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NSW Curriculum
NSW Education Standards Authority

11–12History Extension 11–12 Syllabus

Record of changes
Implementation from 2026
Expand for detailed implementation advice

Content

Year 12

Constructing history – Key questions

Historiographical skills

Students use a variety of sources to:

  • identify and analyse differing historical and historiographical interpretations or issues
  • explain why different producers of history have differing perspectives and approaches
  • develop and challenge a view(s) about historical or historiographical issues.

The historiographical skills are to be integrated with the key questions.

Key question: What is history?
  • The nature, role and status of history in different eras

  • Differing interpretations and perspectives of the aims and purposes of history

  • The issues of truth, objectivity and causation

  • The use and misuse of history

Key question: Who are the producers of history in different eras?
  • The credibility and legitimacy of producers of history

  • The identity of specific producers of history

  • The context of producers of history

  • The aims and purposes of the producers of history and their work(s)

Key question: How has history been constructed, recorded and presented in different eras?
  • The differing methods of the producers of history

  • The use and significance of evidence

  • Subject matter and structure of historical works

  • Forms of historical communication

Key question: Why have approaches to history changed in different eras?
  • The changing nature and availability of evidence

  • Differing identities and contexts of the producers of history

  • Differing perspectives about approaches to the construction of history

  • Different philosophies of history

  • The role of new technologies in the research, construction and production of history

  • Different audiences and consumers of history

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