In Social and Community Work, students explore the ways in which individuals and communities are shaped and operate, and the interventions that can be made to empower individuals and groups. They investigate the nature of wellbeing, social cohesion, and community life. Students examine theories, concepts and ideas from the social sciences and social work and draw upon them to understand how individuals relate to their environment.

Social and Community Work is designed to equip students with the knowledge, understanding, skills and applications to participate in social and community work. They develop a capacity to contribute to the field of social and community work and community volunteering in a contemporary society characterised by rapid change. Students develop an understanding of how individuals and groups might be enabled and empowered, through strength-based, human rights and advocacy approaches. They evaluate and reflect on their current understandings and clarify their perceptions and thinking with an evidence-based approach.

In developing understanding and empathy about society and the lived experiences of different members of a society, students gain a better understanding of their world. The insights provided enable students to engage in community life as well-informed and discerning citizens able to comment on politics and policy from a position of authority.

The skills, knowledge and understanding developed in Social and Community Work provide a strong foundation for further study in social and community work at CIT, TAFE, or university. Undertaking the VET pathway to achieve a Certificate II in Community Services and a Certificate II in Active Volunteering through this course will provide a nationally recognised qualification to work or further study. This supports student access to meaningful and fulfilling employment in a range of growing sectors, such as social work, aged care, and community development. This course will be of interest to students who enjoy working with people and who aspire to work in organisations that empower others.

The Social and Community Work course is written under The HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES FRAMEWORK 2019: BSSS HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES Framework

Achievement Standards for HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES courses can be found within the Framework.

Humanities and Social Sciences is the study of how people process and document the human experience and their place in it. It empowers students to better understand humankind, society and culture and communicate ideas for the future.

Community Organisations

Students examine theories that explain the development and work of community-based organisations in contemporary communities and societies. They investigate how organisations address the needs of the person in their environment. Students critically analyse the discourses, ideas and experiences that underlie the organisations developed to meet these needs. They develop knowledge and skills that will assist them in working in the Community Services sector.

Societies and Communities

Students examine theories that explain the opportunities and challenges faced by contemporary diverse communities and societies, including Australian First Nations Peoples. They critically analyse the lived experience of people, and they identify the discourses that inform policy responses from government and non-government stakeholders, including those with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Students develop knowledge and skills that will assist them in working in the community sector.

Children and Young People

Students examine theories that explain the opportunities and challenges faced by children and young people in contemporary communities and societies. They critically analyse the rights and lived experience of children and young people, and they identify the discourses that inform policy responses to their issues from government and non-government stakeholders. Students develop knowledge and skills that will assist them in working in the children and youth support sector.

Contemporary Ageing

Students examine theories that explain the opportunities and challenges faced by older people in contemporary and diverse communities and societies. They critically analyse the rights and lived experience of older people and identify the discourses that inform policy responses from government and non-government stakeholders. Students develop knowledge and skills that will assist them in working in the aged care sector.

Independent Study

An Independent Study unit has an important place in senior secondary courses. It is a valuable pedagogical approach that empowers students to make decisions about their own learning. An Independent Study unit can be proposed by an individual student for their own independent study and negotiated with their teacher. The program of learning for an Independent Study unit must meet the unit goals and content descriptions as they appear in the course. Students must have studied at least THREE standard 1.0 units from this course. A student can only study a maximum of one Independent study unit in each course. An Independent Study unit requires the principal’s written approval. Independent study units are only available to individual students in Year 12. Principal approval is also required for a student in Year 12 to enrol concurrently in an Independent unit and the third 1.0 unit in a course of study.

Social and Community Work A/T/M/V (807 KB)

Social and Community Work A/T/M/V (312 KB)