The aim of History (Mandatory) is to enable students to acquire the knowledge and understanding, historical skills, and values and attitudes essential to an appreciation of the past and to prepare students for informed and active citizenship in a changing world.

Objectives

Knowledge and Understanding

Through the study of History (Mandatory), students will develop knowledge and understanding about:

• time and chronology, including:
  

  – different perceptions of time
  – conventions used to describe historical periods and the passing of time
  – chronological frameworks of people, events and historical forces
  

• the nature of past societies and periods and their contribution to our world cultural heritage (Stage 4)
  
• indigenous peoples, the impact of colonisation and the nature of contact history (Stage 4)
  
• the nature of the relationship between Australia and the rest of the world (Stage 5)
  
• significant developments in Australia’s political history (Stage 5)
  
• significant developments in Australia’s social and cultural history (Stage 5)
  
• the changing nature of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal relations in Australia (Stage 5)
  
• the changing rights and freedoms of various gender, cultural, social and economic groups (Stage 5).
  

Skills

Through the study of History (Mandatory), students will develop skills in:

(a) Interpretation, analysis and empathy
This involves the capacity to:

• use historical terms and concepts in appropriate contexts
  
• interpret and use historical sources for the purposes of a specific historical inquiry
  
• recognise perspectives and interpretations about individuals, groups, issues and events
  

(b) Research
This involves the capacity to work individually and in groups to:

• define the purpose of a historical investigation
  
• plan historical research to suit the purpose of an investigation
  
• locate, select and organise information from a variety of sources
  
• evaluate the usefulness of sources for the purpose of an investigation
  

(c) Communication
This involves the capacity to work individually and in groups to:

• identify the purposes and audience for communication
  
• select the appropriate form of communication
  
• use knowledge and understanding to retell, describe, explain, argue, challenge and discuss clearly and coherently
  
• evaluate the effectiveness of the communication.
  

Values and Attitudes

Students will develop:

• commitment to informed and active citizenship
  
• commitment to a just society
  
• an appreciation of the study of history
  
• empathetic understanding
  
• commitment to lifelong learning.