The Children, Family and the Community course provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of the diversity of the Australian society. Recognising this diversity and promoting inclusivity among the individuals, families and groups makes up our society and provides the foundation for a cohesive community. This course examines the factors that impact on the ability of individuals and families to develop skills that enable them to live independently or to care for others.

View Syllabus on School Curriculum and Standards Authority Website

Year 11

Unit 1 – Families and relationships

This unit focuses on family uniqueness. Students examine the role of families and the relationships between individuals, families and their communities. Through an understanding of growth and development, students recognise the characteristics of individuals and families and that development is affected by biological and environmental influences. They identify roles and responsibilities of families and examine their similarities and differences, the issues that arise from family interactions and the influence of attitudes, beliefs and values on the allocation of resources to meet needs and wants. Students make decisions, examine consequences and develop skills to accommodate actions that impact themselves or others. Skills, processes, understandings and knowledge are developed through individual and group experiences. Students design and produce products and services that meet the needs of individuals, families and communities.

Unit 2 – Our community

This unit focuses on families, relationships and living in communities. The influence of biological and environmental factors, lifestyle behaviours and health status on growth and development is studied. Students explore the health of individuals and communities and the protective and preventative strategies that impact on growth and development.

Students examine the roles and responsibilities of particular groups, networks, and services, and the impact of attitudes, beliefs and values on the management of resources. Students engage in shared research practice, communicate information, use decision‐making, goal setting, self‐management and cooperation skills when creating products, services or systems that will assist individuals, families and communities to achieve their needs and wants.

Year 12

Unit 3 – Building on relationships

In this unit, students investigate the principles of development and how these relate to the domains and theories of development. Students examine and evaluate the features of products, services and systems for individuals and families.

They examine the diverse and dynamic nature of families in Australia. They recognise and acknowledge cultural diversity, and inequity and injustice issues. Students develop effective self‐management and interpersonal skills to recognise and enhance personal relationships, enabling them to take active roles in society.

Unit 4 – My place in the community

In this unit, students examine the effect on an individual’s development and wellbeing in a society characterised by rapid change. They explore contemporary Australian issues or trends relating to families and communities at the state and national level and are introduced to a range of advocacy types. Students examine developmental theories and their influence on cognitive development. Students use effective self‐management and interpersonal skills when assessing or developing products, processes, services, systems or environments.