Contemporary society is characterised by rapid social and technological change, cultural diversity, conflicting values, and competitive pressures. Developing understanding about society and living in society requires a comprehensive knowledge of its complex nature. Consequently, community and family studies is an interdisciplinary course drawing upon selected components of family studies, sociology, developmental psychology, and students' general life experiences. This course focuses on skills in resource management that enable people to function effectively in their everyday lives, in families and communities.
As students develop into young adults they are faced by challenges of increasing complexity and there is a range of strong influences on the decisions they make. Schools complement the role of families and other social groups by helping students to make informed decisions and to take responsible action in all aspects of their lives. This includes preparing students for vocational options and acting to enhance the wellbeing of themselves and others. To this end, community and family studies develops students' knowledge, skills, and attitudes relevant to effective decision-making leading to confidence and competence in solving practical problems in the management of everyday living.
The way in which individuals relate to others is a key factor determining their capacity to lead responsible and productive lives both now and in the future. Community and Family Studies provides opportunities for students to explore and form positive attitudes about themselves and others; to develop an understanding of their relationships within their families and other groups; to learn to work cooperatively and to appreciate the importance of effective communication.
Continuum of learning for community and family studies students
Aim
Community and family studies Stage 6 aims to develop in each student an ability to manage resources and take action to support the needs of individuals, groups, families, and communities in Australian society.
Objectives
Students will develop
- Knowledge and understanding about resource management and its role in ensuring individual, group, family and community wellbeing
- Knowledge and understanding about the contribution positive relationships make to an individual, group, family and community wellbeing
- Knowledge and understanding about the influence of a range of societal factors on individuals and the nature of groups, families, and communities
- Knowledge and understanding about research methodology and skills in researching, analysing and communicating
- Skills in the application of management processes to meet the needs of individuals, groups, families, and communities
- Skills in critical thinking and the ability to take responsible action to promote wellbeing
- An appreciation of the diversity and interdependence of individuals, groups, families, and communities.
Content
The community and family studies Stage 6 Syllabus includes two 120-hour courses. The Preliminary course consists of three mandatory modules. The HSC course consists of three core modules representing 75 percent of course time. An options component representing 25 percent of course time includes three modules of which students are to study only one.
Preliminary course modules (100% total)
Resource management
- Basic concepts of resource management. Indicative course time: 20%
Individuals and groups
- The individual's roles, relationships, and tasks within and between groups. indicative course time: 40%
HSC course core modules (75% total)
Research methodology
- Research methodology and skills culminating in the production of an independent research project. Indicative course time: 25%
Groups in context
- The characteristics and needs of specific community groups. Indicative course time: 25%
Parenting and caring
- Issues facing individuals and groups who adopt roles of parenting and caring in contemporary society. Indicative course time: 25%
Families and communities
- Family structures and functions, and the interaction between family and community. Indicative course time: 40%
HSC course option modules (25% total)
Select one of the following options
Family and societal instructions
- Government and community structures that support and protect family members throughout the life span. Indicative course time: 25%
Social impact of technology
- The impact of evolving technologies on individuals and lifestyles. Indicative course time: 25%
Individuals and work
- Contemporary issues confronting individuals as they manage roles within both family and work environments. Indicative course time: 25%
Syllabus
The community and family studies syllabus is provided by the Department of Education and can be downloaded by clicking one of the following links