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Historical Studies

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​​Does this subject contribute to an ATAR? Yes (General Subject)

How many credits does this subject contribute towards QCE? 4


What is Historical Studies?

History provides opportunities for students to study people, societies and civilisations of the past, from the development of the earliest human communities to the end of the Middle Ages in Ancient History, and key developments in the 19th and 20th century in Modern History.  Students explore the interaction of societies, and the impact of individuals and groups on events and ways of life, and study the development of some features of modern society, such as social organisation, systems of law, governance and religion.

Students analyse and interpret archaeological and written evidence. They develop increasingly sophisticated skills and understandings of historical issues and problems by interrogating the surviving evidence of ancient sites, societies, individuals and significant historical periods. They investigate the problematic nature of evidence, pose increasingly complex questions about the past and formulate reasoned responses.

Students gain multi-disciplinary skills in analysing textual and visual sources, constructing arguments, challenging assumptions, and thinking both creatively and critically.

In year 10 this is a combined Modern and Ancient program, that branches off in year 11/12 to a program that is solely Modern History or Ancient History, based on class decisions and student numbers.


What makes a student suited to Historical Studies?

Students who achieve success in Ancient History are those who: 
  • have an inquiring mind, an interest in the human story and are considering university study
  • are critical and analytical thinkers
  • have demonstrated a solid ability to comprehend written and visual text
  • are able to work both independently and in a team environment 
What prerequisites must students meet in order to take this subject?

Year 9 - Minimum of C Standard in Core English
Year 10 - Minimum of C Standard in Core English

What is the cost of this subject?

Nil - all costs covered by Student Resource Scheme.
Excursions – possible cost for optional excursion opportunities​

What materials or equipment do I need for this subject?
  • BYOD laptop
  • A4 Exercise book (minimum 96 pages)
  • Highlighters
  • Blue, black and red pens

What do students study in Historical Studies and how are they assessed?
(Note – Year 11 and 12 examples are of the Ancient History Syllabus) 

  Unit OverviewsAssessment
Year 10Semester 1Dictators in the Ancient and Modern World



Religion and Cults in the Ancient and Modern World

Summative assessment 1:

• Short Response Exams

Summative assessment 2:

• Independent Source Investigation

 Semester 2

Political Revolutions throughout History



Technological Revolutions throughout History




Summative assessment 3:

• Investigation: Research Essay

Summative assessment 4:

• Independent Source Investigation

Year 11Unit 1

Investigating the ancient world​: Digging up the past and one of the following:

Ancient Societies: Beliefs, rituals and funerary practices.​

Formative internal assessment 1: 25%
• Examination: Short Response to Historical Sources

Formative internal assessment 2: 25%
• Investigation: Independent Source Analysis 

Unit 2

Personalities in their time (Ancient)
- Hatshepsut - Pharaoh of Egypt
- Alexander the Great

Formative internal assessment 3: 25%
• Investigation: Research Essay
Formative internal assessment 4: 25%
• Examination:  Essay in response to sources


Year 12Unit 3

Reconstructing the ancient world

- Fifth Century Athens (BCE) - Greece

- Pompeii and Herculaneum - Rome

Summative internal assessment 1 (IA1): 25%
• Examination:  Essay in response to sources

Summative internal assessment 2 (IA2): 25%
• Independent Source Investigation

Unit 4

People, power and authority (Ancient)

- Ancient Rome — Civil War and the breakdown of the Republic

Cleopatra or Julius Caesar

Summative internal assessment 3 (IA3): 25%
• Investigation: Research Essay

 Summative external assessment (EA): 25%
• Examination: Short Response to Historical Sources




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Last reviewed 21 August 2023
Last updated 21 August 2023