Ancient Mesopotamia

In this unit, students explore the birth of early societies in Ancient Mesopotamia. This region, situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, is believed by many historians to be the 'cradle of civilisation'. Students will delve into Ancient Mesopotamia as an essential part of uncovering how modern cities came to be and civilizations developed. 

Students will dive into the creation of city-states and empires, while also examining one of the most critical developments in human history – the invention of writing. They also learn about the value of primary sources, such as the material record and written sources, in piecing together the origins of civilization. Across the unit, students gain profound insights into the birth of the world as we know it.

OUTCOMES

1.  Explain the features of civilisations and the development of civilisation in Mesopotamia.

2.  Explain continuity and change in Ancient Mesopotamia.

ASSESSMENT TASKS

• • A Historical Inquiry 

  • An Evaluation of Historical Sources

  • Content Quiz

  • Examination

Ancient Egypt

In this unit students investigate features of the Old Kingdom Egypt and the representation of power in Middle Kingdom Egypt and the Second Intermediate Period . They analyse the conditions that gave rise to a civilisation that endured for approximately three thousand years. 

Unlike Mesopotamia, Egypt was not threatened by its neighbours for the greater part of its history. The Nile served as the lifeblood of urban settlements in Upper and Lower Egypt. Kingdoms rose, flourished and fell around the banks of this great river. Students develop their understanding of the importance of primary sources (the material record and written sources) to inquire about Old and Middle Kingdom Egypt and delve into understanding what was possibly the greatest ancient civilisation of all.

OUTCOMES

1. Explain the features of the Old Kingdom Egypt and the First Intermediate Period and analyse the distribution and expression of power.

2. Explain the changes in Ancient Egypt and analyse the use and representation of power in Middle Kingdom Egypt and the Second Intermediate Period. 

ASSESSMENT TASKS

• • A Historical Inquiry/Essay 

  • An Analysis of Historical Interpretations 

  • Examination

Ancient Greece

In Units 3 and 4 Ancient History students investigate the features of two ancient societies, and a significant crisis and the role of individuals in these ancient societies.  Greece and Rome were major civilisations of the Mediterranean and bestowed a powerful legacy on the contemporary world.

For Ancient Greece, students investigate the features of life during the Archaic Period in the first area of study. They investigate social, political and economic features of Athens and Sparta to 454 BCE. They examine the causes and consequences of the conflict between Greece and Persia. For the second area of study, they investigate the Peloponnesian War (460–404 BCE) and how it revealed a different form of crisis. The conflict was fought between the Athenian Empire and the Peloponnesian League, each pursuing their interests. At the start of the war, Athens was wealthy and powerful. By the end of the struggle, her power was broken. Students analyse the involvement of key figures in Pericles, Nicias, Alcibiades and Lysander during the Peloponnesian War and what this reveals about the roles, motives and influence of these key individuals.

OUTCOMES

1. On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse the features of an ancient society and evaluate how these features developed, interacted and changed.

2. On completion of this unit the student should be able to evaluate the significance of a crisis in an ancient society and evaluate the role, motives and influence of key individuals involved in the crisis.

ASSESSMENT TASKS

• • An Evaluation of Historical Sources

  • An Analysis of Historical Interpretations 

  • Examination

Ancient Rome

In Units 3 and 4 Ancient History students investigate the features of two ancient societies, and a significant crisis and the role of individuals in these ancient societies.  Greece and Rome were major civilisations of the Mediterranean and bestowed a powerful legacy on the contemporary world.

For Ancient Rome, students investigate the features and the early development of Rome. They investigate the social, political and economic features of the great city-state and they examine the causes and consequences of the conflict between Rome and Carthage. In Area of Study two, Students investigate how the interests and actions of individuals led to the demise of the Republic, beginning with the elections of Tiberius Gracchus and later Gaius Gracchus as tribunes, their attempts at reform and their deaths. Students analyse the involvement of Cornelius Sulla, Pompey Julius Caesar and Octavian/Augustus during the fall of the Republic and what this reveals about the different roles, motives and influence of these key individuals.  

OUTCOMES

1. On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse the features of an ancient society and evaluate how these features developed, interacted and changed.

2. On completion of this unit the student should be able to evaluate the significance of a crisis in an ancient society and evaluate the role, motives and influence of key individuals involved in the crisis.

ASSESSMENT TASKS

• • A Historical Inquiry/Essay 

  • An Analysis of Historical Interpretations 

  • Examination

For more information about History see Todd Loftis, Alice Boronovskis or Kate Habgood