Child Studies will assist students to understand the significant impact of the child's environment and the role that the child and others can take in the active construction of this environment. They will have the opportunity to reflect and think critically on the value of the cultural context and influence of ancestral and traditional practices. They will learn to identify, create and evaluate solutions to enhance child wellbeing. They become aware of and learn to access a range of relevant community resources and services.
Learning in Child Studies will promote in students a sense of empathy for children, their parents, caregivers and those that have the potential to influence the learning environments. It contributes to the development in young people of an understanding and appreciation of the range of ways they can positively impact on the wellbeing of children through roles in both paid and unpaid contexts.
The knowledge, understanding, skills and values developed through Child Studies provides a foundation for a wide range of study options in and beyond school and also a range of vocational pathways that support and enhance the wellbeing of children. Study of this syllabus will also support young people engaged in voluntary caring, supervision and child support roles and in formal work opportunities such as childcare and education.