7–10History 7–10 Syllabus

The History 7–10 syllabus includes two courses:

• History 7–10
• History Life Skills 7–10

The focus of learning for all courses in the History 7–10 Syllabus is described below.

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 optional depths studies 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 optional depths studies 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.

To meet the mandatory curriculum requirements by the end of Year 10, schools must timetable 100 hours of mandatory History throughout Years 7–8 and 100 hours of mandatory History throughout Years 9–10. The mandatory course can also be completed through History 7–10 Life Skills outcomes and content for eligible students.

Schools determine the amount of time required for each focus area (historical context studies and depth studies) based on students’ needs.

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 *).

Life Skills

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.

Course numbers:

• History TBC
• History Life Skills TBC