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NSW Curriculum
NSW Education Standards Authority

11–12Modern History 11–12 Syllabus

Record of changes
Implementation from 2027
Expand for detailed implementation advice

Content

Year 11

Historical investigation

The Historical investigation is designed to provide opportunities for all students to develop the historical skills that are the core of the historical inquiry process. The investigation should extend a particular area of individual student or group interest and be developed to meet students’ learning needs. The investigation can be integrated into any focus area of the Year 11 course. The historical concepts and skills content is to be integrated as appropriate.

The investigation must not overlap with or duplicate significantly any option to be attempted in the Year 12 Modern History or History Extension courses.

The process of historical investigation
  • Formulate historical questions and hypotheses relevant to the investigation.

  • Identify and analyse sources to develop a view about a historical issue.

  • Develop and/or examine historical interpretations.

  • Synthesise evidence and information from a range of sources to develop and support a reasoned historical account or argument.

  • Use historical terms and concepts appropriately.

  • Present and communicate the findings of a historical investigation using appropriate and well-structured forms.

The topic should be developed from one or more of the following areas:

  • aspects of a modern society as revealed through sources

  • the causes and impact of a historical event

  • the role of a significant historical individual

  • the significance of a historical development

  • tracing the development of an aspect of the past over time through a thematic approach

  • the analysis of a historical debate, controversy or representation of the past

  • the contribution of a historical site to our understanding of the past

  • the nature of social and cultural change in a decade of the 20th century

  • an interpretation or representation of an individual, group or event.

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