Introduction

The History syllabus for Stages 4 and 5 forms part of a continuum of learning from Kindergarten to Year 12 in the Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) key learning area, with students studying History in Stages 4–5 for 200 hours. Students may also study up to 200 hours of elective History.

Stages 1–3

In Stages 1–3, the Human Society and Its Environment K–6 Syllabus provides an integrated course consisting of four strands: Change and Continuity, Cultures, Environment, and Social Systems and Structures. The syllabus focuses on developing in students the skills, knowledge and understanding, values and attitudes that enhance their sense of personal, community, national and global identity and enable them to participate effectively in maintaining and improving the quality of their society and environment.

Stages 4–5

In Stages 4–5, students are introduced to the study of History as a discrete discipline. The syllabus is designed to build upon knowledge, skills and attitudes developed through the HSIE K–6 Syllabus. It is intended that, in Stages 4–5, students will develop an appreciation of the study of History and a commitment to informed and active citizenship, a just society and lifelong learning. The Stages 4–5 skills — which relate to interpretation, analysis and empathy; research; and communication — build on the skills of acquiring information, organising and using information, and civic participation developed through the HSIE K–6 Syllabus.

Stage 6

In Stage 6, students may study Ancient History and Modern History. The skills developed over Stages 1–5 are enhanced by encouraging students to evaluate types of sources and make judgements based on them, to communicate logical arguments concerning historical issues and concepts and to research and investigate historical problems and issues. Syllabuses in these subjects will undergo review and evaluation as outlined in Securing Their Future: The New South Wales Government’s Reforms for the Higher School Certificate (1997). The redeveloped courses will be available from 2000.

Stage 5 marks the end of compulsory history education for students in New South Wales. In Stages 4–5, teachers have opportunities to develop units of work that encourage students to form positive attitudes towards history and to understand of their role as citizens in a democratic society. From these experiences, students should acquire a lifelong interest in history and understand its impact on the present and the future. In addition, students will have acquired a range of knowledge, skills, understanding and values essential to successful engagement in post-compulsory education.

Board of Studies Requirements

All students must study at least 100 hours of a course in the key learning area of Human Society and Its Environment in each year from Year 7 to Year 10.

Students commencing secondary school in 1999 and thereafter will be required to study 100 hours each of History and Geography in Stage 4 and 100 hours each of Australian History and Australian Geography in Stage 5. These students will be required to sit a two-hour test in aspects of Australian History and Australian Geography, incorporating Civics and Citizenship, in November of their School Certificate year.