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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

Overview

Syllabus overview

The Modern History 11–12 Syllabus aligns with the Modern History Life Skills 11–12 Syllabus to provide opportunities for integrated delivery.

Through collaborative curriculum planning, it may be decided that Life Skills outcomes and content are the most appropriate option for some students with intellectual disability.

Organisation of Modern History 11–12

The organisation of Modern History 11–12. Details in text below.
Figure 1: The organisation of Modern History 11–12

Image long description: A list of historical concepts and historical skills sits in the middle of the diagram, each surrounded by a box. Historical concepts are: causation; continuity and change; perspectives; significance; and contestability. Historical skills are: analysis and use of sources; historical interpretation; historical investigation and research; and explanation and communication. The syllabus is separated into 3 focus areas for Year 11, and 4 focus areas for Year 12. The focus areas for Year 11 are: Investigating modern history; The shaping of the modern world; and Historical investigation. The focus areas for Year 12 are: Democracy and dictatorship 1919–1939; National studies; Peace and conflict; and Change in the modern world.

Protocols for collaborating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities and engaging with Cultural works

NESA is committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal Communities and supporting teachers, schools and schooling sectors to improve educational outcomes for young people.

It is important to respect appropriate ways of interacting with Aboriginal Communities and Cultural material when teachers plan, program and implement Modern History learning experiences that focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Priorities.

Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) protocols need to be followed. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ ICIP protocols include Cultural Knowledges, Cultural Expression and Cultural Property, and documentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Identities and lived experiences. It is important to recognise the diversity and complexity of different Cultural groups in NSW, as protocols may differ between local Aboriginal Communities.

Teachers should work in partnership with Elders, parents, Community members, Cultural Knowledge Holders or a local, regional or state Aboriginal Education Consultative Group. It is important to respect Elders and the roles of men and women. Local Aboriginal Peoples should be invited to share their Cultural Knowledges with students and staff when engaging with Aboriginal Histories and Cultural Practices.