Click for more information

Computing
English
ESL
History
LOTE
Maths
Music
PDHPE
Religion
Science
Social Sciences
Sport
Support Unit
TAS
Visual Arts

 

History

Studying the past can be fascinating. We find out how people lived, what things happened and why changes occurred. To do this, students learn about historians work and experience the thrill of discovering our past. By Increasing our understanding of the world, we can develop informed opinions on current affairs and increase our awareness of our identity and heritage as we learn about the history of our community and country. History also develops our knowledge and understanding of other societies and cultures.

We use many different resources in studying History inside and outside the school, including research activities, documentaries, computer programs and excursions. The History department at Chatswood high School also has strong links with the university of Sydney and the Nicholson Museum

Years 7 and 8

Unlike many other schools, Chatswood High values History as a core subject which everyone studies over their first four years. In Year 7 we investigate Early Societies and Ancient History, for example, we learn hieroglyphics with the Egyptians and fight with the invincible Roman army. We also examine interesting case studies as we learn about History itself and the methods of historians, for example, how do we find out if the "body in the bog" was killed 9 years ago or 900 years ago?

In Year 8 we move onto Medieval History and the history of invasions. What, for example, happened in the Black Death or The Crusades? We also examine the history of other cultures such as Japan and China.

Years 9 and 10

In years 9 and 10 the twentieth century is studied in detail. Australia's involvement in World War 1, World War 2 and the Vietnam War is examined. We also look at the different decades of the twentieth century and the social change that came about during these times. Major personalities of the twentieth century are also studied.

Students in Years 9 & 10, also have the option of studying Elective History. In this, students cover a range of topics such as the study of revolutions, depth studies of a broad range of societies such as Sparta and the Tudors.

Senior history

In the senior years students can choose Modern or Ancient History.

Ancient History is studied through archaeology and written sources. The Preliminary course introduces students to the study of archaeology and examines a series of case studies looking at a range of Ancient cultures and societies. The HSC course has the compulsory study of Pompeii and Herculaneum, a personality, an Ancient Society and an Ancient period.

The Preliminary Modern History course is a series of case studies. We might find ourselves on board the Lusitania as it is struck by a torpedo (or is it two?). Shots ring out and a President lies dying in the arms of his wife. A madman or a conspiracy? Why did the Romanov dynasty in Russia come to an end? These case studies not only teach the skills of source analysis and essay writing that students will need for their HSC course but also develop the important skills of analysis and critical thinking.

The HSC course covers the Core Topic of World War 1, a national study, a personality of the twentieth century and a modern world conflict.

Extension History is also available to students in the HSC course for Ancient or Modern History. In this course students examine the issues surrounding historiography and explore this further in examining a case study and completing a major project.

Outstanding results

In 2007 HSC 100% of students were in the top two bands in Extension History. In Modern History 25% of students scored band 6 or above and in Ancient History 50% scored a band 6. These results are significantly above the state average. In the School Certificate our students were 3 times the state average in the band 6 range.

Special events

A vast number of events are available for students including: