Rationale
History is a disciplined process of inquiry into the past that examines how people and events from the past have shaped the world. It provides opportunities for students to explore human actions in a range of historical contexts. The study of history develops historical consciousness and supports students’ ability to locate and understand themselves and others in the continuum of human experience.
The study of history investigates the actions and lived experiences of people over time. It develops the idea that there are many differing perspectives within a historical context, and that historians and archaeologists may interpret the significance of people and events differently depending on their perspective and the sources available to them. Students learn to think historically by applying historical concepts of continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, significance and contestability as they study the people and events of the past.
Students learn to locate, research and use sources as evidence to demonstrate an understanding of the past. They use this evidence to construct reasoned explanations using a rational and informed argument. By asking questions and exercising critical judgement when encountering information and experiences students develop critical and creative thinking.
The History 7–10 Syllabus provides students with the opportunity to study Aboriginal Cultures and Histories by investigating the oldest living, continuous Cultures in the world. It also provides broader insights into the historical experiences of different cultural groups within our global society to develop an understanding of the shared history that has shaped Australia. Through the study of history students learn civics and citizenship, which form the basis for Australia’s free, democratic and egalitarian society.