History

Content

Students study the history of the ancient period to the beginning of the modern period (c. 650 - 1750 AD). This was when major civilisations worldwide came into contact with each other. Social, economic, religious and political beliefs were often challenged and significantly changed. It was the period when the modern world began to take shape.

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 are investigated within a particular historical context to facilitate an understanding of the past and to provide a focus for historical inquiries.

Topics may include:      

• The Vikings (790 - 1066)
• Medieval Europe (590 -1500)          
• The Black Death in Asia, Europe and Africa (14th Century Plague)
• The Polynesian Expansion across the Pacific (700 -1756) or Rise of Shogunates in Japan

Assessment

Tasks may include:

• Source analysis: Find primary and secondary sources to answer the question, ‘How did the beliefs of the Church affect society?’     
• Explanation: Either the changes in castles, how Medieval Europe changed due to the Crusades, or the factors that weakened the feudal system
• Explanation: Analyse the causes of the Black Death and evaluate which were the most damaging
• Research task: Research one Polynesian society and present information about their cultural traditions and links to the environment. (written/oral/multi-modal)

Additional Information