10HIS - history

By taking History, you will be better able to understand current events and also be well-equipped to think and write analytically. The research and writing skills learnt through the study of History are directly transferable to most other academic disciplines, especially in the fields of Commerce, Humanities, and Law. Those seeking a legal career should take History alongside English. Careers in fields such as business, public policy, and journalism are also jump-started by a sound background in History.

If you study History in Year 10 you will also be better equipped to study History in Year 11 and beyond.

Where can studying History lead me to in the future?

People with a background in History are employed in a wide range of in-demand and well paid roles including:

• Policy Analyst

• Barrister

• Court Registry Officer

• Judge

• Solicitor

• Journalist

• Teacher

This course which is designed to broaden your understanding of historical thinking skills in the context of at least three interesting topics.  We hope that as a result of this course you will gain a much greater understanding of the past and of the world you live in.

By the end of this course you should have improved your ability to:

• think historically

• critically evaluate past events

• examine sources that help us understand the past

• write essays where you demonstrate your understanding of historical events

• examine the perspectives of different people involved in historical events

This is a half-year course taken in conjunction with either 10GEO or 10CMM. It will cover two different topics. All students will study Nazi Germany and the rise of Hitler, and then do one or more additional topics taken from the list below. Additional topics may also be added:

•  Stalin's Russia/USSR 1923-1953

• The Battle of Britain

• The Real Pirates of the Caribbean

• Julius Caesar

In a typical history lesson you might:

• Read a textbook, answer questions, and make notes.

• Examine historical sources such as newspapers or cartoons or speeches. 

• Listen to a presentation (and take notes).

• Engage in a class discussion or debate.

• Watch a film or documentary.

This course is open to all Year 10 students. You should have an interest in studying the past and be comfortable with essay writing.

Assessment in 10HIS

Assessment will take place in the form of two essays. Each task will address one or more of three different criteria:

• Historical Thinking

• Historical Writing

• Source Analysis

Assessment in the Junior School

Learning Progressions are an evaluation of student progress using various modes of learning as evidence (not just a one-off test).  They are based on the New Zealand Curriculum, and show the level at which a student is demonstrating knowledge or skills.  Our Learning Progressions Framework maps out students’ development as they move through Years 9 - 11.  

Within each subject, at the end of a phase of learning (ie. topic, unit or skill), students will be evaluated using these indicators: Emerging, Developing, Proficient, Advancing.  For more information about what these mean, please see the Year 9 - 11 section of our website.