The study of history at George River College Peakhurst Campus aims to stimulate students' interest in and enjoyment of 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 enable our students to participate as active, informed and responsible citizens.
Year 7
History is studied as part of the Human society and its environment course in the first semester of Year 7. After a brief overview on the emergence and key features of ancient societies, students focus upon learning the skills required to investigate, record and analyse the past through the Investigating the Ancient Past depth study and a virtual visit to the Lake Mungo archaeological site. A highlight of this topic is a case study on the life and death of a mysterious five thousand year old ice mummy discovered high in the Italian Alps.
Students then use their historical skills in discover the engaging world of the Ancient Egyptians and the Ancient Chinese through their study of the Mediterranean and Asian world. During a virtual visit to the pyramids of Giza, students will find themselves walking in the footsteps of the pharaohs!
Year 8
In Year 8, history is studied in the first semester. After an overview, focussing upon the transition from the ancient to the modern world, students will gain a deep understanding of the western and islamic world during the middle ages. After learning about knights, castles and the Crusades, we immerse ourselves in the lives of samurai warriors when learning about Japan under the Shoguns. Our last topic on the Spanish Conquest of the America includes study into the rise and fall of the Aztecs.
Year 9
Year 9 and 10 history focuses on the modern world. The Year 9 component begins with the industrial revolution and the movement of people around the world through exploration, settlement and slavery. Following, we undertake the first half of a core study in on Australians at War. Students investigate the experiences of soldiers at Gallipoli and the Western Front in WWI. Through an empathy research task, our students are encouraged to empathise with difficulties experienced by so many Australian soldiers by researching the life of an individual who took part in these significant battles. This subject matter is uniquely reinforced by a talented drama and musical performance by a visiting artist.
After a brief look at the deprivation suffered by many during the Great Depression, we cover the second half of our Australians at War core study. This topic World War II and the effects it had on Australians at famous battles, like Kokoda and the Coral Sea, as well as the impact on the homefront. Finally, Year 9 will undertake a case study on The Holocaust in an attempt to understand this horrific period of world history and the implications for the future.
Year 10
Year 10 history students study post-WWII Australia. After an overview on the formation and role of the United Nations, we undertake a core study on Indigenous Rights and Freedoms from 1945 to the present. Through the study, we also compare and contrast the US civil rights movement and determine its influence on Australia.
Next, students investigate Australia's response to communism and the Vietnam War Popular. Our last topic investigates the nature of popular culture in Australia at the end of World War II, including music, film, fashion and sport. All Year 10 students have the opportunity to view a performance on Australian experiences in Vietnam.