Ancient History Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)

The Ancient History Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) is for students in Stage 6. Find out more about the syllabus and access teaching and learning support materials.

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Read the record of changes to keep up to date on syllabus and assessment changes. View all HSIE syllabuses on the NSW Curriculum website.

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New syllabus implemented from 2027

The new Ancient History 11–12 Syllabus (2024) is to be implemented from 2027.

2025 and 2026

Plan and prepare to teach the new syllabus.

2027, Term 1

Start teaching the new syllabus for Year 11.
Start implementing new Year 11 school-based assessment requirements.
Continue to teach the Ancient History Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) for Year 12.

2027, Term 4

Start teaching the new syllabus for Year 12.
Start implementing new Year 12 school-based assessment requirements.

2028

First HSC examination for the new syllabus.

Find detailed implementation information, including key features and resources on the Human Society and Its Environment syllabus development page.

About the course

Students learn about features, people, places, events and developments of the ancient world, especially the Year 12 core study of Pompeii and Herculaneum. They apply their understanding of sources and explore issues around the investigation, reconstruction and conservation of the past.

Course description

The Year 11 course provides students with opportunities to develop and apply their understanding of methods and issues involved in the investigation of the ancient past. Students have the opportunity to engage in the study of a range of features, people, places, events and developments of the ancient world.

The Year 12 course provides students with opportunities to apply their understanding of archaeological and written sources and relevant issues in the investigation of the ancient past. Through a core study, students investigate the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and explore issues relating to reconstruction and conservation of the past. They also study the key features and sources of an ancient society, personality and historical period.

What students learn

Year 11 course

The Year 11 course comprises three sections.

Investigating Ancient History
- Students undertake at least one option from ‘The Nature of Ancient History’, and at least two case studies
Features of Ancient Societies
- Students study at least two ancient societies
Historical Investigation

Historical concepts and skills are integrated with the studies undertaken in Year 11.

Year 12 course

The Year 12 course comprises four sections.

Core Study: Cities of Vesuvius – Pompeii and Herculaneum
One ‘Ancient Societies’ topic
One ‘Personalities in their Times’ topic
One ‘Historical Periods’ topic

Historical concepts and skills are integrated with the studies undertaken in Year 12.

Course numbers and exclusions

Board Developed Course

Course number(s):

11020 Ancient History (2 units – Year 11)
15020 Ancient History (2 units – Year 12)

Prerequisites: Nil

Corequisites: Nil

Eligibility: Nil

Study via self-tuition: Yes

Exclusions:

16672 Ancient History Life Skills (2 units – Year 11)
16672 Ancient History Life Skills (2 units – Year 12)
16699 Human Society and its Environment Life Skills (2 units – Year 11) (where Ancient History is undertaken within the course)
16699 Human Society and its Environment Life Skills (2 units – Year 12) (where Ancient History is undertaken within the course)

Course requirements