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History is a disciplined process of inquiry into the past that develops students' curiosity and imagination. Awareness of history is an essential characteristic of any society, and historical knowledge is fundamental to understanding ourselves and others. It promotes the understanding of societies, events, movements and developments that have shaped humanity from earliest times. It helps students appreciate how the world and its people have changed, as well as the significant continuities that exist to the present day. The study of history is based on evidence derived from remains of the past. It is interpretative by nature, promotes debate and encourages thinking about human values, including present and future challenges. The process of historical inquiry develops transferable skills, such as the ability to ask relevant questions; critically analyse and interpret sources; consider context; respect and explain different perspectives; develop and substantiate interpretations, and communicate effectively.

Curriculum focus

The Australian Curriculum for History takes a world history approach within which the history of Australia is taught. It does this in order to equip students for the world (local, regional and global) in which they live. An understanding of world history enhances students’ appreciation of Australian history. It enables them to develop an understanding of the past and present experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their identity and the continuing value of their culture. It also helps students to appreciate Australia's distinctive path of social, economic and political development, its position in the Asia-Pacific region, and its global interrelationships. This knowledge and understanding is essential for informed and active participation in Australia's diverse society.

Students investigate how life changed in the period in depth through the in-depth study of three aspects of Australia’s History.

Progressive Ideas and Movements

The study includes the causes and effects of the development, and the Australian experience.

• the influence of the Industrial Revolution on the movement of peoples throughout the world, including the role of convict transportation and later the free settlers’ arrival as a result of the discovery of gold in Victoria
• the experiences of convicts and free settlers upon departure, their journey abroad, and their reactions on arrival, particularly the Australian experience
• changes in the way of life of a group of people who moved to Australia in this period, such as free settlers on the frontier in Australia
• the short and long-term impacts of the movement of peoples during this period.

Making of a Nation

This includes the following topics:

• the extension of settlement, including the effects of contact (intended and unintended) between European settlers in Australia and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• the experiences of non-Europeans in Australia prior to the 1900s (such as the Japanese, Chinese, South Sea Islanders, Afghans)
• living and working conditions in Australia at the time of Federation in 1901
• key events and ideas in the development of Australian self-government and democracy, including women's voting rights

World War I

Students will investigate key aspects of World War I and the Australian experience of the war, including the nature and significance of the war in world and Australian history. This includes:

• an overview of the causes of World War I and the reasons why men enlisted to fight in the war
• the places where Australians fought and the nature of warfare during World War I, including the Gallipoli campaign
• the impact of World War I, with a particular emphasis on Australia (such as the use of propaganda to influence the civilian population, the changing role of women, the conscription debate)
• the commemoration of World War I, including debates about the nature and significance of the Anzac legend.

Assessment

A combination of class and common assessments, which are taken periodically through the year, together with other tasks involving problem solving and investigation are used to determine grades. An examination is held at the end of each semester and tests the content and proficiencies learned throughout the semester.

Key Resource

Student require an online and physical text book listed on the booklist.