Year 8 Stage 4 History
Semester 1 History students are offered opportunities to cultivate their understanding of some of the great civilisations of the ancient world.
Students begin their historical learning with an overview of historical methods, evidence and literacy skills before moving on to examine Ancient Greece.
They find out about how Greece was organised from a political, economic, social and military perspective and its legacy for the modern world. Students learn about the great mythologies and stories of ancient Greece from Homer’s epics to the battles of Marathon, Salamis and Thermopylae.
In the second term of History, students explore the rise to power of Ancient China and undertake a personality study of the complex Emperor Shi Huangdi and his great archaeological legacies of the Terracotta Warriors and his tomb.
The course concludes with a hand-on excursion to the Nicholson Museum at Sydney University where students examine mummies and get the chance to hold a Spartan sword!
Semester 2Â History students continue to develop their understanding of historical themes and concepts by exploring the issue of contact.
Students learn about the fascinating history of Medieval Europe and Japan, as well as the frontier conflicts of colonial Australia.
The first term of history begins with the Battle of Hastings and Rise of Feudalism in Medieval Europe and also explores European contacts with Islam during the Crusades.
Using a range of sources, students also consider key aspects of the medieval world including the plague, crime and punishment, and the witch-trials.
The last unit of study is the invasion, occupation, colonisation and settlement of Australia and its impact on indigenous peoples.
During the year, students will have the chance to experience and encounter the stories, battles and weapons of the Medieval World first-hand with a visit from a medieval expert.
