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In unit one students examine Earth as a set of four interacting systems: the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. Students apply a systems perspective when exploring the physical requirements for life in terms of inputs and outputs, and consider the effects of natural and human-induced changes in ecosystems. They investigate the physical environment and its components, the function of local ecosystems and the interactions that occur in and between ecological components over different timescales. Students consider how the biotic and abiotic components of local ecosystems can be monitored and measured.In unit two students explore the concept of pollution and associated impacts on Earth’s four systems through global, national and local perspectives. They distinguish between wastes, contaminants and pollutants and examine the characteristics, measurement and management of pollution. They analyse the effects of pollutants on the health of humans and the environment over time. Students consider the rules for use, treatment and disposal of pollutants and evaluate the different perspectives of those who are affected by pollutants. They explore the significance of technology, government initiatives, communities and individuals in redressing the effects of pollutants, and consider how values, beliefs and evidence affect environmental decision making. Pollutants can be produced through natural and human activities and can generate adverse effects for living and non-living things when released into ecosystems. Students examine how pollutant effects produced in one of Earth’s four systems may have an impact on the other systems. They explore the factors that affect the nature and impact of pollution including pollutant sources, transport mechanisms and potential build-up due to long-term or repeated exposure. Students compare three pollutants of national and/or global significance with reference to their effects in the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere, and discuss management options.

Formerly known as “Environmental Science”. In this VCE preparatory subject, students build on their previous understandings of environmental and Earth science to investigate the interactions and interconnectedness between humans and their environments, analysing the functions of both living and non-living elements that sustain Earth systems. Students explore how the relationships between atmosphere, lithosphere, biosphere and hydrosphere produce environmental change over a variety of time scales. Students investigate the extent to which humans modify their environments and the consequences of these changes in local and global contexts with a focus on pollution, biodiversity, energy use and climate change; they explore the conceptual, behavioural, ethical and technological responses to these changes. Students examine data related to environmental monitoring over various time scales, case studies, research, models, frameworks and theories to understand how knowledge in environmental science has evolved and continues to evolve in response to new evidence and discoveries. This subject builds on knowledge from Environmental Science subjects, and as such students are recommended to have explored Environmental or Earth Sciences at a light blue level alongside, or prior to undertaking Pre VCE Environmental Science.

Formerly known as “A Sustainable Future”. In this subject, students explore environmental issues on Earth, including the environmental and ecological crises that put the majority of life, including human life, at risk. Students critically consider how humans are impacting the Earth spheres that sustain life on the planet, identifying the cause of the disruption and proposing solutions that will bring human society back into balance with the other forms of life humans share their home with. In this subject students will explore the scope of the crisis that faces us, and the possible solutions to issues such as climate change, ecological decline and pollution. This subject is designed to build students’ understanding of chemical sciences in preparation for a VCE Environmental Science pathway, and as such is recommended for those considering VCE Environmental Science in their future.

Formerly known as “Essential Resources”. In this subject, students will build on their understanding of Earth Sciences, exploring the natural processes underpin the formation and renewal of the resources that we use, with a particular focus on soil and fossil fuel formation and the water cycle. Students will then investigate how human exploitation of these resources is causing soil degradation, resource depletion and water pollution, before evaluating ways to protect and conserve these resources not only for people today but future generations and other species we share the planet with. Students will understand how human reliance on resources from the natural world, including the water we drink, the soil we grow crops in, the metal, rock and wood used to build our homes and the energy needed to power our society, are all impacted by human activities.

The Australian economic fabric is reliant on its primary industries. Agricultural and Horticultural Studies provides opportunities for students to experience and understand these industries. The study allows students to develop and apply theoretical knowledge and skills to real world business and practices. They apply their acquired knowledge and skills to design, develop and manage a small agricultural or horticultural business as a project.

Biology is the study of living things: it is about understanding the natural world. It involves the study of living organisms, how they work and the interactions of organisms with each other and their natural environments. Students will acquire practical skills in field and laboratory biology and develop an understanding in terms of the social, economic, technological and personal contexts of biological science.

Chemistry is the study of substances encountered in our everyday life. It enables us to understand how and why chemicals are being used and their effects on the environment.

In this VCE preparatory subject, students build on their previous understanding of chemical science to investigate the structure of the periodic table and how it relates to the atomic structure of the atom. They learn to build compounds and molecules using the idea of valency. Students are able to balance chemical equations and use state symbols. Students investigate patterns in reactivity in the periodic table, factors that influence rates of reaction and are exposed to various key chemical calculations such as percentage yield, theoretical yield and molar conversions. This subject builds on knowledge from previous Chemistry subjects and draws on an application of mathematics, and as such students are recommended to have explored chemistry and mathematics subjects at at least a light blue level (i.e. Consumer Chemistry) alongside, or prior to undertaking Pre VCE Chemistry.

Designed for students interested in building their understanding of the chemical sciences, students explore the nature of chemistry, including atomic structure, the periodic table and chemical bonding as the foundations of chemical reactions. They conduct investigations to explore how chemical science explains the properties and behaviour of matter and how these properties can be exploited for the benefit of human society. Building on this, students plan, conduct and gather data and evaluate techniques on the ways in which matter can be manipulated for human benefit. This includes the extraction of raw materials, the manufacture of everyday products such as paper and plastics, and the chemistry of cooking and cosmetics in the home. This subject is designed to build students’ understanding of chemical sciences in preparation for a VCE Chemistry pathway, and as such is recommended for those considering VCE Chemistry in their future.

Designed specifically for students interested in learning more about chemistry, this subject explores how the discovery of the atom and its sub-atomic particles can help scientists to predict the outcome of chemical reactions, including for radiation. Students will learn about the history of chemistry from its earliest beginnings of Alchemy, through the journey and development of the Periodic Table, as it exists today. Using a combination of practical and theoretical learning, students will discover the differences between atoms, elements and compounds, supporting applications of chemical science in PE, Health and other Sciences.