Rationale:

History is a disciplined process of inquiry into the past that helps to explain how people, events and forces from the past have shaped our world. It enables students to locate and understand themselves and others on the continuum of human experience up to the present. History provides opportunities for students to explore human actions and achievements in a range of historical contexts. Students develop an understanding that history is all around us and that historical evidence may be drawn from the physical remains of the past as well as written, visual and oral sources. They develop an appreciation of the process and role of archaeology in historical inquiry.

The study of History Elective enables students to investigate the actions, motives and lifestyles of people over time, from individuals and family members, to local communities, expanding to national and world history contexts. It introduces the idea that the past contains many stories and that there is never only one uncontested version. There are many differing perspectives within a nation’s history, and historians may interpret events differently depending on their point of view and the sources they have used. The study of History develops an appreciation for and an understanding of civics and citizenship. It also provides broader insights into the historical experiences of different cultural groups within our society – for example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, migrants and women. History encourages students to develop an understanding of significant historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and effect, significance and contestability.

History as a discipline has its own methods and procedures. It is much more than the simple presentation of facts and dates from the past. The History Elective course develops the skills for students to answer the question ‘How do we know?’ An investigation of an historical issue through a range of sources can stimulate curiosity and develop empathetic understanding, problem-solving, research and critical thinking skills. It develops language specific to the discipline of History and provides opportunities to further develop literacy skills. Students learn to critically analyse and use sources of evidence in order to construct reasoned explanations and a rational and informed argument based on evidence, drawn from the remains of the past. Students engage in research involving information and communication technology (ICT), including evaluating web-based sources and using a range of technologies for historical research and communication.

Aim:

The aim of the History Elective Years 7–10 Syllabus is to encourage students’ interest in and enjoyment of exploring the past, to develop a critical understanding of the past, and to enable them to participate as informed, responsible and active citizens.

Objectives:

Knowledge and Understanding

Students develop knowledge and understanding of:

• history and historical inquiry

• past societies and historical periods.

Skills

Students develop skills to:

• undertake the processes of historical inquiry

• communicate their understanding of history.

Values and Attitudes

Students value and appreciate:

• history as a study of human experience

• the opportunity to develop a lifelong interest in and enthusiasm for history

• the nature of history as reflecting differing perspectives and viewpoints

• the opportunity to contribute to a just society through informed citizenship

• the contribution of past and present peoples to our shared heritage.

Content:

The topics include:

• Topic 1: History, Heritage and Archaeology

• Topic 2: Ancient, Medieval and Modern Societies

• Topic 3: Thematic Studies