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.
Core History undertaken at Year 9 uses aspects of the Victorian Curriculum 2 within which the prism of history of Australia until the end of WW1. It does this in order to equip students for the world (local, regional and global) in which they live. An understanding of Australian focussed history enhances students’ appreciation of their place in the world. It enables them to develop, for example, 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 19th and early 20th Century interrelationships. This knowledge and understanding is essential for informed and active participation in Australia's diverse society.
Students explore significant events and developments from 1750 to the early 20th century, including:
the influence of the Industrial Revolution on the movement of peoples throughout the world.
the short and long-term impacts of the movement of peoples during this period.
the extension of European 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 Chinese gold miners)
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
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.
Through these investigations, students learn how these events shaped the modern world and the societies we live in today.
Students learn to form thoughtful, meaningful questions that guide historical investigation. They adapt and refine these questions as they uncover more information, supporting deeper inquiry and stronger analytical thinking.
One of the key skills students work on is analysing a range of primary and secondary sources, learning to:
Identify key features of sources and understand the context in which they were created.
Draw inferences by asking targeted historical questions.
Verify and cross‑check information to judge a source’s accuracy and value.
These skills help students understand not just what happened, but how we know about it.
Students will also undertake extended responses and an essay upon specific topics in the Semester-long subject.
Students learn that history is shaped by different viewpoints. They examine the perspectives of individuals and groups from the periods studied, and explore the values, beliefs and attitudes that influenced their actions. This helps students develop empathy and a more nuanced understanding of the past. Students also learn that history is not fixed; it is often debated. They investigate differing interpretations and understand why historians may disagree. This encourages students to think critically, weigh up evidence and form well‑supported conclusions of their own.
Students explore patterns of change over time and the things that have stayed the same. They analyse the causes of significant events, both short‑ and long‑term, and examine their intended and unintended consequences for individuals, communities and nations.
Students use clear criteria to judge the importance of events, ideas, individuals and movements. They learn to explain why certain developments had a lasting impact on Australia and the wider world.
Finally, students learn to construct well‑reasoned historical interpretations using:
appropriate historical terms and concepts,
accurate knowledge,
evidence from a range of evaluated sources, and
clear historical conventions.
They present these interpretations in extended written responses, helping them build confidence and academic capability for more senior studies in History.
A combination of in class and common assessments, timed tests and quizzes, source-based tasks, annotated visual displays, extended responses and an essay are taken over the course of the semester, together with other tasks involving problem solving and investigation are used. An examination is held at the end of each semester and tests the content and proficiencies learned throughout the semester.
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Students require an online and physical text book and workbook listed on the booklist.