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 investigate key features of ONE ancient society through 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 and issues of the history of ONE of the following:
- New Kingdom Egypt to the death of Amenhotep III
- New Kingdom Egypt during the Ramesside period
- Israel from Solomon to the fall of Samaria
- Persia in the time of Darius and Xerxes
- China during the Han dynasty
- Minoan Crete in the Bronze Age
- Sparta to the Battle of Leuctra 371 BCE
- Athens in the time of Pericles.
Significance of the geographical setting, natural features of ancient Persia and its empire
The nature and range of sources for this period
Issues of ancient sources in understanding this society
Differing modern interpretations of a feature of this society
The roles and images of the king
The roles and status of royal and non-royal women
Administration of the empire, including the role of the hazarapatis and satraps
The nature and significance of the army and navy
Subject peoples in the empire
The role of agriculture, occupations, crafts and industry
Economic exchange throughout the empire, including taxation, tribute, trade, coinage and royal treasuries
Technology, including building techniques, irrigation works and the Royal Road
Religious policy and the range of beliefs throughout the empire, including the worship of Ahura Mazda, Bel Marduk and Yahweh
Rituals and practice, including the role of the Magi and fire rituals
Royal funerary customs and tombs
The art and architecture of palace complexes, including Persepolis, Pasargadae and Susa