VCE Humanities and Business Studies subjects taught at Thomastown Secondary College include Accounting, Business Management, Global Politics and Legal Studies.
Accounting:
Accounting is the process of recording, reporting, analysing and interpreting financial data and accounting information which is then communicated to internal and external users of this information. It plays an integral role in the successful operation and management of businesses. VCE Accounting focuses on small business. Unit 1 begins with a small service business, allowing students to develop knowledge and skills in accounting without the complexities of accounting for trading businesses or large organisations. Units 2, 3 and 4 then focus on a single activity trading business where students build on and extend their accounting skills. Many students who study VCE Accounting will go on to further studies and careers in business and finance.
This study enables students to:
- acquire knowledge and skills to record financial data and report accounting information in a manner that is appropriate for the needs of the user
- develop an understanding of the role of accounting in the management and operation of a small business
- develop skills in the use of information and communications technology in an accounting system
- develop the capacity to identify, analyse and interpret financial data and accounting information
- use financial and non-financial information to improve the decision-making processes of a small business owner.
Business Management
In studying VCE Business Management, students develop knowledge and skills that enhance their confidence and ability to participate effectively as socially responsible and ethical members, managers and leaders of the business community, and as informed citizens, consumers and investors. The study of Business Management leads to opportunities across all facets of the business and management field such as small business owner, project manager, human resource manager, operations manager or executive manager. Further study can lead to specialisation in areas such as marketing, public relations and event management.
This study enables students to:
- understand and apply business concepts, principles and terminology
- understand the complex and changing environments within which businesses operate
- understand the relationships that exist between a business and its stakeholders
- recognise the contribution and significance of business within local, national and global markets
- analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of management strategies in different contexts
- propose strategies to solve business problems and take advantage of business opportunities.
Global Politics
Australian and Global Politics offers students the opportunity to understand key political, social and economic issues, and to become informed citizens and participants in their local, national and international communities. Global Politics increases awareness of the nature of power and its influence. It allows students to become informed observers of, and active participants in, their political system. As students begin to think critically, they recognise that democratic ideals are often difficult to achieve in practice.
This study enables students to:
- understand and use fundamental political concepts
- understand the nature of contemporary politics and power in national and global contexts
- critically examine the characteristics and features of Australian democracy
- analyse factors which shape the formulation and implementation of domestic and foreign policy
- analyse global issues and challenges and the key factors which influence these
- evaluate the effectiveness of responses to global crises
- develop skills of logical and rational analysis, synthesis and argument.
Legal Studies
In contemporary Australian society there are a range of complex laws that exist to protect the rights of individuals and to achieve social cohesion. These laws are made by bodies such as parliament and the courts and are upheld by a number of institutions and processes within the legal system. Members of society interact with the laws and the legal system in many aspects of their lives and can influence law makers. The study of VCE Legal Studies enables students to become active and informed citizens by providing them with valuable insights into their relationship with the law and the legal system. They develop knowledge and skills that enhance their confidence and ability to access and participate in the legal system. Students come to appreciate how legal systems and processes aim to achieve social cohesion, and how they themselves can create positive changes to laws and the legal system. VCE Legal Studies equips students with the ability to research and analyse legal information and apply legal reasoning and decision-making skills, and fosters critical thinking to solve legal problems. Further study in the legal field can lead to a broad range of career opportunities such as lawyer, paralegal, legal secretary and careers in the courtroom.
This study enables students to:
- understand and apply legal terminology, principles and concepts
- apply legal principles to actual and/or hypothetical scenarios, explore solutions to legal problems, and form reasoned conclusions
- analyse the institutions that make laws and understand the way in which individuals can engage in and influence law reform
- understand legal rights and responsibilities, and the effectiveness of the protection of rights in Australia
- analyse the methods and institutions that determine criminal cases and resolve civil disputes
- propose and analyse reforms to the legal system to enable the principles of justice to be achieved