HISTORY DEPARTMENT
Philosophy/Rationale

The teaching of History at The King's School at all stages (Years 7-10 and Years 11-12), is designed to allow students to learn about the interaction, over time and space, of individuals, groups and societies and the political, social and economic circumstances which arise from this interaction. History contributes to students' ability to participate as active and informed citizens, both within our society and at a global level.
The enquiry approach to History is intended to enable students to develop knowledge and skills in investigation, critical thinking, problem solving and communication. As well, it enables students to foster attitudes that will assist them to participate as active and informed citizens in our democratic society, to understand Australia within an international context and to consider ways of improving the quality of society.

1) Stages 4 and 5
All students in Years 7-10 are taught History as a core subject. The broad aim of studying History at The King's School is to enable students:
• to acquire broad knowledge and understanding about past societies
• to understand the ways in which these societies have contributed to the development of the modern world
• to develop the historical skills of interpretation, analysis, empathy, research and communication
• to recognise differing viewpoints about the past held by different groups in our society
• to develop values and attitudes essential to an appreciation of the past
• to prepare the boys in our care for informed and active citizenship in a changing world.
In very specific terms the History Department at The King's School intends that as a result of having studied History in Years 7-10 students will:
• develop an appreciation of the study of History
• be inspired to commit to a lifelong and ongoing love of learning
• become informed and active citizens
• develop frameworks of reference to use for critical and informed thought
• develop informed opinions about contemporary national and international issues
• explore other people's experiences
• learn to use the past to inform and reflect on the present

2) Stage 6
a) Modern History (Years 11 - 12)
Boys may elect to study Modern History in Years 11 and 12. The aim of Modern History at The King's School, in Stage 6, is to enable students:
• to develop an appreciation of the study of Modern History.
• to consider the great social, technological, economic, political and moral transformations of the 19th and 20th Centuries
• to analyse the causes, progress and effects of these transformations and to make informed judgements
• to develop the historical skills of interpretation, analysis, empathy, research and communication
• to develop values and attitudes about informed and active citizenship and a just society.
The Modern History Stage 6 Syllabus produced by the Board of Studies NSW, states in its rationale that "Modern History Stage 6 is especially relevant to the lives of students, as the events and issues that form its content are, in many cases, still current".
The History Department at The King's School intends that, in Stage 6, students will:
• develop the skills important for today's competitive workforce
• develop the fluent communication of thoughts and ideas gleaned from critical analysis of primary and secondary sources
Studying Modern History is seen to be important:
• to enable students to acquire knowledge and understanding
• to develop the skills of critical analysis and synthesis
• to develop values & attitudes essential to an appreciation of forces that have shaped the modern world
• to develop a lifelong interest in the study of history
• to prepare students for informed and active citizenship in the contemporary world
• to examine the world in a variety of ways which will lead to a lifelong learning commitment.

b) Ancient History (Years 11 and 12)
Boys may elect to study Ancient History in Years 11 and 12. The aim of Ancient History at The King's School, in Stage 6, is to enable students:
• to develop an appreciation of the study of Ancient History
• to consider both the interaction of societies and the impact of individuals and groups on ancient events and ways of life
• to study and analyse past societies with the detachment of at least two millenia
• to develop and apply research skills and the methodologies of the historian and archaeologist
• to critically question and interpret written and archaeological sources about the ancient world
• to develop values and attitudes about informed and active citizenship
The Ancient History Stage 6 Syllabus produced by The Board of Studies NSW, states in its rationale that Ancient History "draws on a variety of disciplines and sources, both written and archaeological, such as literary works, coins, inscriptions, art, architecture, artefacts and human remains, enabling students to piece together an informed and coherent view of the past".
The History Department at The King's School intends that, in Stage 6, students will:
• develop the skills important for the world of work and informed citizenship to be effective and fluent communicators of narrative, detail, ideas and judgements
Studying Ancient History is important:
• to enable students to acquire knowledge and understanding,
• to develop the skills of critical analysis and synthesis
• to develop values & attitudes essential to an appreciation of forces that shaped the ancient world
• to develop a lifelong interest in the study of history
• to prepare students for informed and active citizenship in the contemporary world
• to examine the world in a variety of ways which will lead to a lifelong learning commitment

c) History Extension (Year 12)
Boys may elect to study History Extension in Year 12.
The HSC History Extension Stage 6 Syllabus produced by The Board of Studies NSW, states in its rationale that "rather than simply extending students' knowledge of a particular period or event in history, the course is aimed at using specific historical investigations to reflect on the nature of history and how and why approaches and interpretations change over time.
Therefore, studying History Extension provides students with the opportunity to gain greater knowledge and understanding of the way history is written. They do this by reviewing the kinds of history that have been written and the context in which history is constructed over time in order to reflect on some of the problems associated with the writing of history".
Students who decide to undertake HSC History Extension will do so because they find that History is a fascinating revelation and a changing construct, all due to the work that is being completed in their HSC course in Ancient History and/or Modern History. The focus on historiography and sustained historical enquiry within the course ensures that students progress beyond the knowledge and understanding outcomes in Stage 6 Modern and/or Ancient History.

HSC History Extension is designed to enhance the development of critical and reflective thinking skills essential for effective participation in work, higher learning and the broader community. The course lays a foundation for such tertiary study by raising the awareness of approaching complex tasks flexibly, analysing and synthesising data from new situations, developing considered responses in accordance with a balanced methodology and reflecting on the processes in which they engage with the use of higher order thinking skills.