History Elective 7–10 Syllabus (2019)
Find out more about the History Elective 7–10 Syllabus (2019) and access teaching and learning support materials.
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NESA recently released a draft syllabus for feedback as part of the NSW Curriculum Reform.
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Your feedback will inform the final syllabus.
About the course
Students will explore the nature of history, heritage and archaeology and the methods that historians use to construct history through a range of thematic and historical studies.
History enables young people to develop an interest in and enjoyment of exploring the past. History Elective provides opportunities to develop a knowledge and understanding of past societies and historical periods.
The History Elective Years 7–10 course includes Life Skills outcomes and content for students with disability.
Students explore the nature of history, heritage and archaeology and the methods that historians use to construct history through a range of thematic and historical studies. The construction of history is examined through options such as oral history, museum or archive studies, historical fiction, media, biography or film. Historical issues studied include the collection, display and reconstruction of the past, ethical issues of ownership, preservation and conservation of the past. Features of a range of ancient, medieval and modern societies are explored and students have the opportunity to study historical themes such as war and peace, crime and punishment, music through history, slavery and gender in history.
Students undertake processes of historical inquiry, including understanding and analysing sources and sequencing major historical events to show an understanding of continuity, change and causation. Students develop an understanding of historical concepts such as empathetic understanding, significance and contestability. They apply research and communication skills, including the use of ICT, and examine different perspectives and interpretations to develop an understanding of a wide variety of viewpoints. Students are provided with opportunities to construct a logical historical argument supported by relevant evidence and to communicate effectively about the past for different audiences.
Board Developed Course
Course number(s):
- 450 History Elective 200 hours
- 451 History Elective 100 hours
- 454 History Elective Life Skills 200 hours
- 453 History Elective Life Skills 100 hours
Exclusions: Students may not access both the History Elective Years 7–10 outcomes and content and the History Elective Life Skills outcomes and content.
Students may undertake either 100 or 200 hours of study in History Elective in Stage 4 and/or Stage 5.
The History Elective course consists of 3 topics which include a range of options for study.
100-hour course
A 100-hour course should be structured in the following way:
- ONE option from each of topics 1, 2 and 3 must be studied.
200-hour course
A 200-hour course should be structured in the following way:
- ONE option from each of topics 1, 2 and 3 AND
- at least 2 other options from any of the topics.
Topics
- Topic 1: History, heritage and archaeology
- Topic 2: Ancient, medieval and modern societies
- Topic 3: Thematic studies
Topics may be integrated in teaching and learning programs.
Information about curriculum requirements for the RoSA are available on Assessment Certification Examination (ACE).
Assessment information and support
Teaching and learning support
Use these support materials to guide and plan your teaching and assessment.
The Life Skills outcomes worksheet can be used to collect information on the outcomes that a student has achieved before recording them in Schools Online.