solicitor or barrister.
Unit 2: Wrongs and rights
Overview
Civil law aims to protect the rights of individuals. When rights are infringed, a dispute may arise requiring resolution, and remedies may be awarded. In this unit, students investigate key concepts of civil law and apply these to actual and/or hypothetical scenarios to determine whether a party is liable in a civil dispute. Students explore different areas of civil law, and the methods and institutions that may be used to resolve a civil dispute and provide remedies. They apply knowledge through an investigation of civil cases from the past four years. Students also develop an understanding of how human rights are protected in Australia and possible reforms to the protection of rights, and investigate a contemporary human rights issue in Australia, with a specific focus on one case study.
Areas of study:
- Civil liability
- Remedies
- Human rights
Unit Prerequisites
N/A
Download > VCE Legal Studies Study Design
Unit Assessment
Suitable tasks for assessment in this unit may be selected from the following:
- folio of exercises
- structured questions
- report
Pathways
Crime, justice and legal studies trains you for careers in a range of fields including community services, social welfare, human rights, criminal justice and legal education. It prepares you to work in both government and non-government sectors, in advocacy, policy evaluation, policy development and research. Some other roles could include correctional officer, police officer, investigator, detective, solicitor or barrister.
Overview
The Victorian justice system, which includes the criminal and civil justice systems, aims to protect the rights of individuals and uphold the principles of justice: fairness, equality and access. In Unit 3, students examine the methods and institutions in the criminal and civil justice system, and consider their appropriateness in determining criminal cases and resolving civil disputes. Students consider the Magistrates’ Court, County Court and Supreme Court within the Victorian court hierarchy, as well as other means and institutions used to determine and resolve cases.
Students explore topics such as the rights available to an accused and to victims in the criminal justice system, the roles of the judge, jury, legal practitioners and the parties, and the ability of sanctions and remedies to achieve their purposes. Students investigate the extent to which the principles of justice are upheld in the justice system. Throughout this unit, students apply legal reasoning and information to actual and/or hypothetical scenarios.
The study of Australia’s laws and legal system includes an understanding of institutions that make and reform our laws. In Unit 4, students explore how the Australian Constitution establishes the law-making powers of the Commonwealth and state parliaments, and how it protects the Australian people through structures that act as a check on parliament in law-making. Students develop an understanding of the significance of the High Court in protecting and interpreting the Australian Constitution. They investigate parliament and the courts, and the relationship between the two in law-making, and consider the roles of the individual, the media and law reform bodies in influencing changes to the law, and past and future constitutional reform. Throughout this unit, students apply legal reasoning and information to actual and/or hypothetical scenarios.
Areas of study
- The Victorian criminal justice system
- The Victorian civil justice system
- The people and the law-makers
- The people and reform
Unit Prerequisites
N/A
Download > VCE Legal Studies Study Design
Unit Assessment
- Unit 3 school assessed coursework (SACs) 25%
- Unit 4 school assessed coursework (SACs) 25%
- Units 3 & 4 examination 50%
The student’s performance on each outcome will be assessed using one or more of the following:
- a case study
- structured questions
- a report in written format
- a folio of exercises
Pathways
Crime, justice and legal studies trains you for careers in a range of fields including community services, social welfare, human rights, criminal justice and legal education. It prepares you to work in both government and non-government sectors, in advocacy, policy evaluation, policy development and research. Some other roles could include correctional officer, police officer, investigator, detective, solicitor or barrister.
Politics
Overview
The first area of study provides students with a general introduction to the concepts of political actors and power at a national level. They study individuals and organisations, and examine contested domestic political issues to build on their understanding of what it is to think politically.
In the second area of study students analyse the power, interests and perspectives of global political actors and evaluate their political significance. A range of contemporary global issues are studied.
Unit Prerequisites
N/A
Areas of Study
- Power and national political actors
- Power and global political actors
Download > VCE Politics Study Design
Unit Assessment
Assessment includes:
- Essay
- Short answer tests
- Research Task
- Extended responses-examination
Pathways
Lawyer, social commentator, journalist, activist, economist, investigator, academic, lobbyist, policy maker social justice advocate politician, researcher, school teacher, advisor, social media campaigner, travel writer, university lecturer, diplomat.
Overview
In the first area of study students consider the key principles of democracy, and examine the role of democracy in Australia’s institutions and decision making processes. Students will be able to choose a political issue to focus on, such as Media ownership, First Nations Voice to Parliament, Women and power or Big money and democracy.
In the second area of study students analyse global challenges to the principles of democracy, through an in-depth investigation of a global issue or crisis. Possible topics include authoritarianism, sustainability and resource security or State use of violence.
Unit Prerequisites
N/A
Areas of Study
- Issues for Australia’s democracy
- Global challenges to democracy
Download >VCE Politics Study Design
Unit Assessment
Assessment includes:
- Essay
- Short answer tests
- Research Task
- Extended responses-examination
Pathways
Lawyer, social commentator, journalist, activist, economist, investigator, academic, lobbyist, policy maker social justice advocate politician, researcher, school teacher, advisor, social media campaigner, travel writer, university lecturer, diplomat.
Unit 3 Global co-operation and conflict
Overview
In this unit, students investigate an issue and a crisis that pose challenges to the global community. Students begin with an investigation into an issue of global scale, such as climate change, global economic instability, the issue of development or weapons of mass destruction.
Students also examine the causes and consequences of a humanitarian crisis that may have begun in one state but which has crossed over into neighbouring states and requires an emergency response. This crisis must be chosen from the areas of human rights, armed conflict and the mass movement of people. They consider the causes of these issues and crises, and investigate their consequences on a global level and for a variety of global actors.
Areas of study:
- Global issues, global response
- Contemporary crises: conflict, stability and change
Unit Prerequisites
Unit 1 or Unit 2 Politics is recommended but not essential
Unit 4: Power in the Indo-Pacific
Overview
In this unit, students investigate the strategic competition for power and influence in the Indo-Pacific region. They consider the interests and perspectives of global actors within the region, including the challenges to regional cooperation and stability.
Building on their study of global issues and contemporary crises in Unit 3, students develop their understanding of power and national interests through an in-depth examination of one state’s perspectives, interests and actions. Students must choose one state from the People’s Republic of China, Japan, the Republic of India, the Republic of Indonesia or the United States of America.
Students also examine Australia’s strategic interests and actions in the region and consider how Australia’s responses to regional issues and crises may have contributed to political stability and/or change. They do this within the context of Australia’s relationships with one Pacific Island state and two other regional states.
Areas of study
- Power and the national interest
- Australia in the Indo Pacific
Download > VCE Politics Study Design
Unit Assessment
- Unit 3 SACS 25%
- Unit 4 SACS 25%
- End of unit examination 50%
Assessment includes:
- Analytical essay
- Short answer tests
- Extended responses
Pathways
Lawyer, social commentator, journalist, activist, economist, investigator, academic, lobbyist, policy maker social justice advocate politician, researcher, school teacher, advisor, social media campaigner, travel writer, university lecturer, diplomat.