Stage 1 | Subject outline | version control

Legal Studies Stage 1
Subject outline

Version 4.0 - For teaching in 2024.
Accredited in June 2020 for teaching at Stage 1 from 2021. 

Stage 1 | Subject outline | Focus areas | Optional focus area

Optional focus areas 

When designing a course of study, teachers should be aware that not all focus areas need to be of equal length, and that there is flexibility in the development and integration of units to reflect student interest.

The following should be considered in planning:

  • development of big questions to frame inquiry, engagement, and learning
  • development of inquiry questions to focus research
  • current/relevant structures and processes
  • connection to the concepts of rights, fairness and justice, power, and change
  • engagement with the capabilities
  • current legislation
  • relevant cases
  • consideration of assessment including the specific feature(s) to be addressed
  • time allocation.

Teachers consider a range of assessment options, including activities that invite deep and critical thinking, transferability of skills, and the incorporation of ICTs and appropriate capabilities.