History
History
History teaches you how to understand the causes and consequences of past events that are significant to New Zealanders and our society. It also teaches how to understand people’s differing perspectives on past events that are significant to New Zealanders. A basic level of literacy is required but history is accessible to most as large volumes of writing are no longer required in this subject.
Vocational Pathways: Service, Social, Creative.
LEVEL ONE
Code: L1HIS
Course of Study
Level 1 History is all about big events and people that shaped the world.
We start by learning about the fight for equality by African Americans — from the time of Abraham Lincoln to Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1950s and 60s.
Next, we look at the idea of significance and what makes an event important. We do short topics on the Russian Revolution and the Cuban Missile Crisis, and then you get to choose your own event to research and present. If you’re into ancient history, this is your chance to look into it.
We also look at a major event in South Island history, the Kemp Land Purchase, and how it changed the place we live in today.
The learning and assessment are based around the key historical ideas of significance, perspectives, and cause, effect, Mana, Turangawaewae and Whakapapa for the New Zealand context,
Assessment
Internal 10 credits
92024 Engage with a variety of primary sources in a historical context
92025 Demonstrate understanding of the significance of a historical context
External 10 credits
Demonstrate understanding of historical concepts in contexts of significance to Aotearoa New Zealand
Demonstrate understanding of perspectives on a historical context
LEVEL TWO
Code: L2HIS
Course of Study
The Causes and Consequences of 9/11
We take a deep look into the events that led to the 9/11 attacks — including what was happening in the Middle East and the USA, and how Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda came to carry them out. Then we look at what happened next: the impact on the USA, Muslim communities, and events like the War on Terror.
Eugenics
Eugenics is the idea that humans could be improved by controlling who gets to have children. The most extreme example was Hitler and the Holocaust — but this happened in lots of countries, including the USA. You’ll learn about the different sides of the debate, including hearing from a real American who was affected by eugenics laws.
History Mystery Research
Love a good mystery or conspiracy? This is your chance to look into something that has always interested you. Past students have investigated events like the death of Princess Diana, Phar Lap, and the assassination of JFK. You choose the mystery and become the historian.
Throughout the course a variety of skills will be practised such as examining historical evidence e.g. fact versus opinion, bias and propaganda.
Assessment
Internal
AS 91229: Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place (4 credits) (R)
AS 91230: Examine an historical event or place (5 credits) (R)
AS 91232: Interpret different perspectives of people in an historical event (5 credits) (R)
External
AS 91231: Examine sources of an historical event (4 credits) (R+W)
AS 91233: Examine causes and consequences of an historical event (5 credits) (R+W)
Entry Criteria
Automatic entry if you have attained at least 12 credits in Level 1 History. Everybody is welcome to do this subject if you have shown some academic ability in Level 1.
LEVEL THREE
Code: L3HIS
Course of Study
In Level 3 History, we explore the following topics
Research project: Who do you think you are?
In this project, you will investigate a relative and their involvement in a historical event. This could include a grandparent’s role in World War Two, your family's migration to New Zealand, or the history of the place you live. It is a chance to connect personal stories with bigger historical events.
The Cambodian Genocide
We study the causes and consequences of the Khmer Rouge’s attempt to create a new type of society. This led to the deaths of millions of people. We also explore how Cambodia has dealt with its past and rebuilt after such a tragedy.
Perspectives on the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima
This is one of the most debated events in history. Was it necessary or not? You will learn about the reasons behind the bombing and look at both the American and Japanese points of view.
Historical Skills: These are taught throughout the year to improve critical thinking skills.
Assessment
External
AS 91436: Analyse evidence relating to an historical event of significance to New Zealanders (4 credits) (R+W)
AS 91438: Analyse the causes and consequences of a significant historical event (6 credits) (R+W)
Internal
AS 91434: Research an historical event or place of significance to New Zealanders, using primary and secondary sources (5 credits) (R)
AS 91435: Analyse an historical event, or place, of significance to New Zealanders (5 credits) (R) AS91437: Analyse different perspectives of a contested event of significance to New Zealanders (5 credits) (R)
AS91437: Analyse different perspectives of a contested event of significance to New Zealanders (5 credits) (R)
Entry Criteria
Automatic entry if you have at least 10 credits in Level 2 History or if you have not done History before, you are more than welcome to do Level 3, provided you have demonstrated some ability to cope with an academic subject at this level.
You do not need to be going on the History trip to do this subject at Year 13 in 2026.