History

History invites ākonga to explore the past, and how this shapes our understanding of the present and future, through a variety of sources and perspectives. It nurtures the skills of inquiry and interpretation and encourages ākonga to think critically. As a research-led discipline, History supports ākonga to grow an informed understanding of the origins of our diverse society in Aotearoa New Zealand. Central to this understanding is an awareness of the history of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its principles, values, and ongoing relevance. Learning through historical contexts that are situated prior to the signing of Te Tiriti is equally important.

An awareness of history inspires ākonga to become confident, questioning, and empathetic individuals. Through History, ākonga engage with the past on multiple levels, extending from the personal and local all the way through to the global. Ākonga will investigate the histories and whakapapa of their communities, Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific, and the wider world, drawing links between these contexts where appropriate.

History presents ākonga with the dilemmas, choices, and beliefs of people in the past, and connects ākonga with the wider world as they develop their own identities and sense of place. As ākonga develop their understanding of the nature of historical inquiry, they employ a robust methodology. They learn to ask and put forward possible answers to important questions, to evaluate evidence, to identify and analyse different interpretations of the past, and to substantiate their arguments and judgements. In doing these things, ākonga will come to understand that historical narratives about the past are constructed and that those constructions are in turn contested. They can see why they are learning what they are learning and debate the significance of the history they learn.

History prepares ākonga for the future because it equips them with knowledge and skills that are valuable and useful throughout life. These include the ability to conduct historical research; to articulate ideas and make them clear to others; to process and synthesise varied and complex materials; to engage with and deconstruct historical narratives; and to give clear and effective presentations across a variety of media. Ākonga learn to embrace rather than be discouraged by the uncertainties of the past and its various interpretations.