International studies provides students with an opportunity to explore and recognise their own cultures and appreciate the richness of multicultural Australia and the world. The course enables understanding of cultures from different perspectives and develops skills to engage harmoniously in the interconnected world.

Course structure

Students may undertake either 100 or 200 hours of study in International Studies. Courses are structured in the following ways:

• a 100-hour course consisting of Core and 2 to 3 options
• a 200-hour course consisting of Core and 6 to 8 options.

Professional learning

• Complete the department approved elective course – International studies microlearning (NR36616)
• Access recordings from statewide staffroom sessions via the Teaching and learning 7-12 statewide staffroom

International studies is an interdisciplinary course that provides a unique conceptual framework for the study of culture, and the promotion of intercultural understanding.

The course has links to Stage 5 HSIE, English, PDHPE and creative arts subjects as well as a range of STEM opportunities.

In order to comply with the Curriculum planning and programming, assessing and reporting to parents K-12 Policy and associated policy standards, schools must use the course document to develop educational programs for students.

Scope and sequences are flexible documents and may vary according to local school contexts and student cohorts, provided they comply with the course documents.

Schools may choose to adapt or modify this content or use other materials suitable to their local context, provided they comply with the course documents.

Department approved elective courses are not eligible for credentialing on the Record of School Achievement (RoSA). Assessment activities should reflect the school's organisation of the course and provide students with opportunities to demonstrate their learning.