Social science

Business studies

The Business Studies course provides students in Years 11 and 12 with a comprehensive foundation in the principles and practices that underpin the contemporary business environment. This academically rigorous program is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling them to understand and engage with the dynamic world of business operations and management.

Importantly, the course integrates real-world learning experiences, such as engaging with local businesses, participating in industry excursions, and analysing current business issues. This practical component strengthens students’ ability to connect business theory with real-world application.

The Preliminary Business Studies course which students commence in Year 11 is structured to introduce students to the fundamental functions of business, with a strong focus on management practices and entrepreneurial thinking. Students examine the roles and responsibilities of managers by exploring the key functions of planning, organising, leading, and controlling, gaining an understanding of how effective management contributes to business success. In addition, the course encourages students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset by investigating the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs and the processes involved in establishing and managing new ventures. Through project-based learning and real-world applications, students begin to build the foundational knowledge and skills essential for success in the business world.

The HSC course focusses on the four key business functions; marketing, operations, human resources and financial management.

In Marketing, students explore market research, consumer behaviour, branding, and the development of marketing strategies. Real-world case studies and marketing campaigns are analysed, and students are provided with opportunities to create their own marketing plans.

In Operations, students examine the processes involved in transforming inputs into outputs, focusing on production methods, supply chain management, and quality

control. Topics include productivity, efficiency, and the impact of technology and globalisation on operational performance.

In Human Resource Management, students explore workforce planning, recruitment, training, and employee motivation. They also examine leadership styles, workplace relations, and the role of legislation in shaping effective human resource practices.

The Finance component introduces students to financial decision-making, budgeting, and financial markets. Students learn to interpret financial statements, evaluate investments, and assess how economic factors affect business performance.

By enrolling in Business Studies, students will develop a strong understanding of how businesses function and the factors that influence their success. The course serves as an excellent foundation for further study in business-related disciplines and opens pathways to diverse career opportunities in today’s global economy.

Commerce

Stage 5 Commerce is a highly popular elective for Year 9 and 10 students at Sydney Technical High School, offering a dynamic and practical introduction to the economic, legal, and business environments in Australia and beyond.

Students explore engaging topics such as the share market, multinational corporations, government influence on the economy, and establishing and managing a successful business.

The course develops students’ financial literacy, analytical writing, and business report writing skills—foundational competencies that support future success in HSC Economics, Business Studies, and Legal Studies.

The Commerce program is strategically designed to broaden students’ understanding through core topics including The Economic and Business Environment, Law and Society, Running a Business, and Investing. Learning is brought to life through interactive and real-world activities such as the ASX Sharemarket Game, the Tech Political Campaign, and Market Day, where students run their own enterprises. High-achieving students may also have the opportunity to begin the Preliminary Business Studies course in Year 10.

Commerce is strongly recommended as a pathway to senior Social Science subjects and is valued for fostering active, informed, and responsible global citizens.

Economics

The Economics course offered at the Preliminary (Year 11) and HSC (Year 12) levels provides students with a comprehensive understanding of economic principles, theories, and the operation of economies at both micro and macro levels. It equips students with the analytical tools to interpret economic data, evaluate policy decisions, and engage critically with contemporary issues affecting individuals, businesses, and governments.

In the Preliminary course, students are introduced to the foundations of economic thinking. They examine the nature of economics through concepts such as scarcity, opportunity cost, and decision-making.

The course explores microeconomic behaviour, focusing on how consumers and businesses interact within markets, and investigates key macroeconomic indicators such as GDP, inflation, and unemployment.

Students also analyse government policies and explore current issues including income inequality, environmental sustainability, and globalisation.

The HSC course builds on this foundation by exploring more complex microeconomic and macroeconomic frameworks.

Students investigate market structures, competition, and the causes and consequences of market failure.

They assess the role of fiscal and monetary policy in achieving economic objectives such as growth, stability, and employment.

A global perspective is developed through the study of international trade, exchange rates, and the impact of globalisation.

Students also critically engage with contemporary issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and technological disruption, evaluating the effectiveness of economic policy responses.

Across both years, students develop skills in economic reasoning, data interpretation, critical thinking, and effective communication.

Through case studies and real-world applications, they learn to apply economic theory to both domestic and international contexts. By completing the course, students gain valuable insights into the economic forces that shape society and are well-prepared for further study or careers in economics, finance, policy-making, and related fields.

Geography

At Sydney Tech, the mandatory  Stage 4  Geography curriculum is delivered in Year 7, offering students an engaging introduction to the study of the world around them.

The course builds foundational knowledge through topics such as landscapes and landforms, weather and climate, and the interconnectedness of people and places.

Students also develop core geographical skills, including map interpretation, data analysis, and the use of digital tools like GIS.

With a focus on both physical and human geography, the course encourages critical thinking and global awareness through fieldwork, group projects, and inquiry-based learning. By the end of the year, students are well-prepared to extend their understanding in Stage 5 Geography.

The  Stage 5  Geography course is taught in Year 9 and deepens students' understanding of contemporary geographical issues.

Students explore sustainable biomes, urbanisation, environmental change, and human wellbeing, all while refining their geographical skills through investigative fieldwork and analytical tasks.

The course places strong emphasis on interpreting spatial data, understanding global interconnections, and evaluating strategies to address sustainability and inequality.

Through class discussions, research projects, and creative tasks such as infographic presentations, students are encouraged to become informed, responsible global citizens equipped to engage with the challenges of a changing world.