Course information
Social and Community Work provides students with an introduction to, and awareness of, the many community services available. It offers practical experience in the areas of childcare, aged care, disability and youth work through work placements, excursions and guest speakers. The simulated baby activity is a popular component of this course as students experience virtual parenting and caring skills. This is a great opportunity to develop important skills for life and the workplace, become a volunteer, and prepare for a career in the community services and health sectors.
Students who enrol in this course should be aware that the course includes discussion of sensitive topics such as child abuse, mandatory reporting, teenage issues and managing difficult relationships.
Students may enrol in Social and Community Work without any prior knowledge or experience (although it would be desirable.)
ASBAs (Australian School Based Apprenticeships) e.g. childcare, aged care and disability are available in this course of study.
Post-school pathways
Do you enjoy or are you good at Social and Behavioural Sciences? (pdf, 110kb)
Workload expectation
Social and Behavioural Science subjects require regular and consistent revision of course content as well as detailed planning and research for assessment tasks outside of class time in order to receive outstanding results. There is a high level of reading and written literacy embedded throughout all units of study. The nature of the course requires students to regularly participate in small group and class discussions.
Course pattern
Available as a Minor or Major
Suggested Minor course
Semester | Unit |
|---|---|
1 | Community Organisations |
2 | Children and Young People |
Suggested Major course
Semester | Unit |
|---|---|
1 | Community Organisations |
2 | Children and Young People |
3 | Contemporary Ageing |
4 | Societies and Communities |
Unit descriptions
Community Organisations
This unit provides an overview of the many community service agencies available in the community. Students begin to undertake study in areas to prepare them for possible future work. These areas include OH&S, legislation, working with others, communicating with people, accessing the services of the organisation and preparing for work in the community services sector. An important aspect of this course will be examining the valuable role volunteers play in the community services sector and in the wider community. Where possible, students will be encouraged to undertake a voluntary role in order to gain practical experience in this area.
Children and Young People
This unit provides students with the opportunity to study each stage of child and adolescent development. Students will use the knowledge they gained during the first semester and apply this knowledge to the area of child care and youth work. Students will have the opportunity to borrow one of the simulated babies to experience looking after a young baby. This unit also allows students to examine current issues facing young people and learn about relevant youth services.
Contemporary Ageing
This unit provides students with the opportunity to apply their understanding of the physical and psychosocial aspects of ageing. The unit focuses on the concept of positive ageing and combating ageism. Important topics include the rights, needs and interests of older people and the need to deliver quality services for older people. Students will explore the challenges of caring for clients with dementia. They will also have the opportunity to apply practical skills such as assisting with personal care and using aids such as wheelchairs.
Societies and Communities
Students examine theories that explain the opportunities and challenges faced by contemporary diverse communities and societies, including Australian First Nations Peoples, people with disabilities, refugees, gender-diverse communities and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Students will learn to apply the skills and values for working with diverse people and communities, for example, interpersonal, intrapersonal, organisational and communication skills. Students will have the opportunity to explore an area of interest in greater depth through individual or group projects.