ANCIENT HISTORY
Board Developed Course (ATAR) - 2 Units
Ancient History is intended for students fascinated by the events, people and societies of the ancient world. It is ideal for those passionate about understanding historical developments, archaeological discoveries and the legacy of ancient civilisations. The course caters to students aspiring to pursue careers in history, archaeology, education, museum studies, cultural preservation and research.
The study of Ancient History emphasises the development of high-level essay writing skills, including the ability to structure arguments logically, interpret historical sources and evaluate evidence. Students learn to write with clarity, coherence and depth, producing well-organised essays that demonstrate critical understanding of ancient events and figures. Analytical writing is a key component, equipping students with skills that are highly valued in both academic and professional contexts.
PRE-REQUISITES
There are no formal pre-requisites for Ancient History. However, strong reading comprehension and essay writing skills are highly beneficial due to the course’s emphasis on interpreting historical sources, constructing structured arguments and evidence-based analysis.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Year 11 Topics
• Investigating Ancient History
- The Nature of History
- Case Studies
• Features of Ancient Societies
• Historical Investigation
Year 12 Topics
• Core Study: Cities of Vesuvius – Pompeii and Herculaneum
• Ancient Societies
• Personalities in their Times
• Historical Periods
HSC EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
The HSC examination for Ancient History is a three-hour written examination that consists of four sections worth a total of 100 marks.
The examination assesses student understanding through a combination of short answer, source-based analysis and extended response questions.
Extended responses range in expected length from 600–1000 words.
UNIQUE FEATURES OF THIS COURSE
Excursions to museums, exhibits and historical sites are included when available, offering students the opportunity to engage directly with artefacts and primary evidence, deepening their understanding of ancient civilisations.
Further information is available on the NESA website.
If a student qualifies, the Ancient History Life Skills Course is available in mainstream classes. More information on Life Skills courses can be found here.