Task Overview
The current New South Wales Board of Studies [BOS] History K-10 Syllabus and the Australia Curriculum and Reporting Authority [ACARA] Humanities and Social Sciences Curriculum [HASS] F-6 Version 9.0 place a clear and substantial focus on learning through inquiry. This assignment gives you the opportunity to investigate the content to be taught in History to primary age students and to develop a deeper understanding of why, in History teaching, there is such an emphasis placed on inquiry learning.
In this assignment, you will be:
• required to become familiar with the History syllabus for Stage 3 (BOS, NSW) – Yr 6 (ACARA:HASS)
• encouraged to think about how you would approach the teaching of History.
• assessed on your understanding of the learning materials in Topics 1-4, including the textbook and other prescribed readings.
Presentation
1. Format your essay using 12 pt, doubled spaced.
2. Clearly label all parts and sections of the assignment (i.e Part A, Part B 1 & 2 ).
3. Edit your work (spell check, grammar check, check for completeness).
4. Referenced appropriately in-line with School of Education APA referencing style 7th Edition and a Reference List supplied. See https://aso-resources.une.edu.au/referencing_plagiarism/referencing
5. Adhere to word limit of 2000 words (10% deviation). Content beyond the exceeded word limit will not be considered for marking i.e the marker will stop marking after the deviation of 10% above the set word limit has been reached.
Part A – Addressing the aim of the History syllabus or aims of ACARA: HASS (choose one)
‘The aim of the History syllabus is to stimulate students’ interest in and enjoyment of exploring the past, to develop a critical understanding of the past and its impact on the present, to develop the critical skills of historical inquiry and to enable students to participate as active, informed and responsible citizens.’ (NSW History K-10 Syllabus, BOS 2012, p. 12)
or
‘The F–6/7 Australian Curriculum for Humanities and Social Sciences aims to ensure that students develop:
•
o a sense of wonder, curiosity and respect about places, people, cultures and systems throughout the world, past and present, and an interest in and enjoyment of the study of these phenomena
o key historical, geographical, civic and economic knowledge of people, places, values and systems, past and present, in local to global contexts
o an understanding and appreciation of historical developments, geographic phenomena, civic values and economic factors that shape society, influence sustainability and create a sense of belonging
o the capacity to use inquiry methods and skills, including questioning, researching using reliable sources, analysing, evaluating and communicating
o dispositions required for effective participation in everyday life, now and in the future, including critical and creative problem-solving, informed decision making, responsible and active citizenship, enterprising financial behaviour and ethical reflection.’ (https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/humanities-and-social-sciences/hass/aims/)
Part A requires you to answer the following question:
How can the inquiry method help to achieve the aim of the History syllabus or the aims of ACARA: HASS? (1000 words)
Part B – Teaching historical content and skills
1. Explain the intent of the inquiry features ‘hands-on’ learning and exploring different ‘perspectives’ within the context of historical inquiry. (Topic A. 2 Notes) (300 words)
2. For each feature( ‘hands -on’ learning and exploring different ‘perspectives’), use examples from the Content pages for Stage 3 (NSW History Syllabus) or Year 6 History Knowledge and Understanding and Skills Content Descriptions and Elaborations (ACARA:HASS) to explain how each feature is required to allow students to learn history effectively and in turn contribute to achieving the aim of the History Syllabus or aims of the ACARA:HASS. (700 words)
Essential reading for this assignment
1. History Syllabus or ACARA: HASS Curriculum (Version 9)
Board of Studies (2012). History K-10 syllabus Vol 1 History K – 6. Board of Studies New South Wales or an equivalent document from another state or territory i.e. the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (2022). The Australian Curriculum: Humanities and Social Sciences. (please do not use both)
A new version of The Australian Curriculum: Humanities and Social Sciences is now available. Please access and use version 9 – www.australiancurriculum.edu.au