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History
Version date: 30 June 2010
Key changes: Version 2
Subject facilitator email:
[email protected]
What is history about?
History examines the past to understand the present.
The history curriculum: What has changed?
Senior history is part of the wider curriculum
It reflects the vision, principles, values, and key competencies described on pages 8–13 of The New Zealand Curriculum.
History is part of the learning area of social sciences
It has its own achievement objectives in The New Zealand Curriculum. The achievement objectives inform teaching, learning, assessment, and programme design – all contexts taught need to relate to them. There are no prescribed topics.
Why are we learning this?
Teachers and students need to see the relevance of the programme. Teachers may choose to invite their students’ input when choosing learning contexts that have significance to New Zealanders and, most immediately, to the students in the history class.
New Zealand history is seen within wider global contexts
Where possible, history encompasses events occurring in New Zealand and/or global events involving or influencing New Zealanders. Historical scholarship encourages students to look for points of connection and for similarities and differences, and to focus on research that transcends the boundaries of nation states.
History places more emphasis on thinking critically
Students are encouraged to question accepted interpretations of the past and to consider contesting theories of historians and commentators. This emphasis reflects contemporary historical scholarship.
There is also a more holistic approach to understanding concepts of identity.
History curriculum guide content
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Last updated March 29, 2012