"Students learn about the diversity of Aboriginal Peoples’ identities, cultures and communities, which are interconnected with Country and spirituality. They learn about the dynamic nature of cultural expression, and the maintenance of Aboriginal identities and cultures. They also develop understanding of the importance of self-determination and autonomy for the ongoing contribution and success of Aboriginal Peoples and communities. Students study historical and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal Peoples, factors that influence non-Aboriginal peoples’ perceptions of Aboriginal Peoples and cultures, and the effects of these perceptions. They learn about the range of interactions and relationships between Aboriginal Peoples and non-Aboriginal people, and the continued roles of Aboriginal Peoples and communities locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
Students develop understanding of community consultation protocols that enable them to engage respectfully and responsibly with their local Aboriginal community and other Aboriginal communities. They learn about the importance of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), and ethical research practices to gather, protect and interpret data. In their research, students develop skills in the use of a range of research techniques and technologies to locate, select, organise and communicate information and findings.
Through their study of core and option topics, case studies and research, students develop knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes that are of value to their personal, social, cultural, academic and professional development, and enable them to become active and informed advocates for a just and inclusive world" (NESA,2021).
"Commerce enables young people to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes that form the foundation on which they can make sound decisions about consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, political and employment issues. It develops in students the ability to research information, apply problem-solving strategies and evaluate options in order to make informed and responsible decisions as individuals and as part of the community" (NESA,2021).
"Students learn how to undertake geographical inquiry and fieldwork to build and extend knowledge and understanding about people, places and environments. They propose explanations for significant patterns, trends, relationships and anomalies in geographical phenomena. Students learn to apply geographical concepts including place, space, environment, interconnection, scale, sustainability and change to identify questions and guide their investigations.
The study of Geography also provides opportunities for students to learn to use a wide range of geographical tools including maps, fieldwork, graphs and statistics, spatial technologies and visual representations" (NESA, 2021).
"Geography Elective enables students to learn about the geographical processes that form and transform environments and communities. Contemporary geographical issues and events are explored, including the roles and responsibilities of individuals, groups and governments. Through geographical inquiry, students develop knowledge and understanding to become informed, responsible and active citizens.
Students have the opportunity to further their geographical understanding through investigation of the concepts of place, space, environment, interconnection, scale, sustainability and change. They engage with the geographical tools of maps, fieldwork, graphs and statistics, spatial technologies, and visual representations, in order to acquire, process and communicate geographical information" (NESA, 2021).
"Students learn to apply the skills of investigating history, including analysing sources and evidence and sequencing major historical events to show an understanding of historical concepts including change and continuity, causation, contestability and significance. Students develop research and communication skills, and examine different perspectives to develop an empathetic understanding of a wide variety of viewpoints. Students also learn to construct logical historical arguments supported by relevant evidence and to communicate effectively about the past for different audiences and different purposes" (NESA, 2021).
"Students explore the nature of history, heritage and archaeology and the methods that historians use to construct history through a range of thematic and historical studies. The construction of history is examined through options such as oral history, museum or archive studies, historical fiction, media, biography or film. Historical issues studied include the collection, display and reconstruction of the past, ethical issues of ownership, preservation and conservation of the past. Features of a range of ancient, medieval and modern societies are explored and students have the opportunity to study historical themes such as war and peace, crime and punishment, music through history, slavery and gender in history.
Students undertake processes of historical inquiry, including understanding and analysing sources and sequencing major historical events to show an understanding of continuity, change and causation. Students develop an understanding of historical concepts such as empathetic understanding, significance and contestability. They apply research and communication skills, including the use of ICT, and examine different perspectives and interpretations to develop an understanding of a wide variety of viewpoints. Students are provided with opportunities to construct a logical historical argument supported by relevant evidence and to communicate effectively about the past for different audiences" (NESA,2021).
"The Preliminary course focuses on Aboriginal Peoples' relationship to the Land, Aboriginal heritage and identity, and an historical examination of colonialism, racism and prejudice from pre-contact times to the 1960s. The course also includes the development of skills in culturally appropriate research and inquiry methods. It involves case studies.
The HSC course provides for in-depth study of legislation, policy, judicial processes and current events from the 1960s. During the course, students undertake consultation with Aboriginal communities and study the course through the experiences of national and international Indigenous communities. Students apply research and inquiry methods through the completion of a major project" (NESA, 2021).
"The Year 11 course provides students with opportunities to develop and apply their understanding of methods and issues involved in the investigation of the ancient past. Students have the opportunity to engage in the study of a range of features, people, places, events and developments of the ancient world.
The Year 12 course provides students with opportunities to apply their understanding of archaeological and written sources and relevant issues in the investigation of the ancient past. Through a core study, students investigate the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and explore issues relating to reconstruction and conservation of the past. They also study the key features and sources of an ancient society, personality and historical period" (NESA,2021).
"Business activity is a feature of everyone's life. The Business Studies syllabus encompasses the theoretical and practical aspects of business in ways students encounter throughout their lives. It offers learning from the planning of a small business to the management of operations, marketing, finance and human resource in large businesses.
Contemporary business issues and case studies are embedded in the course to provide a stimulating and relevant framework for students to apply to problems encountered in the business environment. Business Studies fosters intellectual, social and moral development by assisting students to think critically about the role of business and its ethical responsibilities to society" (NESA, 2021).
"Economics provides understanding for students about many aspects of the economy and its operation that are frequently reported in the media. It investigates issues such as why unemployment or inflation rates change and how these changes affect individuals in society. Economics develops students' knowledge and understanding of the operation of the global and Australian economy. It develops the analytical, problem-solving and communication skills of students. There is a strong emphasis on the problems and issues in a contemporary Australian economic context within the course" (NESA, 2021).
"The Preliminary course investigates biophysical and human geography and develops students' knowledge and understanding about the spatial and ecological dimensions of geography. Enquiry methodologies are used to investigate the unique characteristics of our world through fieldwork, geographical skills and the study of contemporary geographical issues.
The HSC course enables students to appreciate geographical perspectives about the contemporary world. There are specific studies about biophysical and human processes, interactions and trends. Fieldwork and a variety of case studies combine with an assessment of the geographers' contribution to understanding our environment and demonstrates the relevance of geographical study" (NESA,2021).
"History Extension provides students with opportunities to examine the way history is constructed and the role of historians. Students investigate the nature of history and changing approaches to its construction through sampling the works of various writers, historians and others involved in the practice of history. Students apply their understanding to undertake an individual investigative project, focusing on an area of changing historical interpretation" (NESA,2021).
"The Preliminary course develops students' knowledge and understanding of the nature and functions of law and law-making, the development of Australian and international legal systems, the Australian constitution and law reform. It examines an individual's rights and responsibilities, how disputes are resolved and examines a contemporary issue concerning the individual and technology. Students have the opportunity to investigate issues that illustrate how the law operates in practice. This is achieved by investigating, analysing and synthesising legal information and investigating legal issues from a variety of perspectives.
The HSC course investigates the key areas of law, justice and human rights through a variety of focus studies, which consider how changes in societies influence law reform" (NESA, 2021).
"The Year 11 course provides students with opportunities to develop and apply their understanding of methods and issues involved in the investigation of modern history. Students have the opportunity to engage in the study of a range of people, ideas, movements, events and developments that have shaped the modern world.
The Year 12 course provides students with opportunities to apply their understanding of sources and relevant issues in the investigation of the modern world. Through a core study, students investigate the nature of power and authority from 1919 to 1946. They also study key features in the history of one nation, one study in peace and conflict, and one study of change in the modern world" (NESA,2021).
"Society and Culture develops social and cultural literacy and a clear understanding of the interactions of persons, society, culture, environment and time, and how these shape human behaviour. The course draws on cross-disciplinary concepts and social research methods, and students undertake research in an area of particular interest to them. The research findings are presented for external assessment in the Personal Interest Project (PIP)"(NESA, 2021).