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 China and its neighbours
The legacy of the Warring States period 411–221 BCE
Family background and status
Succession to the kingship of Qin
Regency and the relationship with Lü Buwei
Early career, including the attempted coup of Lao Ai
Wars of conquest
Role in the establishment of imperial power, including policies, standardisation and titles
Relationship with court officials, including Li Si
The organisation and administration of the empire, including commanderies and counties, the road system and royal tours
Building program in Xi’an, provincial and defensive projects
The search for immortality and the construction of the emperor’s mausoleum
Assassination attempts
The manner and impact of Qin Shi Huangdi’s death
Impact and influence
Ancient and modern images and interpretations of Qin Shi Huangdi
Problems of evidence, including the value and limitations of ONE ancient source or type of source, in the context of other available sources