History
The study of History is important and beneficial for primary school students. The subject teaches students how practices and attitudes evolve across time to shape societies, cultures and individuals. It teaches them to apply evidence from the past to think imaginatively and critically about the present and the future.
A paper prepared for the Australian History Summit held on 17th August 2006 at Parliament House in Canberra proposes the essentials of teaching Australian history which include:
- a knowledge of the significant public events and developments that have taken place in Australia or that concern Australians.
- a basic knowledge of the global environment in which the development of Australia has taken place
The History component of the Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) K–6 NSW Syllabus is structured around key organising ideas:
- people have lived in the past
- people learn about the past by engaging with stories, images, objects and sites
- history uses sources to construct narratives of the past
- historical sources present perspectives on the past
Here are some examples that show how History can teach students to apply an understanding of the past and think about the present and the future:
- the development in safety standards and technology over time continue to improve the health, wellbeing, and environments of our communities.
- respecting and understanding the continuity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures help to form our Australian identity and Australia’s place in the world.
- significant voyages of global navigation have shaped the modern world through the export and exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures, with global connections continuing to evolve.
The effective teaching of History enables students to make meaningful connections to their own experiences. It is important for them to understand that what is considered significant in history depends on the viewpoint of an individual, family, cultural group, or nation.
Therefore, History must teach students how to think inferentially and critically as they explore historical events and figures to gain a deeper appreciation of the diverse world that they live in. By gaining a deeper understanding of historical concepts, students develop the empathy and resilience to make informed decisions – which is essential for becoming an active and responsible global citizen.