COURSE DESCRIPTION
Commerce is a NSW BOS elective course that can be studied for 100 or 200 hours at any time during Years 7–10. At Westfields Sports Commerce is only offered as an elective 200 hour course over Year 9 and 10.
Commerce provides the knowledge, skills, understanding and values that form the foundation on which young people make sound decisions on consumer, financial, business, legal and employment issues. It develops in students an understanding of commercial and legal processes and competencies for personal financial management. Through the study of Commerce students develop financial literacy which enables them to participate in the financial system in an informed way.
TOPICS COVERED
Stage 5 Commerce includes nine topics (four core and five options):
- Consumer Choice (core)
- Personal Finance (core)
- Promoting and Selling (option)
- Running a Business (option)
- Law and Society (core)
- Employment Issues (core)
- Political Involvement (option)
- Towards Independence (option)
- Travel (option)
WHAT WILL STUDENTS LEARN TO DO?
Student learning in Commerce will promote critical thinking and the opportunity to participate in the community. Students learn to identify, research and evaluate options when making decisions on how to solve consumer problems and issues that confront consumers. They will develop research and communication skills, including the use of ICT, that build on the skills they have developed in their mandatory courses.
ASSESSMENT SCHEDULES AND SCOPE
See the 2017 Assessment Schedule for the Year 9 Commerce Course:
9 Commerce Schedule (docx 54 KB)
See the 2017 Assessment Schedule for the Year 10 Commerce Course:
10 Commerce Schedule (docx 90 KB)
EXCURSIONS/INCURSIONS
In the past students have visited the NSW Parliament House, the NSW Crime & Justice Museum, The Downing Centre Local Courts and businesses such as Luna Park. Police visits to the school are also arranged providing students an opportunity to find out more about the criminal legal system.
WHAT GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN COMMERCE?
- Students compete in the state-wide MoneyStuff competition run by the Department of Fair Trading. In 2010, four students from Westfields Sports High were the state champions of this competition winning $200 each.
- Students participate in the ASX share trading game, where they are able to invest a hypothetical $50 000.
- Students create their own political party.
- Students create their own commercial.
- Students plan their ultimate holiday.
- Students participate in a variety of different debates and team activities.