7–10History 7–10 Syllabus (2024)

The History 7–10 Syllabus includes 2 courses:

• History
• History Life Skills

History develops in students an interest in and enjoyment of exploring the past. A study of History provides opportunities for students to develop historical knowledge through a critical understanding of themselves and others in the continuum of human experience. Opportunities to foster historical thinking by cultivating historical inquiry skills and encouraging participation in society as active, informed and responsible citizens are a feature throughout the History 7–10 Syllabus.

Students develop knowledge and understanding about the actions and lived experiences of people over time. They learn to apply the skills of historical inquiry by making connections, constructing coherent accounts and explanations of the past and deepening their knowledge and understanding of History. Students learn to analyse sources as evidence and to sequence major historical periods to show an understanding of historical concepts including continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, significance and contestability. They develop historical skills in comprehension, analysis and use of sources, perspectives and interpretations, research and communication to construct logical historical arguments supported by relevant evidence and communicating effectively about the past for different audiences and different purposes.

In Years 7–8, students learn about the ancient past, the medieval world and the era of colonisation in overarching chronological historical context studies. Students have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of these periods via the depth study options and the core depth study Aboriginal Peoples Experiences of Colonisation in Australia.

In Years 9–10, students learn about the making of the modern world and the modern world in overarching chronological historical context studies. Students have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of these periods via the depth study options and the core depth studies of Australia: Making an Australia – from Federation to WWI, Australia at War – WWII and Human rights and freedoms.

Case studies and site studies are used to extend students' knowledge and understanding.

Case studies

Case studies are a detailed exploration or analysis of a significant group, individual, idea, belief, practice or event related to one or more focus areas. Case studies assist students to understand how an event, individual, place or idea fits into a broader historical narrative and connects to historical themes, processes and trends.

Site studies

Site studies can be undertaken in person or virtually. Site studies are an examination of a historically significant location related to a focus area. Site studies allow students to engage in research and analysis to gain deeper historical insights. Students gain historical skills in source analysis, interpretation of physical evidence and drawing connections between historical context and physical sites.

Examples of case studies and site studies are provided in the teaching advice.

Safety and risk management

Schools are required to ensure they follow Loading  in delivering the History 7–10 Syllabus.

Stage 4

In Stage 4 (100 hours) students are required to complete:

• 3 core historical context studies – The ancient past, The medieval world, and The era of colonisation
• ONE core depth study – Aboriginal Peoples’ experiences of colonisation
• at least 2 other depth studies options (3 options can be chosen overall in Stage 4)
• ONE case study (one topic of choice aligned to any of the focus areas in Stage 4 – approximately 5 hours)
• ONE site study (one topic of choice aligned to any of the focus areas in Stages 4 – approximately 5 hours)

At least ONE depth study option in either Stage 4 or 5 is to be chosen from a non-western option (marked with an *).

Stage 5

In Stage 5 (100 hours) students are required to complete:

• 2 core historical context studies – The making of the modern world, and The modern world
• 3 core depth studies – Australia: making a nation – from Federation to WWI, Australia at war – WWII, and Human rights and freedoms
• at least ONE other depth study option (2 options can be chosen overall in Stage 5)
• ONE case study (one topic of choice aligned to any of the focus areas in Stage 5 – approximately 5 hours)
• ONE site study (one topic of choice aligned to any of the focus areas in Stages 5 – approximately 5 hours)

At least ONE depth study option in either Stage 4 or 5 is to be chosen from a non-western option (marked with an *).

For History Life Skills 7–10:

• Students are required to demonstrate achievement of one or more History Life Skills 7–10 outcomes.
• Outcomes and content should be selected to meet the particular needs of individual students.
• The focus areas provide possible frameworks for addressing the History Life Skills 7–10 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.
• Case studies and site studies are an essential part of the study of History. Where appropriate, students should have the opportunity to undertake case or site studies to develop their understanding and demonstrate achievement of History Life Skills 7–10 outcomes.