History

Purpose

History is the study and practice of making sense of the human past. Our present is built on and becomes meaningful because of the past. For students to have an understanding of the past is therefore crucial to their identity in the present and their opportunity to contribute to the future.

Specifically, the purpose of studying history is for students to: 

• Develop an understanding of how change and stability are characteristic of all cultures 

• Acquire a knowledge of and a familiarity with people of different times and cultures 

• Develop an ability to understand and use historical concepts such as "cause" and "evidence" 

• Develop an ability to respond creatively and critically to historical evidence 

• Identify the human factors that have shaped history and thus learn from what has happened 

• Develop those research and study skills that are particularly found in the discipline of history but are important for a student's future needs.

Structure and Content

This elective subject is focused on ‘The modern world and Australia: 1918-present’. 

The overview of the whole period includes consideration of: 

• Interwar years including Treaty of Versailles, Roaring Twenties and Great Depression 

• Peace efforts post WW2, including Australia’s involvement in UN peacekeeping 

• Cold War and Australian involvement in global conflicts 

• Developments in technology, public health, longevity and standard of living in the 20th century, concern for environment and sustainability 

More detailed consideration of particular aspects in three depth studies: 

• World War Two – general overview of the causes and course of the war and special focus on the Holocaust 

• Rights and Freedoms - in particular civil rights and women’s rights 

• Migration experiences – in particular the period from WW2 to the present.