History

Aim/Mission Statement

Historical studies encourage students to investigate the past in order to better understand the present during their investigation.  Such studies open doors onto ‘discovering one’s identity’ and provide the scope necessary to explore the perspectives of past cultural groups.

Facilities and Resources

The course is book-oriented but draws on an extensive multimedia archive as well.  Data projectors bring variety to the presentation of the archival material, and the occasional field trip adds spice to our courses.

History

The study of History and the historical forces and processes that have shaped our world enables us to better understand our own society and the world and the individual’s place in it.

It is a subject that teaches people to gather, process, interpret and present information; all of which are important skills in the information based society we now live.

History develops research and communication skills. Throughout their study students will learn how to:

• distinguish fact from opinion
• detect bias and propaganda
• recognise differing points of view
• develop clear, critical thinking
• make sound judgments
• present balanced and logical arguments.

The study of History develops in students very marketable skills that are in demand in a wide variety careers, especially careers related to the law, research, education, advertising, journalism, public service, the police and the armed services.

Skills learnt in History will be valuable no matter what university degree you undertake. Employers value History students for their broad understanding of human nature and human affairs as well as their ability to think through problems and express themselves clearly and accurately.

On top of all that is outlined above, if you were still not convinced…

History fires students’ curiosity and imagination

It invites them to ask, and helps them answer, today’s questions by engaging with the past and imagining and speculating on possible futures. History presents students with the dilemmas, choices, and beliefs of people in the past. It connects students with the wider world as they develop their own identities and sense of place. Students engage with history at personal, local, and international levels. They investigate the histories of their communities, New Zealand, and the wider world.

History is a research-led discipline

History encourages an informed understanding of the origins of our diverse society in Aotearoa New Zealand. Central to this understanding is an awareness of the history of the Treaty of Waitangi and of the Treaty’s principles, values, and ongoing relevance. An awareness of history inspires students to become confident, questioning, and empathetic individuals.

History is dynamic and exciting

As students develop their understanding of the nature of historical inquiry, they employ a robust methodology. They learn to ask and answer important questions, evaluate evidence, identify and analyse different interpretations of the past, and substantiate their arguments and judgments. Students can see why they are learning and what they are learning, and they can debate the significance of the history they learn.

History prepares students for the future

It equips them with knowledge and skills that are valuable and useful throughout life. These include research techniques, the skills needed to process and synthesise varied and complex materials, the skills needed to give clear and effective oral and written presentations, and the ability to articulate ideas and make them clear to others. With these skills, students enhance their employ-ability and are able to participate actively and critically in their societies.

At Glenfield College History is taught in all three NCEA Levels.

Level 3

History at Level 3 looks at the contestability of events in the past and the various interpretations of these events. Students evaluate primary and secondary data and the different views of historians. Skills of independent inquiry and research are also developed which are essential tertiary skills.

Themes studied include:

• A contested event of significance to New Zealanders 
• Historical trends in History – Crime, Punishment and Protest in England 1450 – 2000
• Cause(s) and effect(s) of an event – The Whitechapel Murders (Jack the Ripper)

 Level 2

History helps us to recognise the distinctive forces which have shaped our society and determined our place within it while also making us aware of common links which we share with all humanity. History at Level 2 focuses on an understanding of major forces of communism and fascism that have shaped our world. Skills of analysis, synthesis, research and communication which are portable and fundamental to lifelong learning are further developed at this level.

Themes studied include:

• Protest in the 20^thCentury – This study examines the alternatives to war as a solution to national or international disagreements. It focuses on controversial events in New Zealand including Maori land issues at Bastion Point, Auckland and Maori Land March, apartheid South Africa and the 1981 Springbok Tour; nuclear testing in the Pacific, Greenpeace and the Rainbow Warrior.
• Research Investigation and Presentation – This allows students to work independently, using the inquiry process, to examine an event of their own choice and present their own findings.
• Perspectives – This study involves students learning about different perspectives of people about events in the past.

Level 1

This course introduces the discipline of history and history skills. It explores how historians engage in finding out about the past. History explores how and why change has occurred in human societies over time. An appreciation of the past allows a more thorough understanding of the present and provides lifelong interest and pleasure. History teaches analytical skills applicable in a range of situations and occupations and research and communication skills transportable to most jobs.

Theme of study:

Kiwis and Conflict

You may find the course listing in here: Social Sciences