Source Analysis

Source Analysis – A Skill for 21st Century Learning and Living 

Source analysis skills are fundamental to the study of History, enabling students to critically examine and interpret a range of sources. This is particularly emphasized in the Victorian Curriculum which aims to develop students' understanding of human experience that they might live more mindfully in the present. 

In the Humanities curriculum at Shelford Girls’ Grammar, students are encouraged to consider the context in which sources were created, including the creator’s background, motivations and intended audience where relevant as well as important historical events that influence the source. Students are encouraged to consider a range of perspectives relevant to the creation of sources and also the values demonstrated by the source. This helps students to understand that historical sources are not always objective representations of the past but are influenced by the perspectives of their creators. Our understanding of history, then, is influenced by the artefacts that remain and the voices heard within the echoes of the past. 

Another important aspect of source analysis is the ability to evaluate the significance of sources in relation to historical events and processes. This involves considering the relevance of sources to the topic being studied. Again, in our curriculum, students are encouraged to explore different types of sources, including primary and secondary sources, and to consider how these sources can be used to construct a meaningful narrative of the past. 

By engaging with historical sources, students learn to question assumptions, evaluate evidence and construct well-reasoned arguments about the past. These skills are not only important for academic success, but also for informed citizenship and full participation in a democratic society. Source analysis skills are highly relevant as they contribute to developing critical thinking skills and information literacy, both essential in a digital age marked by an abundance of information. With the proliferation of online sources, students need to be able to evaluate the credibility and bias of sources to discern accurate information from misinformation or propaganda. By honing their source analysis skills, students become more discerning consumers and creators of information, better equipped to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to society. 

Tristan Hill

Head of Humanities 

VCE Coordinator