Ancient History Life Skills 11–12 provides opportunities for students to explore the people, groups and events of the ancient past and how they have influenced past societies and the world today. Students develop skills in locating, selecting, organising, planning and presenting information within a historical context. Students develop knowledge and understanding to contribute as active and informed citizens.

What students learn

Through the study of Ancient History Life Skills 11–12, students:

explore key events, developments, movements, individuals and groups of the ancient past to develop an understanding of how these have impacted our world
examine features of the ancient past, such as beliefs and practices, social and political organisation, art and architecture, culture and trade, and power and warfare, and consider how these have contributed to our world
develop knowledge and skills in historical inquiry by participating in historical investigations
pose questions, gather evidence, process information, draw conclusions and communicate their understanding about the past
develop an appreciation of diverse perspectives and ideas.

Course structure

The course numbers and units for each year of study are set out below.

Course numbers:

Ancient History Life Skills (Year 11, 2 units): TBA
Ancient History Life Skills (Year 12, 2 units): TBA

Ancient History Life Skills Year 11 and Year 12

The following focus areas can be studied throughout Year 11 (120 hours) and Year 12 (120 hours).

Investigating ancient history – The nature of ancient history; Case studies
Features of ancient societies
Historical investigation
Cities of Vesuvius – Pompeii and Herculaneum
Ancient societies
Historical personalities
Historical periods

For Ancient History Life Skills:

Students are required to demonstrate achievement of one or more Ancient History Life Skills
11–12 outcomes.
Outcomes and content should be selected to meet the particular needs of individual students.
The outcomes describe the knowledge, understanding and skills that students are expected to demonstrate as a result of teaching and learning. Teachers should use the outcomes to determine the scope of learning for the content included in each focus area.
The focus areas provide possible frameworks for addressing the Ancient History Life Skills 11–12 outcomes and content, and are suggestions only. Teachers have the flexibility to select, group and sequence outcomes and content to meet the needs, strengths, goals, interests and prior learning of their students.
The content for historical concepts and skills should be integrated throughout the course.
The Historical investigation can be integrated into any aspect of the course or undertaken as a discrete focus area for students with specific areas of historical interest. The investigation can be undertaken collaboratively or independently.
Examples provided in the content are suggestions only. Teachers may use the examples provided or other examples to meet the particular needs of individual students.

Welcome to the NSW Curriculum website

11–12Ancient History Life Skills 11–12 Syllabus

Assessment