Quakers Hill High School

A caring educational community shaping a positive future

Telephone02 9837 1533

Emailquakershil-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Community and family studies

Commuity and family studies (CAFS) encompasses the nature of exploring current life issues that are important to all young people and of equal relevance to female and male students. Students will develop an understanding about society and living in society requires a comprehensive knowledge of its complex nature.

Students who want to develop their ability to manage resources and take action to support the needs of individuals, groups, families and communities in Australian society should select CAFS in Stage 6.

Learning CAFS

Community and family studies will develop skills to function in your everyday life, and develop the knowledge and management skills to effectively make decisions to solve problems in the community. These include individual and community based problems.

In cafs, we look at the basic concepts of resource management and individuals roles and responsibilities within groups. In the HSC course, you may study some of the following modules;

Students who are good at or enjoy extended writing general excel in cafs. In year 12, students are required to complete an independent research project. the Independent research project (IRP) requires students to apply appropriate research methodologies to a topic of their choice, to communicate ideas, debate issues, and justify opinions. This is a detailed and sizable project which requires time management and planning skills.

Board Developed Course

Course number(s):

  • 11060 Community and Family Studies (2 units – Preliminary)
  • 15060 Community and Family Studies (2 units – HSC)

Prerequisites: Nil

Eligibility: Nil

Study via self-tuition: No

Exclusions:

  • 16697 Community and Family Studies Life Skills (2 units – Preliminary)
  • 16697 Community and Family Studies Life Skills (2 units – HSC)

Course description

Community and Family Studies Stage 6 syllabus is designed to develop in each student an understanding of the diverse nature and interdependence of families and communities within Australian society. The course enables students to plan and manage resources effectively in order to address contemporary issues facing families and communities.

What students learn

Through the study of the Community and Family Studies course, students learn to develop:

  • knowledge and understanding about resource management and its role in ensuring individual, group, family and community wellbeing
  • knowledge and understanding about the contribution positive relationships make to individual, group, family and community wellbeing
  • knowledge and understanding about the influence of a range of societal factors on individuals and the nature of groups, families and communities
  • knowledge and understanding about research methodology and skills in researching, analysing and communicating
  • skills in the application of management processes to meet the needs of individuals, groups, families and communities
  • skills in critical thinking and the ability to take responsible action to promote wellbeing
  • an appreciation of the diversity and interdependence of individuals, groups, families and communities.

Preliminary course

  • Resource Management (20%): Basic concepts of the resource-management process
  • Individuals and Groups (40%): The individual's roles, relationships and tasks within and between groups
  • Families and Communities (40%): Family structures and functions, and the interaction between family and community

HSC course

  • Research Methodology (25%): Research methodology and skills culminating in the production of an Independent Research Project
  • Groups in Context (25%): The characteristics and needs of specific community groups
  • Parenting and Caring (25%): Issues facing individuals and groups who adopt roles of parenting and caring in contemporary society

HSC modules

Select ONE of the following:

  • Family and Societal Interactions (25%): Government and community structures that support and protect family members throughout their lifespan
  • Social Impact of Technology (25%): The impact of evolving technologies on individuals and lifestyle
  • Individuals and Work (25%): Contemporary issues confronting individuals as they manage roles within both their family and work environments

Course requirements

The Preliminary course consists of three mandatory modules and the indicative course time allocated to their study.

The HSC course consists of three mandatory modules representing 75 per cent of course time. An options component representing 25 per cent of course time includes three modules of which students are to study only one.

Students are required to complete an Independent Research Project (IRP) in the context of the HSC core module – Research Methodology – and forms part of the HSC internal assessment. The focus of the IRP should be related to the course content of one or more of the following areas: individuals, groups, families, communities, resource management.