Commerce

Commerce is a dynamic and contemporary subject that provides the knowledge and skills that form the foundation on which people make sound decisions on consumer, financial, business, legal and employment issues. Taught in Years 9 and 10 it encourages students to explore how they fit into the broad commercial and legal environment and understand their rights and responsibilities.

The Commerce course at Newington has been developed to reflect the interests and the needs of all students and is continuously revised to meet changes in the commercial environment. Emphasis is given to areas and issues of current importance and interest in Australian society. The subject provides for a range of learning styles to meet the different needs of Newington students, including a program of Gifted Education extension and support for learners with differing needs. Classes make use of information and communication technologies in their development of research and communication skills in both class lessons and in assessment.

Studying Business in Year 8 is not a prerequisite for choosing Year 9 Commerce. They are two separate courses. Students will not be disadvantaged by not having studied Business in Year 8.

Key areas of study:

• Our role as consumers in Australia, the impact of advertising and marketing and the nature of consumer protection
• The skills required to be an entrepreneur, the key functions involved in running a business and an introduction to accounting
• Personal financial management including budgeting, borrowing, insurance and negotiating the financial system
• Promotion and selling – examining how businesses communicate with and promote to their target markets

The Year 9 course promotes the development of analytical and problem-solving skills in students, and takes a structured approach to helping students improve their written communication skills.

Key areas of study:

• The nature of work, types of employment, taxation and legal issues in the workplace
• The methods, risks and returns from investing. This includes participation in the ASX Online Stockmarket game and preparation of a comprehensive investment plan
• An overview of the structure and key issues affecting the Australian economy, including inflation, unemployment, economic growth, interest rates and exchange rates
• The role and function of law in Australian society
• An analysis of the effect of globalisation on the commercial environment

Commerce is assessed in Years 9 and 10 through a variety of different techniques including group work, presentations, problem-solving activities, independent research and formal examinations. Additionally, Commerce provides a valuable grounding for the study of Economics and/or Business Studies for the Higher School Certificate, or Economics for the IB although it is not a prerequisite for either.