It also encourages students to understand the values that strengthen Australian society: which Is one of the goals of Civics and Citizenship education. In Victoria, Civics and Citizenship crosses the curriculum from prep to year 10 and is linked to the eight key learning areas. It has a particular focus in JOSE disciplines such as history, geography, economy and society, commerce, legal studies and political studies. It covers Important values “ Including tolerance and mutual respect, and a knowledge of the development and functioning of Australia’s political, legal, electoral and judicial systems” (SF). The JOSE component of the SF makes a firm commitment to the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to develop informed Australian citizens” (Discovering Democracy). In years 7 to 10 the SF outline for JOSE comprises the strands of History, Geography and also Economy and society, which Is what the schools Commerce subject is based on. “ The Economy and society strand introduces students to the structure and management of the economy and its resources, the world of work and business, and Australia’s political and legal systems.
It promotes the development of enterprise skills and attributes, and draws on past and contemporary Issues and a range of perspectives. Particularly those related to the future and technology” (SF). The major concepts developed in the Economy and society strand include: Civics and social organization, Citizenship, Economic management and decision-making, Employment, Enterprise, Business and financial organization and Globalization. Sound decisions on financial, business, legal and employment issues because it provides practical knowledge, skills, understanding and values.
Having knowledge about these concepts and how to apply them is beneficial for young adults to learn early. “ With changing times, the need to give young people a grip on money management has increased… More than a third of school students work, and two- thirds of 15 to 19-year-olds earn up to $200 a week. Not all know how to handle that income” (Russell, 2004; Age). Commerce provides students with “ an understanding of the relationships between consumers, businesses and governments in the overall economy” (Board of Studies, NEWS, 2003).
These are issues that they may not serially think about, even though they already earning and spending money. The schools Commerce subject also aims to create awareness of the values and attitudes associated with being a responsible citizen. It encourages them to “ value and appreciate ethical and socially responsible behavior in relation to personal decision-making, business practices, employment and legal issues” (Board of Studies, NEWS, 2003).
It also informs students of the “ fundamental rights, rules and laws that promote fairness, Justice and equity in our society through responsible and active thespians” (Board of Students, NEWS, 2003). The nature of the subject also teaches students essential life skills such as problem solving, decision-making, critical thinking, reflective learning and the opportunity to participate in the community. These skills are not only valuable in the outside world but can be beneficial in improving students’ comprehension of other key learning areas, for example mathematics.
The concepts taught and the perceptive nature of Commerce allows students to apply their knowledge gained from mathematics in a practical sense. It an help students in understanding the need for mathematics by engaging them with ‘ real-life’- scenarios, such as accounting and financial literacy. I believe Commerce teaching in education is highly beneficial to students, especially as they are getting closer to entering the ‘ real world’.
Studying Commerce provides students with the opportunity to engage in the learning process and encourages them to analyses current events and issues. Through their investigation, students are challenged to form their own opinions and develop the capacity to think critically about the world they live in. Points I would emphasis to the son: “ It’s important that young people know how the legal and political structures work because it’s a form of empowerment” (Cook, 2002; Age).
Commerce studies allows young adults to learn about the world they live in and how to make sense of it. It helps students to make informed decisions about issues that which means teenagers are already having to make decisions regarding money and employment issues. The topics taught and discussed in Commerce subjects, allow students to evaluate and make well-informed decisions which affect their future. Commerce subjects are fun; students can engage in the curriculum because the topics are about ‘ real-life’, things that are happening currently in their world.
