11–12Ancient History 11–12 Syllabus
The new Ancient History 11–12 Syllabus (2024) is to be implemented from 2027.
2025 and 2026
- Plan and prepare to teach the new syllabus
2027, Term 1
- Start teaching new syllabuses for Year 11
- Start implementing new Year 11 school-based assessment requirements
- Continue to teach the Ancient History Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) for Year 12
2027, Term 4
- Start teaching new syllabuses for Year 12
- Start implementing new Year 12 school-based assessment requirements
2028
- First HSC examination for new syllabus
Content
Year 12
Students develop an understanding of ONE ancient personality, through the investigation of a range of archaeological and written sources and relevant historiographical issues.
The historical concepts and skills content is to be integrated as appropriate.
Students study key features of ONE of the following personalities:
- Egypt – Hatshepsut
- Egypt – Akhenaten
- The Near East – Xerxes
- China – Qin Shi Huangdi
- Greece – Pericles
- Greece – Alexander the Great
- Rome – Julius Caesar
- Rome – Agrippina the Younger.
The geography of Macedon and its neighbours
The impact of Philip II’s military reforms
Family background
Education, early life and ambitions
Problems with the succession
The impact of the assassination of Philip II
The consolidation of Macedonian control of the Greek mainland
Generalship and military campaigns, including the Battles of Granicus, Issus, Gaugamela and Hydaspes
The organisation and administration of the empire, the foundation of cities, and marriages
Relationship with the army and generals
Relationship with prominent Macedonians, Greeks and non-Greeks
The manner and impact of Alexander the Great's death
Impact and influence
Ancient and modern images and interpretations of Alexander the Great
Problems of evidence, including the value and limitations of ONE ancient source or type of source, in the context of other available sources