History

Content

Our year 7 History topic provides a study of the history from the time of the earliest human communities to the end of the ancient period, approximately 60 000 BC (BCE) – c.650 AD (CE). This was a time when humans were only just discovering culture and organised societies. The study of the ancient world includes the discoveries (the remains of the past and what we know) and the mysteries (what we do not know) about this period of history in a range of societies in places including Australia, Rome, and China.

The content provides opportunities to develop historical understanding through key concepts, including evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy, significance and contestability. These concepts may be investigated within a particular historical context to facilitate an understanding of the past and to provide a focus for historical inquiries. 

Topics may include:

• Investigating the ancient past (historical methods)
• Investigating the ancient past (ancient Australia)
• The Mediterranean world (Rome)
• The Asian world (China)

Assessment

Tasks may include:

• Historical investigation: Students choose one historical mystery or controversy and create their own interpretation of events to solve the mystery. Students investigate the methods and tools historians, and archaeologists used to gather evidence and reflect on the reliability of sources used to solve the mystery.
• E-folio of evidence: Students create a folio of evidence over weeks studying aspects of Ancient China. Activities may range from investigating an area of interest to analyzing a source or reporting on a notable figure.

Additional Information