Senior Humanities

Year 10 Humanities: History - Australia in the Modern World (Year 10 Core Program)

Overview

This subject covers the period of the 20th Century in Australia that followed the First World War. It focuses on the development of the Australian identity as the country found its place in the world through the great depression and a second world war.
Through the study of history students develop their skills in understanding the relationships between events in the past and today, build their skills in historical inquiry and be able to evaluate evidence as part of historical arguments. Students also develop their ability analyse and interpret historical perspectives.

Units / Topics	Types of Assessment
WW1 and its contribution to WW2	Source Analysis
The interwar years	Historical Inquiry
WW2	Semester Examination
The Kokoda Campaign

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to any of the VCE Humanities Studies.

Year 10 Humanities: History – Rights and Freedoms (Year 10 Core Program)

Overview

The struggle for rights and freedoms has spanned centuries, cultures, and communities. Exploring past experiences of the struggle for rights and freedoms provides an insight into one of the most defining features of the twentieth century and the formation of the modern world. Students will analyse the struggle within the movements across the United States of America and Australia during the 20th Century.
Students will have the opportunity to develop their skills in chronological sequencing, historical inquiry and the evaluation of evidence as part of developing historical arguments. Students also develop their ability to interpret historical perspectives.

Units / Topics	Types of Assessment
American Civil Rights Movement	Source Analyses
Indigenous Australian Civil Rights Movement	Historical Inquiry
	Semester Examination

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to any of the VCE Humanities Studies.

Year 10 Humanities: Global Citizenship (Year 10 Core Program)

Overview

This subject focuses on the concept of citizenship, and the political and legal systems that will enable students to become active and informed citizens of contemporary Australian society, as well as within an international context. The course aims to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to question, understand and contribute to the world in which they live.

Units / Topics	Types of Assessment
Citizenship	Case Study: Research and analysis of a High-Court case that has set a legal precedent
The Judicial System	Inquiry Task – An Immigration Story
Human Rights	Presentations
Australian Government & Democracy	Examination

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to VCE Units 1 & 2 Legal Studies.

Year 10 - Humanities: Business and Economics

Overview

In this study students can build their understanding of how the Australian Economy operates, considering the connection between the Economy and living standards. They will also explore financial decision making and the impact of the economy on running a business.

Units / Topics	Types of Assessment
Factors Influencing Major Consumer and Financial Decisions	Business Plan
Managing a Business to Respond to Changing Economic Conditions	Topic Test
Indicators of Economic Performance and how Australia’s Economy is Performing.	End of Semester Examination
Links Between Economic Performance and Living Standards.
Government Management of Economic Performance to Improve Living Standards.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to VCE Units 1 & 2 Economics and/or Units 1 & 2 Business Management.

Year 10 - Humanities: Geography (Year 10 Core Program)

Overview

In this Unit students study Environmental Change and Management and the Geographies of Human Wellbeing. Geography is a subject that combines the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to build a broad understanding of the world.

Units / Topics	Types of Assessment
Environmental Change and Management	Research Report
• The function of environments	Case Study
• Human impact on environments	Semester Examination
• Different worldviews that impact responses to environmental change
• Strategies to manage environmental change
The Geographies of Human Wellbeing
• Different ways that human wellbeing can be measured
• Reasons for the difference in human wellbeing between places
• Issues that impact human wellbeing
• Ways to improve human wellbeing

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to VCE Units 1 & 2 Geography.

VCE Units 1 & 2 - Accounting

Overview

Units 1 & 2 Accounting establishes the process for sole proprietors operating a service and trading business, with a focus on the establishment of a business and the role of accounting in the determination of business success or failure. Extending to recording and reporting on inventory, accounts receivable, accounts payable and non-current assets.

Unit 1 – The role of accounting in business

In this area of study students analyse, interpret, and evaluate the performance of the business using financial and non-financial information. Students record financial data and prepare reports for service businesses owned by sole proprietors.

Areas of Study

1. The role of accounting – Students investigate the reasons for establishing a business. They explore types of business ownership, factors that lead to the success or failure of a business, sources of business finance and ethical considerations.
2. Recording financial data and reporting accounting information for a service business – Students investigate the role of accounting in generating financial data and accounting information. They use the accrual method for determining profit for a service business operating as a sole proprietor with cash and credit transactions.

Unit 2 – Accounting and decision-making for a trading business

Students prepare accounting reports for sole proprietors operating a trading business, with a focus on inventory, accounts receivable, accounts payable and non-current assets. Using manual processes and ICT, including spreadsheets, to prepare historical and budgeted accounting reports.

Areas of Study

1. Accounting for inventory – Record and report the movements of inventory through a business.
2. Accounting for and managing accounts receivable and accounts payable – Record and report for accounts receivable and accounts payable and analyse and discuss the effect of relevant decisions on the performance of the business.
3. Accounting for and managing non-current assets – Accounting processes for non-current assets. Calculating and applying depreciation using the straight-line method and recording and reporting of depreciation.

Forms of Assessment

• Exercises
• Tests
• End of Year Exam

Prerequisites and Corequisites

It is an advantage to have completed Business and Economics at Year 10.

Link to Study Design

VCE Accounting 2019-2024 Study Design

VCE Units 1 & 2 - Business Management

Overview

Units 1 and 2 Business Management examines the ways businesses manage resources to achieve objectives, such as to make a profit or to increase market share. The key areas of focus are planning and establishing a business, along with considering the changes that need to be made to ensure continued success of a business. Students will be able to understand and apply business concepts, understand the complex and changing environments within which businesses operate, recognise the contribution and significance of business within local, national, and global markets and propose strategies to solve business problems.

Unit 1 – Planning a Business

Unit 1 Business Management examines how business ideas are formed and explores the internal and external business environment factors affecting business ideas and planning.

Areas of Study:

1. The Business Idea – Investigate how business ideas are created and how conditions can be fostered for new business ideas to emerge.
2. External Business Environment and Planning – Examine the factors within the external environment that may affect business planning, such as customers, societal attitudes, etc.
3. Internal Business Environment and Planning – Examine the factors within the internal environment that may affect business planning, such as business models and structures.

Unit 2 – Establishing a Business

Unit 2 Business Management focuses on the establishment phase of a business.

Areas of Study:

1. Legal Requirements and Financial Considerations – The importance of establishing effective policies and procedures, along with complying with legal and financial requirements.
2. Marketing a Business – Importance of establishing a customer base and a marketing presence to achieve the firm’s objectives and effective marketing and public relations strategies.
3. Staffing a Business – Examine the staffing needs of a business and evaluate the benefits and limitations of management strategies in this area from an employer and an employee’s perspective.

Forms of Assessment

Topic Tests, Case Studies, Business Plans, End of Semester Exam

 

Prerequisites and Corequisites

It would be an advantage to have studied Year 10 Business and Economics.

Future Directions

Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to VCE Units 3 & 4 Business Management.

Link to Study Design

VCE Business Management 2023-2027 Study Design

VCE Units 1 & 2 - Economics

Overview

Economics is a social science that explores the way humans behave and evaluates the decisions we make to meet the needs and wants of society. It looks at how and why consumers, businesses, governments, and other organisations choose to allocate resources, along with the consequences of these choices and their impact on living standards. Students will build a deeper understanding of how the world around them works and the role they play in the wider economy.

Unit 1 – Economic decision-making

Students explore their role in the economy, how they interact with businesses and the way economic models and theories have been developed to explain the causes and consequences of human action.

Areas of Study:

1. Thinking Like an Economist – Introductory economic concepts to develop understanding of what the economy is about and how it is working around us. The basic economic problem, the role of consumers and businesses in the economy and the factors that influence decision making.
2. Decision Making in Markets – How Australia uses a market-based system to allocate resources. Explore different markets that exist in the Australian economy and use economic models and theories to understand and predict possible consequences of key changes in these markets.
3. Behavioural Economics – Develop an understanding of how behavioural economics complements traditional economics. How behavioural economics can be used to inform policy and planning.

Unit 2 – Economic Issues and living standards

Students examine the concept of trade-offs, inclusive of the impact of pursuing economic growth on the environment and living standards, and the nature and consequences of current global issues in society. Students consider the link between economic activity and economic growth and investigate the importance of economic growth in raising living standards.

Areas of Study:

1. Economic Activity – Meaning and importance of economic activity and the factors that affect economic activity. They investigate how economic growth is the outcome of economic activity and how economic growth is measured.
2. Applied economic analysis of local, national, and international economic issues – Investigate two contemporary economic issues from a local, national and international perspective through an economic lens.

Forms of Assessment

Tests, Written reports, Presentations, End of semester exams

Prerequisites and Corequisites

It is an advantage to have completed Year 10 Economics and Business.

Future Directions

Further study in the field of economics can lead to a broad range of career opportunities such as stockbroking, insurance, business analysis, banking and finance, journalism, and public policy.

Link to Study Design

VCE Economics 2023-2027 Study Design

VCE Units 1 & 2 - Geography

Overview

VCE Geography enables students to examine natural and human phenomena, how and why they change, their interconnections and the patterns they form across the Earth’s surface. In doing so, they develop a better understanding of their own place in the world and of those in other parts of the world. These skills deepen understanding of places, environments, and human interactions.

Unit 1 – Hazards and Disasters

Students examine the processes involved with hazards and hazard events, considering their causes and impacts, human responses to hazard events and the interconnections between human activities and natural phenomena, including the impact of climate change.

Areas of Study

1. Characteristics of Hazards – In this area of study students examine hazards and hazard events and analyse the impacts of hazard events.
2. Responses to Hazards and Disasters – In this area of study students explore the nature and effectiveness of specific responses while considering natural and human factors influencing the nature of responses, as well as issues and challenges that arise from responses.

Unit 2 – Tourism: Issues and Challenges

Students investigate the characteristics of tourism: where it has developed, its various forms, how it has changed and continues to change and its impact on people, places and environments, issues and challenges of ethical tourism.

Areas of Study

1. Characteristics of Tourism – In this area of study students examine the characteristics of tourism, the location and distribution of different types of tourism and tourist destinations, and the factors affecting different types of tourism.
2. Impact of Tourism: Issues and Challenges – In this area of study students explore the environmental, economic, social, and cultural impacts of different types of tourism, and the issues and challenges that these create for people and the environment.

Forms of Assessment

• Fieldwork Report
• Analysis of Geographic Data
• Research Report
• Examination

Prerequisites and Corequisites

It is an advantage to have completed Year 10 Geography.

Link to Study Design

VCE Geography 2022-2026 Study Design

VCE Units 1 & 2 - Ancient History

Overview

History introduces students to structured inquiry into the human actions, forces and conditions that have shaped the past and present. VCE History enables students to explore a variety of eras and periods, events, people and ideas. Ancient History investigates individuals and societies within Mesopotamia and Egypt, across millennia.

Unit 1 – Ancient Mesopotamia

Students investigate the emergence of early societies in Ancient Mesopotamia. The lands between the rivers Tigris and Euphrates have been described as the ‘cradle of civilisation’. The study of Ancient Mesopotamia provides insights into the growth of cities and civilisations, as well as the development of city-states and empires. Students examine the invention of writing, as well as develop an understanding of the importance of primary sources in supporting an inquiry about the origins of civilization.

Areas of Study

1. Discovering civilisation – Focuses on how the invention of agriculture and the subsequent emergence of the first cities in Mesopotamia around 3500 BCE.
2. Ancient Empires – Focuses on the First Babylonian Dynasty, the Assyrian Empire and the fall of Nineveh at the end of the Neo-Assyrian Period (612 BCE).

Unit 2 – Ancient Egypt

Students investigate the features of the Old Kingdom Egypt and the representation of power in Middle Kingdom Egypt and the Second Intermediate Period. They analyse the conditions that gave rise to Egyptian civilization, including the role of the Nile river in supporting the development of urban settlements. Students develop an understanding of the importance of primary sources in supporting an inquiry about Old and Middle Kingdom Egypt.

Areas of Study

1. Egypt: The double crown – Focuses on kingship in Old Kingdom from the Early Dynastic Period (2920 BCE), concluding at the end of the First Intermediate Period (2040 BCE).
2. Middle Kingdom Egypt: Power and propaganda – focuses on the use and presentation of power in Middle Kingdom Egypt and the Second Intermediate Period (2040 to 1550 BCE).

Forms of Assessment

• Historical Inquiry
• Source Analysis
• Historical Interpretation
• Essay

Prerequisites and Corequisites

There are no prerequisites for entry to Units 1 and 2.

Future Directions

This study may lead into a VCE Units 3 and 4 History study, either Ancient History (New Kingdom Egypt and Greece) or Revolutions.

Link to Study Design

VCE History 2022-2026 Study Design

VCE Units 1 & 2 - Modern History

Overview

VCE Modern History examines the causes and consequences of conflict and change in the modern era. VCE Modern History assists students to understand themselves, others, and the contemporary world, and broadens their perspective by examining events, ideas, individuals, groups, and movements.

Unit 1 – Change and Conflict

Students 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. Modern History provides students with an opportunity to explore the significant events, ideas, individuals, and movements that shaped the social, political, economic, and technological conditions and developments that have defined the modern world.

Areas of Study:

1. Ideology and Conflict: Students focus on the events, ideologies, individuals, and movements of the period that led to the end of empires and the emergence of new nation states before and after World War One; the consequences of World War One; the emergence of conflict; and the causes of World War Two.
2. Social and Cultural Change: Students focus on 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. Students explore forms of cultural expression from the period.

Unit 2 – The Changing World Order

Students investigate the nature and impact of the Cold War and challenges and changes to social, political, and economic structures and systems of power in the second half of the twentieth century and the first decade of the twenty-first century.

Areas of Study:

1. Causes, course, and consequences of the Cold War: Students focus on the causes and consequences of the Cold War; the competing ideologies that underpinned events, the consequences on people, groups and nations, and the causes of the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the USSR.
2. Challenge and Change: Students 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 first decade of the twenty-first century.

Forms of Assessment

A combination of:

• a historical inquiry
• an essay
• evaluation of historical sources
• short-answer questions
• extended responses
• a multimedia presentation.

Prerequisites and Corequisites

It is an advantage to have completed a Year 10 History subject however not necessary.

Future Directions

Students can move on to Unit 3&4 History: Revolutions and/or Unit 3&4 Ancient History.

Link to Study Design

VCE History 2022-2026 Study Design

VCE Units 1 & 2 – Legal Studies

Overview

VCE Legal Studies examines the institutions and principles that are essential to the Australian legal system. Students develop an understanding of the rule of law, lawmakers, legal institutions, the protection of rights in Australia, and the Victorian justice system.

Unit 1 – The presumption of innocence

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. They investigate key concepts of criminal law and develop an appreciation of how a criminal case is determined, and the types and purposes of sanctions.

Areas of Study

1. Legal Foundations – Students describe the main sources and types of law and evaluate the effectiveness of laws.
2. Proving guilt – Students explain the purposes and key concepts of criminal law and use legal reasoning to argue the criminal culpability of an accused based on actual and/or hypothetical scenarios.
3. Sanctions – Students explain the key concepts in the determination of a criminal case, discuss the principles of justice in relation to experiences of the criminal justice system, and discuss the ability of sanctions to achieve their purposes.

Unit 2 – Wrongs and rights

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 also develop an understanding of how human rights are protected in Australia.

Areas of Study

1. Civil liability – Students explain the purposes and key concepts of civil law and apply legal reasoning to argue the liability of a party in civil law based on actual and/or hypothetical scenarios.
2. Remedies – Students explain the key concepts in the resolution of a civil dispute, discuss the principles of justice in relation to experiences of the civil justice system, and discuss the ability of remedies to achieve their purposes.
3. Human rights – Students explain one contemporary human rights issue in Australia, and evaluate the ways in which rights are protected in Australia.

Forms of Assessment

Case Studies, Tests, End of Year Exam

Prerequisites and Corequisites

It will be an advantage to have studied Civics and Citizenship in Year 10

Link to Study Design

VCE Legal Studies 2024-2028 Study Design

VCE Units 1 & 2 - Philosophy

Overview

VCE Philosophy contains a broad introduction to western philosophy and its methods of inquiry. It explores themes and debates within metaphysics, epistemology (philosophy of knowledge) and value theory, as well as techniques of reasoning and argument drawn from formal and informal logic. It investigates human nature through questions about the relationship between body and mind, and personal identity, leading to an examination of the good life.

Unit 1 – Existence, Knowledge, and Reasoning

What is the nature of reality? How can we acquire certain knowledge? This unit engages students with fundamental philosophical questions through active, guided investigation and critical discussion of two key areas of philosophy: epistemology and metaphysics.

Areas of Study:

1. Metaphysics – Analyse metaphysical problems and evaluate viewpoints and arguments arising from these and identify metaphysical problems in relevant contemporary debates.
2. Epistemology – Analyse problems of knowledge and evaluate viewpoints and arguments arising from these and analyse epistemological problems in the context of relevant contemporary debates.
3. Introduction to philosophical inquiry – Practise some basics of informal logic and other techniques of philosophical reasoning. Explore cognitive biases and consider any implications for approaching problems in epistemology and metaphysics.

Unit 2 – Questions of Value

What are the foundations of our judgments about value? How, if at all, can moral judgments be defended or criticised? This unit enables students to explore these questions in relation to different categories of value judgment (morality, politics, and aesthetics).

Areas of Study:

1. Ethics and moral philosophy – What should I do? What is right? Discovering if there are basic principles and underlying ideas of morality and assessing ethical viewpoints and arguments according to standards of logic and consistency.
2. Further problems in value theory – What is art? What is beauty? Are there such things as human rights? Introduction to some of these questions and the ways in which philosophers have addressed them.
3. Techniques of philosophical inquiry – Develop abilities to analyse and evaluate philosophical viewpoints and arguments using logic. Examine and apply a range of reasoning techniques and consider the role of other factors involved in philosophical thinking such as emotion.

 

Forms of Assessment

Essay, Written Analysis, Short Answer Responses

Prerequisites and Corequisites

There are no prerequisites for entry to VCE Philosophy

Link to Study Design

VCE Philosophy 2019-2024 Study Design

VCE Units 3 & 4 - Accounting

Overview

Units 3 & 4 Accounting students develop their understanding of the accounting processes for a trading business and consider the effect of decisions made on the performance of the business. Students use the double entry system of recording financial data and prepare reports using the accrual basis of accounting and the perpetual method of inventory recording. Both manual methods and ICT are used to record and report.

Unit 3 – Financial accounting for a trading business

This unit focuses on financial accounting for a trading business owned by a sole proprietor and highlights the role of accounting as an information system. Students use the double entry system of recording financial data and preparing reports to develop their understanding of the accounting processes and consider the effect of decisions made on the performance of the business.

Areas of Study

1. Recording and analysing financial data – Use double entry accounting to record data and generate accounting information in the form of accounting reports and graphical representations to assist the owner in making decisions about the operation of the business.
2. Preparing and interpreting accounting reports – The preparation of financial reports at the end of the reporting period that provides information to be used as a basis for planning and decision-making by the business owner.

Unit 4 – Recording, reporting, budgeting and decision-making

Students extend their understanding of the recording and reporting process with the inclusion of balance day adjustments and alternative depreciation methods. They investigate both the role and importance of budgeting in decision-making for a business. They analyse and interpret accounting reports and graphical representations to evaluate the performance of a business.

Areas of Study

1. Extension of recording and reporting – Recording and reporting of financial data in the General Journal and General Ledger by focusing on balance day adjustments and the alternative methods of depreciating for non-current depreciable assets.
2. Budgeting and decision making – Prepare and analyse budgeted accounting reports, both manually and using ICT, and suggest strategies to improve the performance of the business.

Forms of Assessment

• Exercises
• Tests
• End of Year Exam

Prerequisites and Corequisites

It is an advantage to have completed Units 1 & 2 Accounting.

VCE Units 3 & 4 - Business Management

Overview

The study of Business Management leads to opportunities across all facets of the business and management field such as small business owner, project manager or executive manager. Further study can lead to specialisation in areas such as marketing, public relations, human resource management or event management.

Unit 3 – Managing a business

In this unit students explore the key processes and issues concerned with managing a business efficiently and effectively to achieve various business objectives. Students examine the different types of businesses and their respective objectives. They consider corporate culture, management styles, management skills and the relationship between each of these. Students investigate strategies to manage both staff and business operations to meet objectives.

Areas of study:

1. Business Foundations– Introduces students to the key characteristics of businesses and their stakeholders.
2. Human Resource Management – Investigate essential factors such as motivation and training involved in effectively managing employees during their time at a business to ensure the business objectives are achieved.
3. Operations Management – Examine operations management and consider the best and most responsible use of available resources to produce a quality final good or service in a competitive, global environment.

Unit 4 – Transforming a business

In this unit 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; change management and the importance of leadership in change management.

Areas of study:

1. Reviewing performance, the need for change – Understanding of the need for change. Students examine performance indicators to analyse business performance, driving and restraining forces for change and management strategies to position a business for the future.
2. Implementing change – Importance of leadership in change management, how leaders can inspire change and the effect change can have on the stakeholders in a business. Students evaluate business practice against theory, considering how corporate social responsibility can be incorporated into the change process.

Forms of Assessment

Structured questions applying knowledge to a contemporary business case study.

Prerequisites and Corequisites

It is an advantage to have completed Units 1 & 2 Business Management, but not a perquisite to enrol in Units 3 & 4.

Link to Study Design

VCE Business Management 2023-2027 Study Design

VCE Units 3 & 4 - Economics

Overview

Economics examines the role of individuals, businesses, governments, and other organisations in the decision making about the allocation of resources, the production of goods and services and the affect that these decisions may have on material and non-material living standards. Developing students’ understanding of Economics will enable them to appreciate the reasons behind these decisions and the intended and unintended consequences.

Unit 3 – Australia’s living standards

In this unit students investigate the role of the market in allocating resources and examine the factors that affect the price and quantity traded for a range of goods and services. Students develop an understanding of the key measures of efficiency and how market systems might result in efficient outcomes

Areas of Study:

1. An Introduction to Microeconomics: The Market System, Resource Allocation and Government Intervention – Investigate the role of the market in answering the key economic questions of what and how much to produce, how to produce and for whom to produce.
2. Domestic Macroeconomic Goal – Investigate the Australian Government’s domestic macroeconomics goals supporting living standards, including strong and sustainable economic growth, full employment and low and stable inflation (price stability).
3. Australia and the international economy – Examine the reasons for international trade, such as the exchange of goods and services and the movement of savings and investment capital, and how these transactions might affect living standards.

Unit 4 – Managing the economy

This unit focuses on the role of aggregate demand policies in stabilising the business cycle to achieve the domestic macroeconomic goals. Students develop an understanding of how the Australian Government can alter the composition of budgetary outlays and receipts to affect the level of aggregate demand, the achievement of domestic macroeconomic goals and living standards directly and indirectly.

Areas of Study:

1. Aggregate Demand Policies and Domestic Economic Stability – Examine how the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Australian Government can utilise monetary and budgetary policy respectively to affect the level of aggregate demand in the economy.
2. Aggregate Supply Policies – Examine the role of aggregate supply policies in creating a stronger macroeconomic environment so that the domestic macroeconomic goals can be more easily achieved.

 

Forms of Assessment

• Structured Questions
• Multiple Choice Questions
• Case Study Analysis
• Data Analysis

Prerequisites and Corequisites

Studemts are expected to have satisfied the requirements of Units 1 & 2 Economics.

Link to Study Design

VCE Economics 2023-2027 Study Design

VCE Units 3 & 4 - Geography

Overview

VCE Geography enables students to examine natural and human phenomena, how and why they change, their interconnections and the patterns they form across the Earth’s surface. In doing so, they develop a better understanding of their own place in the world and of those in other parts of the world. These skills deepen understanding of places, environments and human interactions.

Unit 3 – Changing the Land

This unit focuses on two investigations of geographical change: change to land cover and change to land use. Natural land cover is altered by many processes such as geomorphological events, plant succession and climate change. People have modified land cover to produce a range of land uses to satisfy needs such as housing, resource provision, communication and recreation.

Areas of Study

1. Land Cover Change– In this area of study students investigate two major processes that are changing land cover: melting glaciers and ice sheets, and deforestation by analysing these processes, explaining their impacts and evaluating responses.
2. Land Use Change – In this area of study students focus on a local area and use appropriate fieldwork techniques and secondary sources to investigate the processes and impacts of land use change.

Unit 4– Human Population: Trends and Issues

This unit investigate the geography of human populations. Students explore the patterns of population change, movement and distribution, and how governments, organisations and individuals have responded to those changes in different parts of the world.

Areas of Study

1. Population Dynamics – In this area of study students undertake an overview of world population distribution and growth before investigating the dynamics of population change over time such as growth and decline in fertility and mortality and population movements.
2. Impact of Tourism: Issues and Challenges – In this area of study students investigate the growing population of one country and the ageing population of another country including the issues and challenges that arise while evaluating the effectiveness of strategies in response to these issues and challenges.

Forms of Assessment

• Fieldwork Report
• Case Studies
• Structured Questions
• Research Report
• Examination

 

Prerequisites and Corequisites

It is an advantage to have completed Unit 1 and 2 Geography.

VCE Units 3 & 4 - Ancient History

Overview

History introduces students to structured inquiry into the human actions, forces and conditions that have shaped the past and present. VCE History enables students to explore a variety of eras and periods, events, people, and ideas. Ancient History investigates individuals and societies, within New Kingdom Egypt and Greece.

Unit 3 – Ancient Egypt (1550-1069 BCE)

Unit 3 investigates the features of life in Egypt during the New Kingdom Period, including the social, political, and economic features of Thebes to 1069 BCE. An examination of the causes and consequences of warfare and its effect on life in Egypt is undertaken. Students construct an argument about the past using historical sources as evidence and evaluate the role of individuals in key events.

Areas of Study:

1. Living in an ancient society – Focuses on the historical significance of the social, political, and economic features of New Kingdom Egypt.
2. People in power, societies in crisis – Focuses on a period of crisis in Egypt, with reference to four key individuals and their role in shaping events.

Unit 4 – Ancient Greece (800-454 BCE)

Unit 4 investigates the features of life in Ancient Greece. Students analyse the social, political, and economic features of Athens and Sparta to 454 BCE. They explore how social features, such as the existence of hierarchies, influenced the experiences of individuals. Students investigate the significance of political institutions and the distribution and expression of power between groups. The significance of the economic features of life, including agriculture, industry and trade will also be studied.

Areas of Study:

1. Living in an ancient society – Focuses on the historical significance of the social, political, and economic features of Greece.
2. People in power, societies in crisis – Focuses on a period of crisis in Greece, with reference to key individuals and their role in shaping events.

Forms of Assessment

• Historical Inquiry
• Source Analysis
• Historical Interpretation
• Essay

Prerequisites and Corequisites

There are no prerequisites for entry to Unit 3 but students must undertake Unit 3 and Unit 4 as a sequence.

Future Directions

This study offers several opportunities for students to develop transferable and employability skills.

Link to Study Design

VCE History 2022-2026 Study Design

VCE Units 3 & 4 - History: Revolutions

Overview

VCE History: Revolutions examines the causes and consequences of conflict and change in the modern era. Students of VCE History: Revolutions develop social, political, economic and cultural understandings of the conditions and features which have helped shape the present. They also explore continuity and change: the world is not as it has always been, and it will be subject to change in the future. In this sense, history is relevant to contemporary issues. It fosters an understanding of human agency and informs decision making in the present.

Unit 3 – The Russian Revolution

Students analyse significant events and evaluate how particular conditions profoundly influenced and contributed to the outbreak of revolution. The Russian Revolution from 1896 to 1927.

Areas of Study:

1. Causes of revolution: The Russian Revolution from 1896 to October 1917 (Coronation of Tsar Nicholas II to the announcement of the Soviet government on 26 October 1917). Students focus on the events and conditions that contributed to the outbreak of revolution.
2. Consequences of revolution: The Russian Revolution from 26 October 1917 to 1927 (Early Sovnarkom decrees to the end of the NEP). Students focus on the challenges the new regime faced in attempting to consolidate its power.

Unit 4 – The Chinese Revolution

Students analyse significant events and evaluate how particular conditions profoundly influenced and contributed to the outbreak of revolution.

Areas of Study:

1. Causes of revolution: The Chinese Revolution from 1912 to 1949 (The founding of the Chinese Republic to the Communist victory in the Civil War in October 1949). Students focus on the events and conditions that contributed to the outbreak of revolution.
2. Consequences of revolution: The Chinese Revolution from October 1949 to 1976 (Proclamation of the People’s Republic of China to the death of Mao 1976). Students focus on the challenges the new regime faced in attempting to consolidate its power.

Forms of Assessment

A combination of:

• a historical inquiry
• an essay
• evaluation of historical sources
• extended responses

Prerequisites and Corequisites

It is an advantage to have completed a Unit 1 &2 Modern History and/or Unit 1 & 2 Ancient History.

Link to Study Design

VCE History 2022-2026 Study Design

VCE Units 3 & 4 – Legal Studies

Overview

VCE Legal Studies enables students to appreciate the institutions and principles that are essential to the Australian legal system. Students develop an understanding of the rule of law, lawmakers, legal institutions, the relationship between the people and the Australian Constitution and how they themselves can affect positive change to laws and the legal system.

Unit 3 – Rights and justice

In this unit, 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.

Areas of Study

1. The Victorian criminal justice system – Students explore the criminal justice system, key personnel, and the use of plea negotiations to determine a criminal case. Students investigate the rights of the accused and of victims and explore the purposes and types of sanctions and sentencing considerations.
2. The Victorian civil justice system – Students consider the factors relevant to commencing a civil claim, examine the institutions and methods used to resolve a civil dispute and explore the purposes and types of remedies.

Unit 4 – The people, the law and reform

In this unit, 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 consider the roles of the individual, the media and law reform bodies in influencing changes to the law, and past and future constitutional reform.

Areas of Study

1. The people and the law-makers – Students discuss the ability of parliament and courts to make law and evaluate how the Australian Constitution acts as a check on parliament in law-making.
2. The people and reform – Students explain the reasons for law reform and constitutional reform, discuss the ability of individuals to change the Australian Constitution and influence a change in the law, and evaluate the ability of law reform bodies to influence a change in the law.

Forms of Assessment

Case Studies, Tests, End of Year Exam

Prerequisites and Corequisites

It is an advantage to have completed Units 1 & 2 Legal Studies

Link to Study Design

VCE Legal Studies 2024-2028 Study Design

VCE Units 3 & 4 - Philosophy

Overview

VCE Philosophy contains a broad introduction to western philosophy and its methods of inquiry. It explores themes and debates within metaphysics, epistemology (philosophy of knowledge) and value theory, as well as techniques of reasoning and argument drawn from formal and informal logic. It investigates human nature through questions about the relationship between body and mind, and personal identity, leading to an examination of the good life.

Unit 3 – Minds, Bodies and Persons

Are human beings more than their bodies? Is there a basis for the belief that an individual remains the same person over time? Students critically compare the viewpoints and arguments put forward in philosophical sources to their own views on these questions and to contemporary debates.

Areas of Study

1. Minds and bodies – Examine concepts relating to the mind and body and analyse, compare, and evaluate arguments concerning the relationship between minds and bodies.
2. Personal Identity – Explore and analyse viewpoints and arguments on personal identity and the implications they have for personal responsibility.

Unit 4 – The Good Life

This unit considers the crucial question of what it is for a human to live well. What is the role of happiness in a life well lived? Is morality central to a good life? In this unit, students explore philosophical texts that have had a significant impact on western ideas about the good life. Students critically compare the viewpoints and arguments in set texts to their views on how we should live.

Areas of Study

1. Conceptions of the good life – Philosophical concepts, debates and perspectives on the nature of the good life through a study of philosophical texts.
2. Living the good life in the twenty-first century – Develop and justify responses to debates on technological development in relation to the good life. Outline arguments made in a variety of sources and critically respond to them. Explore the interplay between the changing conditions of contemporary life and our ability to live a good life.

 

Forms of Assessment

• Essay
• Written Analysis
• Short Answer Responses

Prerequisites and Corequisites

There are no prerequisites for entry to VCE Philosophy. Units 3 & 4 must be taken as a sequence.

Link to Study Design

VCE Philosophy 2019-2024 Study Design