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Subject Selection Guide

View the Online Subject Selection Guide created to assist parents and student to navigate their way through the HSC subject selection process.

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Course - History (Ancient and Modern)

Covenant offers both the Ancient and Modern History course for study in Year 11 and 12. 

Ancient History
The Preliminary course provides students with opportunities to develop and apply their understanding of methods and issues involved in the investigation of the ancient past. Students have the opportunity to engage in the study of a range of features, people, places, events and developments of the ancient world.

The HSC course provides students with opportunities to apply their understanding of archaeological and written sources and relevant issues in the investigation of the ancient past. Through a core study, students investigate the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and explore issues relating to reconstruction and conservation of the past. They also study the key features and sources of an ancient society, personality and historical period.

Modern History
The Preliminary course provides students with opportunities to develop and apply their understanding of methods and issues involved in the investigation of modern history. Students have the opportunity to engage in the study of a range of people, ideas, movements, events and developments that have shaped the modern world. 

The HSC course provides students with opportunities to apply their understanding of sources and relevant issues in the investigation of the modern world. Through a core study, students investigate the nature of power and authority 1919-1946. They also study key features in the history of one nation, one study in peace and conflict and one study of changes in the modern world.

Download the PDF (below) to get the full course description.

Download Ancient History Course Outline Download Modern History Course Outline

FAQ

In Ancient History, is the Core Study more difficult than the Electives?

To a degree, yes. Most Ancient History students find the Core Study of Pompeii and Herculaneum to be the most difficult of the four modules they have to study in the HSC course, simply for the reason that it is one of the most content-heavy modules available. That being said, the actual difficulty depends on your own strengths and weaknesses. If you’re skilled at memorising facts and sources, then you might just find the Core module particularly easy. If, on the other hand, you’re the type of person who’s great at synthesising information and concepts to make informed judgements and evaluations, you might find the Personality and Period modules rather effortless and the Core module quite difficult.

According to the Syllabus, 120 classroom hours are dedicated to HSC Ancient History. The Core Study and each Elective is given 25% of the course time. Essentially, they’re all supposed to be the same, content-wise - but we know it’s not!

Why design notes specifically for Ancient History?
  • It’ll help you retain content
  • You’ll have everything in one place
  • When it comes to doing practice exams, you’ll have your sources and evidence right there when you slay study time with the Rule of 3
Should I take HSC Modern History?

If you are passionate about history, learning about the world, and current affairs, then HSC Modern History is definitely for you! HSC Modern History builds on skills and themes introduced in Year 10 history, except now, it explores the history and processes of change in other countries, rather than focusing on Australia. 

So, if you enjoyed Year 10 history, you will most likely enjoy HSC Modern History! 

Studying HSC Modern History will offer you deeper insights on how people and events in the past have helped to shape today’s modern world. As a bonus, if you are looking into studying arts, history or law at university, studying HSC Modern History will get you ready for this venture!

What is scaling like for HSC Modern History and will it matter?

This is one of the top questions students have about taking HSC Modern History as scaling is the first thing many students think about when picking subjects for the HSC! But you are in here for a surprise… Modern History is actually the 3rd highest scaling HSIE subject (after Economics and History Extension of course!).

However, you should not be basing your subject decisions on scaling alone. In fact, scaling should be the last thing to consider when choosing your subjects. If you are interested in HSC Modern History and think you will enjoy learning about it, then choose it as a Year 11 and 12 subject!

If you have further questions, please contact:
HSIE Coordinator - Mr Anthony Pollard
apollard@covenant.nsw.edu.au

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