Stage 4 Course Overview:
In Stage 4 History, students learn to describe the nature of history and archaeology, and explain their contribution to an understanding of the past. They describe major periods of historical time and sequence events, people and societies from the past. Students recognise and explain patterns of change and continuity over time and explain the causes and consequences of events and developments. They describe and assess the motives and actions of people in the past. Students demonstrate an understanding of the causes and effects of events, past societies and developments over time.
Students sequence events and developments within a chronological framework with reference to periods of time. They select and organise information from primary and secondary sources and use it as evidence to answer inquiry questions. They identify and describe the meaning, purpose and context of historical sources and use the evidence from these sources to support historical narratives and explanations. They identify and describe different contexts, perspectives and interpretations of the past. Students identify and explain different points of view in sources. They develop texts, particularly descriptions and explanations. In developing these texts, and organising and presenting their findings, they use historical terms and concepts. They use evidence in sources and acknowledge their sources of information. They select and use appropriate oral, written, visual and/or digital forms to communicate about the past.
What will you learn about?
The following topics are taught over the Year 7 and 8 course.
Year 7
- Investigating the Ancient Past
- Ancient Egypt
- Ancient China
Year 8
- The Vikings
- The Black Death in Asia and Europe
- The Polynesian Expansion across the Pacific
What type of assessments will determine your final mark?
Presentations, speeches, source analysis tasks, short answer responses, extended responses and examinations.
Stage 5 Course Overview:
In Stage 5 History, students describe, explain and assess the historical forces and factors that shaped the modern world and Australia. They sequence and explain the significant patterns of continuity and change in the development of the modern world and Australia. They explain and analyse the motives and actions of past individuals and groups in the historical contexts that shaped the modern world and Australia. Students explain and analyse the causes and effects of events and developments in the modern world and Australia. Students explain the context for people's actions in the past. They explain the significance of events and developments from a range of perspectives. They explain different interpretations of the past and recognise the evidence used to support these interpretations.
Students sequence events and developments within a chronological framework, and identify relationships between events across different periods of time and places. When researching, students develop, evaluate and modify questions to frame an historical inquiry. They process, analyse and synthesise information from a range of primary and secondary sources and use it as evidence to answer inquiry questions. Students analyse sources to identify motivations, values and attitudes. When evaluating these sources, they analyse and draw conclusions about their usefulness, taking into account their origin, purpose and context. They develop and justify their own interpretations about the past. Students develop texts, particularly explanations and discussions, incorporating historical arguments. In developing these texts and organising and presenting their arguments, students use historical terms and concepts, evidence identified in sources and they reference these sources.
What will you learn about?
The following topics are taught over the Year 9 and 10 course.
Year 9
- The Industrial Revolution
- Making a Nation
- Australians at War (WWI and WWII)
Year 10
- Rights and Freedoms (1945 – Present)
- The Holocaust
- Popular Culture
What type of assessments will determine your final mark?
Presentations, speeches, source analysis tasks, short answer responses, extended responses and examinations.
Who can you ask for more information?
Mr Murphy, Ms Espejel, Mrs Celeban or Ms Miller.
What does this course link to in Stage 6?
This course provides valuable skills that will be useful if you wish to continue studying HSIE subjects in Stage 6. It has links to the following courses:
- Ancient History
- Modern History
- History Extension