Nurturing Futures: Exploring the Power of Children, Family, and Community

Are you curious about how our society influences the lives of children, families, and communities? Ever wondered how policies, relationships, and community dynamics shape our growth and development? Or maybe you’ve pondered over whether your genes or your upbringing and life experiences have shaped who you are today. Well, these are the fascinating topics explored in the Children, Family, and Community (CFC) course for students in Years 11 and 12.
The CFC course offers a wide range of opportunities for students interested in various industries, including childcare, paediatrics, social work, and nursing. It’s available in both the ATAR and General pathways. Let’s dive into what this course is all about.
In a nutshell, the CFC course aims to give students a deep understanding of child development dynamics and the diverse cultural contexts we live and interact in. Students learn about the social issues that affect us all and how they impact the growth and development of children. This knowledge is especially beneficial for anyone who has an interest in psychology. The course also emphasises the importance of cultural diversity and social cohesion in our society, teaching students to be an advocate for those who can’t speak up for themselves. And it doesn’t stop there! The CFC course delves into topics like environmental sustainability, exploring how individuals, families, and communities can contribute to a better future for our planet. The course also explores laws and policies related to human rights, providing insights into government strategies for protection and empowerment.
Year 11 student Kristine Singh, loves the CFC course. She’s doing the ATAR subject. “I loved the idea of learning about how children develop, the different theories and stages which CFC explores, as well as the psychological component. I love the interactive parts of the course and the opportunities to interact with younger years and see how certain activities play out with them. I find the theories of children’s development really interesting and how family and environments impact them.”
Year 12 student Jamie-Lee Lawton tells us why she chose the subject. “I chose CFC General because I wanted to know more about the development of children before moving into the childcare industry. I love how hands-on the course is, allowing us to develop skills along with important knowledge. I found the topics on brain development and how children view the world especially interesting”

But it’s not just about the specific course content. The CFC course also helps students develop critical skills essential for life beyond the classroom. Collaboration is key in families, workplaces, and local and global communities, and this course prepares students to work effectively with others. The course provides opportunities to interact with young children, go on excursions, and listen to guest speakers, making the learning experience even more enriching.
For those interested in a career in teaching, childcare, social work, nursing, human rights law, psychology, community development, or countless other pathways, this course provides a solid foundation. But even if career interests lie elsewhere, the knowledge and skills gained from this course provide value as a responsible citizen participating in society.
The CFC course not only empowers our students to make a difference in the lives of others but also helps them better understand themselves and how society functions. It’s perfectly timed for the transition into young adulthood, connecting learning to real-life situations and applying our Mercy values in the community beyond school.

- Curiosity, Featured, Learning for Life
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.

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