1. Studying Ancient History in Years 11 & 12

2. Why should you study Ancient History?
Students who have an interest in ancient societies, events and personalities from the past should consider studying this course
HOWEVER,
you must be aware, it is an academic course!

3. Reality checks Students need to be prepared to do the following
when considering studying Ancient History:
- It is strongly advised that you are capable of writing sustained extended responses as you every topic will need them
- You must be willing to conduct your own research of topics at home
- You must be willing to regularly read and summarise notes in class

4. How can Ancient History help with employment after high school?
Ancient History will teach you skills, such as:
- Using technology
- Written and oral communication
- Exploration and solving complex issues
- Planning and organising activities

5. What do you learn about in Ancient History in Year 11?
PART I: a) Investigating Ancient History
Students will investigate options such as:
Preservation, Conservation and/or Reconstruction of Ancient Sites
The Treatment and Display of Human Remains
The Investigation of Ancient Sites and Sources

6. Year 11 course (cont.) b) Case Studies
Through case studies, students explore the various ways historians and archaeologists investigate, record and construct the past.
Examples of case studies are:
Ashoka
Troy
Tutankhamun’s Tomb

7. Year 11 course (cont.) PART III: Historical Investigation
The investigation extends a particular area of the student’s interest.
Possible historical investigations could include:
Aspects of an ancient society as revealed through sources
Causes and impacts of an historical event
Historical debates
A significant personality from the past

8. PART 2: Features of Ancient Societies
Students study at least TWO ancient societies through an investigation of a key feature or one key feature across the societies selected:
Egypt / Greece Women / Slavery
China / Carthage Art and Architecture
India / Assyria Weapons / Warfare
Celtic Europe Funerary customs
Rome / Israel Power and Image

9. What do you learn about in Ancient History in the YEAR 12 (HSC) course?
Part I: Cities of Vesuvius – Pompeii and Herculaneum
This is a compulsory case study for ALL Year 12 Ancient History students in New South Wales.
Students will study aspects such as:
- Geographical features
- The eruption of Mount Vesuvius
- Everyday life from archaeological remains including: ancient writers, graffiti, statues, mosaics, human and animal remains
- Conservation and reconstruction of the towns, ethical issues and new research and technology

10. HSC course (cont.) Part II: Ancient Societies
Students investigate key features such as religion, politics, warfare, occupations, and mysterious customs of the world’s greatest civilisations
Examples of Ancient Societies:
- Spartan Society to the Battle of Leuctra, 371 BC
- Bronze Age Minoan Crete
- Persian Society under Darius and Xerxes
- Athenian Society in the time of Pericles

11. Year 12 course (cont.) Part III: Personalities in their Times
Students gain an understanding of ONE ancient personality such as:
- Egypt: Hatshepsut
- Greece: Pericles
- Eastern: Hannibal
- Rome: Julius Caesar

12. Year 12 course (cont.) Part IV: Historical Periods
Students investigate the archaeological and written sources of ONE Historical Period that defined the ancient world
Examples:
- Egypt: New Kingdom to the death of Thutmose IV
- Greece: The Greek World 500 – 400 BC

13. How is Ancient History assessed? Year 11 Assessment
There will be three assessment tasks in Year 11
Historical Investigation: Research and Investigation
Source Analysis
Examination
Year 12 Assessment
There are four assessment tasks
Research and presentation
Research essay
Trial Examination