About the International studies course

International studies provides students with an opportunity to:

• explore and recognise their own cultures
• appreciate the richness of multicultural Australia and the world.

The course enables an understanding of cultures from different perspectives and develops skills to engage harmoniously in the interconnected world.

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

Students may undertake either 100 or 200 hours of study in International studies in Stage 5. 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.

Course documents

Schools must use the International studies course document (DOCX 164 KB) to develop educational programs for this course. They must comply with the:

• Curriculum planning and programming, assessing and reporting to parents K–12 policy
• associated Curriculum policy standards.

Assessment advice

International Studies assessment advice (DOCX 141 KB) is available to assist teachers. They can select a range of different activities to assess and report on.

Assessment activities should:

• reflect the school's organisation of the course
• provide students with opportunities to show their learning.

Teaching resources

Schools may adapt or change this content or use other materials suitable to their local context. Provided they comply with the course documents.

Professional learning

Engaging with professional learning courses may help you develop knowledge, understanding and skills for effective course implementation.

• 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

Contact

For more information:

• visit the Teaching and Learning 7–12 statewide staffroom including the Stage 5 Elective – International studies channelExternal link
• email secondaryteachingandlearning@det.nsw.edu.au