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 and resources of Athens and Attica
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 concept of the polis and the demos
Roles and hierarchy, including pentakosiomedimnoi, hippeis, zeugitai, thetes, metics and enslaved people
The roles and status of women
Structure and features of government, including the ekklesia, boule, strategia and heliaea
The nature and significance of the military
The importance of the Agora and the Piraeus
The impact of empire, including tribute, maintenance of fleet and building program
Economic exchange, including trade, shipping, silver mining and coinage
The role of occupations, crafts and industry
Gods and goddesses
The practices of priests and priestesses
Temples and sanctuaries, including the Acropolis
The role of festivals, including the Panathenaia, the Great Dionysia and the Thesmophoria
Funerary customs and rituals
Art and architecture
Writing and literature, including playwrights