At Picnic Point High School, History is a mandatory study, Stage 4 and 5 (Years 7-10). In Years 9 and 10 History Elective is a popular choice for many students. The History staff at PPHS have developed new programs to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum.
Stage 6 courses include Preliminary and HSC Ancient History, Preliminary and HSC Modern History, Society and Culture and History Extension.
Whilst our students study the past in History, they are also involved in developing specific skills. For example, students learn to sequence events chronologically, they also learn to measure time, identify different sources (both primary and secondary) and very importantly they learn how to structure written responses to historical questions. As well an important aspect in the study of Junior History is the building of an historical vocabulary that helps to serve students with their writing. Students are also encouraged to empathise with the lives and experiences of past peoples, cultures and civilisations.
Stage 6 students have a large array of topics and interests to pursue in their courses. At this level of history studies, students strive to develop structured written responses which reflect detailed knowledge and importantly reflect historical analysis. In all Stage 6 courses in History students are prepared for the demands of the HSC examinations. It should be noted that students undertaking History Extension are required to develop their own historical research project. As well, students undertaking Society and Culture are required to develop a Personal Interest Project (PIP). Students undertaking Senior History courses will need to develop an awareness of the importance of literacy skills which are significant components of each course in Stage 6 History.