Acting Head of Department - Kirsty Caterson - kcate1@eq.edu.auBusiness
Business is multifaceted. It is a contemporary discipline with representation in every aspect of society including individuals, community and government. Business, as a dynamic and evolving discipline, is responsive to environmental changes such as emerging technologies, globalisation, sustainability, resources, economy and society.
The study of business is relevant to all individuals in a rapidly changing, technology-focused and innovation-driven world. Through studying Business, students are challenged academically and exposed to authentic practices. The knowledge and skills developed in Business will allow students to contribute meaningfully to society, the workforce and the marketplace and prepare them as potential employees, employers, leaders, managers and entrepreneurs of the future.
Students investigate the business life cycle from the seed to post-maturity stage and develop skills in examining business data and information. Students learn business concepts, theories and strategies relevant to leadership, management and entrepreneurship. A range of business environments and situations is explored. Through this exploration, students investigate the influence of and implications for strategic development in the functional areas of finance, human resources, marketing and operations.
Business allows students to engage with the dynamic business world (in both national and global contexts), the changing workforce and emerging digital technologies. It addresses contemporary implications, giving students a competitive edge in the workplace as socially responsible and ethical members of the business community, and as informed citizens, employees, consumers and investors.
English
English focuses on the study of both literary texts and non-literary texts, developing students as independent, innovative and creative learners and thinkers who appreciate the aesthetic use of language, analyse perspectives and evidence, and challenge ideas and interpretations through the analysis and creation of varied texts.
Students have opportunities to engage with language and texts through a range of teaching and learning experiences to foster:
- skills to communicate effectively in Standard Australian English for the purposes of responding to and creating literary and non-literary texts
- skills to make choices about generic structures, language, textual features and technologies for participating actively in literary analysis and the creation of texts in a range of modes, mediums and forms, for a variety of purposes and audiences
- enjoyment and appreciation of literary and non-literary texts, the aesthetic use of language, and style
- creative thinking and imagination, by exploring how literary and non-literary texts shape perceptions of the world and enable us to enter the worlds of others
- critical exploration of ways in which literary and non-literary texts may reflect or challenge social and cultural ways of thinking and influence audiences
- empathy for others and appreciation of different perspectives through studying a range of literary and non-literary texts from diverse cultures and periods, including Australian texts by Aboriginal writers and/or Torres Strait Islander writers.
Geography
Geography students engage in a range of learning experiences that develop their geographical skills and thinking through the exploration of geographical challenges and their effects on people, places and the environment. Students are exposed to a variety of contemporary problems and challenges affecting people and places across the globe, at a range of scales. These challenges include responding to risk in hazard zones, planning sustainable places, managing land cover transformations and planning for population change.
This course of study enables students to appreciate and promote a more sustainable way of life. Through analysing and applying geographical knowledge, students develop an understanding of the complexities involved in sustainable planning and management practices. Geography aims to encourage students to become informed and adaptable, so they develop the skills required to interpret global concerns and make genuine and creative contributions to society. It contributes to their development as global citizens who recognise the challenges of sustainability and the implications for their own and others’ lives.
Japanese
The need to communicate is the foundation for all language development. People use language to achieve their personal communicative needs — to express, exchange, interpret and negotiate meaning, and to understand the world around them. The central goal for additional language acquisition is communication. Students do not simply learn a language — they participate in a range of interactions in which they exchange meaning and become active participants in understanding and constructing written, spoken and visual texts.
Additional language acquisition provides students with opportunities to reflect on their understanding of a language and the communities that use it, while also assisting in the effective negotiation of experiences and meaning across cultures and languages. Communicating with people from Japanese-speaking communities provides insight into the purpose and nature of language and promotes greater sensitivity to, and understanding of, linguistic structures, including the linguistic structures of English. As students develop the ability to explore cultural diversity and similarities between another language and their own, this engagement with other languages and cultures fosters intercultural understanding.
The ability to communicate in an additional language such as Japanese is an important 21st century skill. Students develop knowledge, understanding and skills that enable successful participation in a global society. Communication in an additional language expands students’ horizons and opportunities as national and global citizens.
Legal Studies
Legal Studies focuses on the interaction between society and the discipline of law. Students study the legal system and how it regulates activities and aims to protect the rights of individuals, while balancing these with obligations and responsibilities. An understanding of legal processes and concepts enables citizens to be better informed and able to constructively question and contribute to the improvement of laws and legal processes. This is important as the law is dynamic and evolving, based on values, customs and norms that are challenged by technology, society and global influences.
Legal Studies explores the role and development of law in response to current issues. The subject starts with the foundations of law and explores the criminal justice process through to punishment and sentencing. Students then study the civil justice system, focusing on contract law and negligence. With increasing complexity, students critically examine issues of governance that are the foundation of the Australian and Queensland legal systems, before they explore contemporary issues of law reform and change. The study finishes with considering Australian and international human rights issues. Throughout the course, students analyse issues and evaluate how the rule of law, justice and equity can be achieved in contemporary contexts.
Modern History
Modern History is a discipline-based subject where students examine traces of humanity’s recent past so they may form their own views about the Modern World since 1750. Through Modern History, students’ curiosity and imagination is invigorated while their appreciation of civilisation is broadened and deepened. Students consider different perspectives and learn that interpretations and explanations of events and developments in the past are contestable and tentative. Modern History distinguishes itself from other subjects by enabling students to empathise with others and make meaningful connections between what existed previously, and the world being lived in today - all of which may help build a better tomorrow.
Modern History has two main aims. First, Modern History seeks to have students gain historical knowledge and understanding about some of the main forces that have contributed to the development of the Modern World. Second, Modern History aims to have students engage in historical thinking and form a historical consciousness in relation to these same forces.
Business Studies
Business Studies provides opportunities for students to develop practical business knowledge and skills for use, participation and work in a range of business contexts. Exciting and challenging career opportunities exist in a range of business contexts.
A course of study in Business Studies focuses on business essentials and communication skills delivered through business contexts. Students explore business concepts and develop business practices to produce solutions to business situations.
Business practices provide the foundation of an organisation to enable it to operate and connect with its customers, stakeholders and community. The business practices explored in this course of study could include working in administration, working in finance, working with customers, working in marketing, working in events, and entrepreneurship.
In a course of study, students develop their business knowledge and understanding through applying business practices in business contexts, such as retail, health services, entertainment, tourism, travel and mining. Schools may offer a range of situations and experiences to engage in authentic learning experiences through connections within the school, local community or organisations, businesses and professionals outside of the school. These situations and experiences provide students with opportunities to develop skills important in the workplace to successfully participate in future employment.
Students develop effective decision-making skills and learn how to plan, implement and evaluate business practices, solutions and outcomes, resulting in improved literacy, numeracy and 21st century skills. They examine business information and apply their knowledge and skills related to business situations. The knowledge and skills developed in Business Studies enables students to participate effectively in the business world and as citizens dealing with issues emanating from business activities.
Essential English
Essential English develops and refines students’ understanding of language, literature and literacy to enable them to interact confidently and effectively with others in everyday, community and social contexts. The subject encourages students to recognise language and texts as relevant in their lives now and in the future and enables them to understand, accept or challenge the values and attitudes in these texts.
Students have opportunities to engage with language and texts through a range of teaching and learning experiences to foster.
Social and Community Studies
Social and Community Studies fosters personal and social knowledge and skills that lead to self-management and concern for others in the broader community. It empowers students to think critically, creatively and constructively about their future role in society.
Knowledge and skills to enhance personal development and social relationships provide the foundation of the subject. Personal development incorporates concepts and skills related to self-awareness and self-management, including understanding personal characteristics, behaviours and values; recognising perspectives; analysing personal traits and abilities; and using strategies to develop and maintain wellbeing.
The focus on social relationships includes concepts and skills to assist students engage in constructive interpersonal relationships, as well as participate effectively as members of society, locally, nationally or internationally.
Students engage with this foundational knowledge and skills through a variety of topics that focus on lifestyle choices, personal finance, health, employment, technology, the arts, and Australia’s place in the world, among others. In collaborative learning environments, students use an inquiry approach to investigate the dynamics of society and the benefits of working thoughtfully with others in the community, providing them with the knowledge and skills to establish positive relationships and networks, and to be active and informed citizens.
Social & Community Studies encourages students to explore and refine personal values and lifestyle choices. In partnership with families, the school community and the community beyond school, including virtual communities, schools may offer a range of contexts and experiences that provide students with opportunities to practise, develop and value social, community and workplace participation skills.
Tourism
Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries and one of Australia’s most important industries, contributing to gross domestic product and employment.
The term ‘tourism industry’ describes the complex and diverse businesses and associated activities that provide goods and services to tourists who may be engaging in travel for a range of reasons, including leisure and recreation, work, health and wellbeing, and family.
This subject is designed to give students opportunities to develop a variety of intellectual, technical, creative, operational and workplace skills. It enables students to gain an appreciation of the role of the tourism industry and the structure, scope and operation of the related tourism sectors of travel, hospitality and visitor services.
In Tourism, students examine the sociocultural, environmental and economic aspects of tourism, as well as opportunities and challenges across global, national and local contexts. Tourism provides opportunities for Queensland students to develop understandings that are geographically and culturally significant to them by, for example, investigating tourism activities related to local Aboriginal communities and Torres Strait Islander communities and tourism in their own communities.
The core of Tourism focuses on the practices and approaches of tourism and tourism as an industry; the social, environmental, cultural and economic impacts of tourism; client groups and their needs and wants, and sustainable approaches in tourism. The core learning is embedded in each unit. The objectives allow students to develop and apply tourism-related knowledge through learning experiences and assessment in which they plan projects, analyse challenges and opportunities, make decisions, and reflect on processes and outcomes.