Quakers Hill High School

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Ancient history

So, if you enjoyed studying history in Year 7 and 8, you will enjoy HSC ancient history! Next year you will travel to Masada and Tutankhamen’s tomb. You will study art and architecture in Ancient Greece, the power of image in Ancient Rome and look at the preservation and conservation of historic sites.

It is intended that students gain a deeper understanding of the present through their investigation of the past. Their interpretation of written and archaeological sources for the evidence they provide allows students to learn more about the ancient world

Learning ancient history

In Year 11 you will complete your own historical investigation on a topic of your choice. Year 12 will study the core – Pompeii and Herculaneum as well as digging into Sparta. The teacher and class will choose between Agrippina and Julius Caesar and look at an era of Rome.

History helps us learn how to compare multiple versions of the same event or multiple solutions to a problem. Ancient history provides you with a sound knowledge of world events and research skills which can take you to a range of vocations such as:

  • archivist
  • conservation specialist
  • lawyer
  • historian
  • politician
  • policy worker
  • librarian
  • archaeologist
  • affairs officer
  • tourism and museum curator

Students completing this subject will visit either the Nicholson Museum at Sydney University or the ancient history collection at Macquarie University. Students will be attending the HTA conference on a Friday and Saturday in June of their HSC year. There will also be other study days such as the ones held at Macquarie University and the State Library of NSW. We will also invite guest speakers such as Estelle Lazer to speak at our school or take students to lectures held a variety of venues.

In 2024  Year 11 will travel to Masada and Tutankhamen's tomb. You will study art and architecture in Ancient Greece and look at the preservation and conservation of historic sites.

Year 11 course

In the Year 11 course, students undertake at least TWO case studies.

  • One must be from Egypt, Greece, Rome or Celtic Europe, and
  • One must be from Australia, Asia, the Near East or the Americas.

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.

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 will study the core -Pompeii and Herculaneum as well as digging into Sparta. The teacher and class will choose between Agrippina and Julius Caeasar and look at an era of Rome. 

Year 12 course

The course requires study from at least TWO of the following areas:

  • Egypt
  • Near East
  • China
  • Greece
  • Rome

See the Ancient History Stage 6 syllabus for further information regarding course requirements.

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.

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.

You should choose ancient history if you have a love for investigating the past and using clues to tell a story. If you enjoy diverse cultures and have a passion for expanding your knowledge of the world, ancient history is for you.

You will learn about places you are likely to visit as an adult tourist. Ancient history provides insights into why and how history has unfolded and become as it is

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We would like to pay our respects and acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and also pay respect to Elders both past and present.

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