Year 9 Subject Guide 2020

STUDIES IN COMMERCE Subject Summary: This elective is suitable to students who would like to gain a broad understanding of their role as citizens, as consumers, as workers and as creative participants in the community. The course is divided into a series of units which offer preparatory studies towards Year 10 Economics and Legal Studies, and then into Year 11 and 12 Economics and Legal Studies. The aim of the course is to introduce students to life skills that are unlikely to be presented in other subjects, with a particular focus on economic and legal issues. There is a strong emphasis on current issues, including local, national and global. Students will be offered opportunities to visit the local courts as part of their study. They will be encouraged to become involved in the ASX Sharemarket Game over the two years of the course. Assessment Outline: The assessment used in this subject includes: • A research assignment based on a visit to the Southport Courthouse • A research assignment on employment law and the rights and responsibilities of employees in the workplace • A Semester 1 and 2 examination. The criteria for assessment are • Criterion A: Knowing and Understanding, • Criterion B: Investigating, Subject Outline by Semester: YEAR 9 - SEMESTER ONE TOPICS: • How is Australia governed and how do citizens influence change? The nature and structure of government is examined as well as political decision making, political Students consider the legal framework within Australia, both criminal and civil. Rights and responsibilities, the resolution of legal disputes and current legal issued are investigated. YEAR 9 - SEMESTER TWO TOPICS: • What are our options, rights and responsibilities in the work environment? Students are introduced to the role of different groups in the workplace, employment relations, taxation and superannuation. • What is the best way to manage my personal finances and investments for the future? The unit allows students to examine the consequences of spending and saving, the options for borrowing and effective credit control. Students also investigate the options for investment for the future. parties, the democratic process and political interest groups. • How do laws regulate individuals and groups in society? • Criterion C: Communicating and • Criterion D: Thinking Critically

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