Elective History

Course description

Elective History is designed for students who are curious about the world and want to explore the fascinating stories, mysteries and conflicts that have shaped human history. This course goes beyond the mandatory History curriculum, giving students the opportunity to investigate extraordinary individuals, dramatic events, ancient traditions and controversial moments that continue to influence the modern world.

The Elective History Years 7–10 course includes Life Skills outcomes and content for students with disability.

Elective History is ideal for students who enjoy inquiry-based learning, discussion, research and debate. It also provides excellent preparation for senior History subjects, including Ancient History, Modern History and History Extension.

What will students learn about?

Students will examine topics filled with power, conflict, survival, discovery and rebellion — from the rise of empires and infamous pirates to world-changing revolutions and modern political conflict. Elective History encourages students to think critically about the past, challenge historical interpretations and investigate how history is remembered, preserved and represented in different ways.

The course develops advanced historical thinking and research skills. Students learn how to analyse and interpret historical sources, evaluate evidence, identify bias and differing perspectives, and communicate sophisticated historical arguments. They will work like historians and investigators, exploring archaeological evidence, oral histories, historical debates and representations of history in film and media.

Units covered

Year 9:

Term 1: Heritage Institutions & Preservation Practices

Students explore how museums, memorials, archaeological sites and heritage organisations preserve and protect the past. They investigate why societies choose to conserve certain histories and how historical artefacts and sites help shape cultural identity and collective memory.

Term 2: Biographical Study – Genghis Khan

Students examine the life and legacy of one of history’s most powerful and controversial leaders. They investigate how Genghis Khan built the Mongol Empire, transformed societies across Asia and Europe, and continues to be viewed differently by historians around the world.

Term 3: The Golden Age of Piracy

This unit uncovers the realities behind the myths of pirates and explores the dangerous and lawless world of the high seas. Students investigate famous pirates, global trade routes, colonial empires and the reasons piracy flourished during this turbulent period in history.

Term 3: Oral Traditions in Aboriginal Historical Practice

Students explore the importance of storytelling, oral histories and cultural knowledge in Aboriginal histories and cultures. They examine how oral traditions preserve historical understanding across generations and consider the value of Indigenous perspectives in historical inquiry.

Year 10 

Term 1-2: Revolutions That Changed the World

Students investigate major revolutions that transformed societies and challenged existing systems of power. They explore the causes, key figures and consequences of revolutionary movements and consider how ideas such as freedom, equality and democracy have shaped the modern world.

Term 2-3: Political Conflict and Its Aftermath in the Middle East Post WWII

Students examine significant conflicts in the Middle East Post WWII and investigate their political, social and global impacts. They explore differing perspectives, the role of international powers and the continuing effects of conflict on people, nations and global relations today.

Term 4: History and the Screen

Students investigate how history is represented in film, television and popular media. They analyse how filmmakers construct historical narratives, shape audience perspectives and balance entertainment with historical accuracy. This unit encourages students to think critically about the ways history is presented and remembered in modern culture.