Humanities

Humanities develops subject knowledge and practical skills that connect with further study, training and work.

Humanities Pathways

The Humanities Subject Flowchart helps you and your child understand the different pathways available within the Humanities field. Whether it's History, Geography, Sociology, or Legal Studies, the flowchart shows how each subject can build essential skills for a wide range of careers. It’s an easy way to see how their choices in the Humanities can shape a well-rounded and successful future.

The school’s diagram shows possible progression and destinations across several years. For the current 2027 selection list, use Year 11 subjects. Discuss prerequisites and future availability with the Senior School team.

1. Years 7–8

   • Core Humanities

2. Year 9

   • Core Humanities

3. Year 10

   • Economics and Business
   • Legal Studies and Politics
   • Geography
   • History

4. Senior pathway possibilities

   • VCE Business Management
   • Politics
   • Legal Studies
   • History

Where These Skills Can Take You

Year 10 Humanities Courses

History

Duration: One semester · Lessons per fortnight: 8

History is a powerful subject that helps students understand how people, ideas and events have shaped the world we live in today. In this engaging Year 10 course, students will explore major social and political changes in Australia and Asia, including the rise of movements like civil rights, women’s rights and environmentalism.

From the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples during colonisation to the ways China and Japan responded to foreign influence and internal reform, students will examine how different voices, events and ideas have influenced societies over time. They will investigate debates about human rights, progress and power, developing the ability to think critically, analyse evidence and consider multiple perspectives.

This course builds essential background knowledge and historical skills that set students up for success in VCE History. With strong links to Units 1 and 2, students will practise the inquiry, interpretation and communication skills needed for senior studies while engaging with rich and relevant topics that bring the past to life.

Year 10 History factsheet (PDF)

Geography

Duration: One semester · Lessons per fortnight: 8

Geography helps students understand the world around them by exploring the relationships between people, places and environments. In Year 10 Geography, students investigate the environmental challenges facing our planet—such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—as well as the global and local inequalities in human wellbeing. Through real-world case studies, students examine how different communities respond to these issues, and what role individuals, governments, businesses and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples play in managing environmental change and improving quality of life.

Students will explore how human actions can impact the sustainability of ecosystems and the ways environmental functions—such as water and air quality, biodiversity and cultural connections—are managed. They will analyse a selected environmental issue, apply interconnected thinking, and evaluate a range of responses using geographical concepts like sustainability, interconnection and change. Students will also investigate spatial differences in human wellbeing in Australia and globally, and assess the effectiveness of development programs and community-led initiatives.

This course builds the critical thinking, data analysis, spatial awareness and communication skills essential for success in VCE Geography. It provides a strong foundation for Unit 1 (Hazards and Disasters) and Unit 2 (Tourism), equipping students to investigate real-world issues, assess human and environmental impacts, and propose sustainable solutions to geographic challenges.

Year 10 Geography factsheet (PDF)

Legal Studies and Politics

Duration: One semester · Lessons per fortnight: 8

Legal Studies and Politics empowers students to understand how laws and governments shape society — and how individuals can influence change. In this thought-provoking Year 10 course, students explore the foundations of Australia’s democratic system, comparing it with other governments across the Asia-Pacific region. They examine how laws are made, how policies are shaped, and the roles political parties, interest groups and media play in public debate and decision-making.

Students investigate how Australia’s legal system upholds justice, and compare its features — like the principle of fairness, trial by jury and the absence of the death penalty — with other systems such as those in Vietnam or New Zealand. They also examine the influence of international law on Australian legislation, including key agreements that protect human rights and the environment. From global treaties to diplomatic action in the Asia-Pacific, students analyse Australia’s international responsibilities and its role in tackling global challenges like climate change and conflict.

This course lays the groundwork for VCE Legal Studies and Australian and Global Politics. With direct links to Units 1 and 2, students build the knowledge and skills to investigate legal cases, engage in political analysis and understand how power, justice and citizenship operate in a connected world.

Year 10 Legal Studies and Politics factsheet (PDF)

Economics and Business

Duration: One semester · Lessons per fortnight: 8

Economics and Business gives students the tools to understand how the economy works and how people, businesses and governments make decisions that affect their lives. In this practical Year 10 course, students explore how businesses compete, grow and respond to change, and how consumers can make smart, ethical financial choices.

Through case studies of real companies and entrepreneurs, students investigate the strategies used to gain a competitive edge, from clever marketing to strong public relations and innovation. They learn how globalisation shapes business decisions, how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses succeed in global markets, and how human resource management helps motivate and support employees. Students also explore financial issues that matter to their futures — including superannuation, insurance, scams and investment — developing skills to manage financial risks and rewards responsibly.

This course builds a strong foundation for VCE Business Management and Accounting. With clear links to Units 1 and 2, students gain experience in business planning, financial decision-making and evaluating business performance, preparing them for success in senior studies and beyond.

Year 10 Economics and Business factsheet (PDF)

VCE Legal Studies — by application

Duration: Whole year · Lessons per fortnight: 8

Legal Studies is an exciting subject for students interested in understanding how laws shape society and protect individual rights. Throughout the course, students explore criminal and civil law, examining real-life cases and applying legal principles to understand how the justice system works. By studying law-making, legal reforms, and human rights, students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper appreciation for how laws evolve to meet the needs of a changing society.

In Unit 1, students explore the foundations of criminal law and the presumption of innocence, learning about the types and sources of law, as well as the role of parliament and courts. They develop an understanding of legal principles, including justice and the process of determining guilt in criminal cases, using real-life and hypothetical scenarios. By analysing recent criminal cases, students gain a deeper insight into how legal decisions are made and the effectiveness of sanctions in maintaining social order.

In Unit 2, students explore civil law and how it protects individuals' rights, learning about legal disputes and the remedies available. They investigate different areas of civil law and the methods used to resolve disputes, applying their knowledge to recent civil cases. Students also examine how human rights are protected in Australia and analyse a contemporary human rights issue through a specific case study.

Year 10 VCE Legal Studies factsheet (PDF)

Senior Subject Resources

• Business Management
• Legal Studies
• Politics
• Modern History

Discuss subject availability and the course that suits your goals with the Senior School team. Explore current VCAA study designs.

Questions About Humanities?

Samantha Hyndes — learning area leader. Email Samantha Hyndes for subject advice.

Year-level choices and selection rules · Careers advice