Linking together to protect
our bioregions
Links to the Australian Curriculum Learning AreasHistory
The following links have been selected using the Sustainability filter on the Australian Curriculum (link) website. Elaborations
have been selected for their links to sustainability and/or biodiversity.
History
Year 2 Level Description (partial) - The Past in the Present
The Year 2 curriculum provides a study of local history. Students explore, recognise and appreciate the history of their local
area by examining remains of the past and considering why they should be preserved.
The content provides opportunities to develop historical understanding through key concepts including continuity and
change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy and significance. These concepts may be investigated within a particular
historical context to facilitate an understanding of the past and to provide a focus for historical inquiries.
The history content at this year level involves two strands: Historical Knowledge, and Understanding and Historical Skills.
These strands are interrelated and should be taught in an integrated way; they may be integrated across learning areas and
in ways that are appropriate to specific local contexts.
Content Descriptions
Sustainability/ Biodiversity Elaborations
Historical Knowledge and Understanding
discussing why a particular site has heritage
significance/cultural value for present generations (for
example it provides a record of a significant historical event,
has aesthetic value, reflects the community’s identity)
The importance today of an historical site of cultural or
spiritual significance; for example, a community building, a
landmark, a war memorial (ACHHK045)
identifying, in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people, and visiting (where appropriate) local sites,
places and landscapes of significance to Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people (for example engraving sites,
rock paintings, natural sites or features such as the Birragai
rock shelter, creeks or mountains)
identifying and designing a local historical tour of a site (for
example one related to a particular cultural group)
Historical Skills
Explore a point of view (ACHHS052)
examining a point of view about changes to the built and
natural environment and to daily lives over time
Year 2 Achievement Standard
By the end of Year 2, students analyse aspects of daily life to identify how some have changed over recent time while others
have remained the same. They describe a person, site or event of significance in the local community.
Students sequence events in order, using a range of terms related to time. They pose questions about the past and use
sources provided (physical, visual, oral) to answer these questions. They compare objects from the past and present.
Students develop a narrative about the past using a range of texts.
Year 4 Level Description (partial) - First Contacts
The Year 4 curriculum introduces world history and the movement of peoples. Beginning with the history of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples, students examine European exploration and colonisation in Australia and throughout the
world up to the early 1800s. Students examine the impact of exploration on other societies, how these societies interacted
with newcomers, and how these experiences contributed to their cultural diversity.
The content provides opportunities to develop historical understanding through key concepts including sources, continuity
and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy and significance. These concepts may be investigated within a
particular historical context to facilitate an understanding of the past and to provide a focus for historical inquiries.
The history content at this year level involves two strands: Historical Knowledge and Understanding and Historical Skills.
These strands are interrelated and should be taught in an integrated way; they may be integrated across learning areas and
in ways that are appropriate to specific local contexts.
Content Descriptions
Sustainability/ Biodiversity Elaborations
Historical Knowledge and Understanding
investigating contact with Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples before 1788 (for example the repulsion of
the Dutch at Cape Keerweer in 1606 and the trade between
the Macassans and the Yolngu people)
The nature of contact between Aboriginal people and/or
Torres Strait Islanders and others, for example, the
Macassans and the Europeans, and the effects of these
interactions on, for example families and the environment
(ACHHK080)
comparing the European concept of land ownership with
the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples'
relationship with the land and sea, and how this affected
relations between them
exploring whether the interactions between Europeans and
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples had positive or
negative effects
examining paintings and accounts (by observers such as
Watkin Tench and David Collins) to determine the impact of
early British colonisation on Aboriginal peoples' country
Year 4 Achievement Standard
By the end of Year 4, students explain how and why life changed in the past, and identify aspects of the past that remained
the same. They describe the experiences of an individual or group over time. They recognise the significance of events in
bringing about change.
Students sequence events and people (their lifetime) in chronological order to identify key dates. They pose a range of
questions about the past. They identify sources (written, physical, visual, oral), and locate information to answer these
questions. They recognise different points of view. Students develop and present texts, including narratives, using historical
terms.
Year 5 Level Description (partial) - The Australian Colonies
The Year 5 curriculum provides a study of colonial Australia in the 1800s. Students look at the founding of British colonies
and the development of a colony. They learn about what life was like for different groups of people in the colonial period.
They examine significant events and people, political and economic developments, social structures, and settlement
patterns.
The content provides opportunities to develop historical understanding through key concepts including sources, continuity
and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy and significance.
These concepts may be investigated within a particular historical context to facilitate an understanding of the past and to
provide a focus for historical inquiries. The history content at this year level involves two strands: Historical Knowledge and
Understanding and Historical Skills. These strands are interrelated and should be taught in an integrated way; they may be
integrated across learning areas and in ways that are appropriate to specific local contexts.
Content Descriptions
Sustainability/ Biodiversity Elaborations
Historical Knowledge and Understanding
investigating colonial life to discover what life was like at
that time for different inhabitants (for example a European
family and an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Language
group, a convict and a free settler, a sugar cane farmer and
an indentured labourer) in terms of clothing, diet, leisure,
paid and unpaid work, language, housing and children’s
lives.
The nature of convict or colonial presence, including the
factors that influenced patterns of development, aspects of
the daily life of the inhabitants (including Aboriginal Peoples
and Torres Strait Islander Peoples) and how the
environment changed. (ACHHK094)
mapping local, regional and state/territory rural and urban
settlement patterns in the 1800s, and noting factors such as
geographical features, climate, water resources, the
discovery of gold, transport and access to port facilities that
shaped these patterns
investigating the impact of settlement on the environment
(for example comparing the present and past landscape and
the flora and fauna of the local community)
Year 5 Achievement Standard
By the end of Year 5, students identify the causes and effects of change on particular communities, and describe aspects of
the past that remained the same. They describe the different experiences of people in the past. They describe the
significance of people and events in bringing about change.
Students sequence events and people (their lifetime) in chronological order, using timelines. When researching, students
develop questions to frame an historical inquiry. They identify a range of sources and locate and record information related
to this inquiry. They examine sources to identify points of view. Students develop, organise and present their texts,
particularly narratives and descriptions, using historical terms and concepts.
Year 7 Level Description -The Ancient World
The Year 7 curriculum provides a study of history from the time of the earliest human communities to the end of the
ancient period, approximately 60 000 BC (BCE) – c.650 AD (CE). It was a period defined by the development of cultural
practices and organised societies. The study of the ancient world includes the discoveries (the remains of the past and what
we know) and the mysteries (what we do not know) about this period of history, in a range of societies including Australia,
Egypt, Greece, Rome, China and India.
The content provides opportunities to develop historical understanding through key concepts, including evidence,
continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy, significance and contestability. These concepts may be
investigated within a particular historical context to facilitate an understanding of the past and to provide a focus for
historical inquiries. The history content at this year level involves two strands: Historical Knowledge and Understanding and
Historical Skills. These strands are interrelated and should be taught in an integrated way; and in ways that are appropriate
to specific local contexts.
Content Descriptions
Sustainability/ Biodiversity Elaborations
Investigating the ancient past
investigating the discovery of Mungo Woman in 1969 and
the use of radio-carbon dating to draw conclusions about
the longevity of human occupation at Lake Mungo
generating a range of questions to investigate a source (for
example a shell midden in ancient Australia – where it was
found, how long it was used for, what it reveals about
technology and the use of environmental resources)
The nature of the sources for ancient Australia and what
they reveal about Australia’s past in the ancient period, such
as the use of resources. (ACDSEH031) (not marked
sustainability)
The importance of conserving the remains of the ancient
past, including the heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Peoples. (ACDSEH148) (not marked sustainability)
examining pre-historic South Australian bioregions such as
Kanmantoo to determine movement and settlement of
Aboriginal people when Kangaroo Island was joined to the
mainland. (added elaboration)
Investigating pre-historic climates in South Australian
bioregions and how they would have affected and
influenced populations. Comparing this to the climates of
these regions today. (added elaboration)
Year 7 Achievement Standard
By the end of Year 7, students suggest reasons for change and continuity over time. They describe the effects of change on
societies, individuals and groups. They describe events and developments from the perspective of different people who
lived at the time. Students explain the role of groups and the significance of particular individuals in society. They identify
past events and developments that have been interpreted in different ways.
Students sequence events and developments within a chronological framework, using dating conventions to represent and
measure time. When researching, students develop questions to frame an historical inquiry. They identify and select a range
of sources and locate, compare and use information to answer inquiry questions. They examine sources to explain points of
view. When interpreting sources, they identify their origin and purpose. Students develop texts, particularly descriptions and
explanations. In developing these texts and organising and presenting their findings, they use historical terms and concepts,
incorporate relevant sources, and acknowledge their sources of information.
Year 9 Level Description - The Making of the Modern World
The Year 9 curriculum provides a study of the history of the making of the modern world from 1750 to 1918. It was a period
of industrialisation and rapid change in the ways people lived, worked and thought. It was an era of nationalism and
imperialism, and the colonisation of Australia was part of the expansion of European power. The period culminated in World
War I 1914-1918, the ‘war to end all wars’.
The content provides opportunities to develop historical understanding through key concepts, including evidence,
continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy, significance and contestability. These concepts may be
investigated within a particular historical context to facilitate an understanding of the past and to provide a focus for
historical inquiries.
The history content at this year level involves two strands: Historical Knowledge and Understanding and Historical Skills.
These strands are interrelated and should be taught in an integrated way; and in ways that are appropriate to specific local
contexts.
Content Descriptions
Sustainability/ Biodiversity Elaborations
The short and long-term impacts of the Industrial
Revolution, including global changes in landscapes,
transport and communication (ACDSEH082)
describing the impact of factories, mines and cities on the
environment, and on population growth and distribution
Year 9 Achievement Standard
By the end of Year 9, students refer to key events and the actions of individuals and groups to explain patterns of change
and continuity over time. They analyse the causes and effects of events and developments and make judgments about their
importance. They explain the motives and actions of people at the time. Students explain the significance of these events
and developments over the short and long term. They explain different interpretations of the past.
Students sequence events and developments within a chronological framework, with reference to periods of time and their
duration. When researching, students develop different kinds of questions to frame an historical inquiry. They interpret,
process, analyse and organise information from a range of primary and secondary sources and use it as evidence to answer
inquiry questions. Students examine sources to compare different points of view. When evaluating these sources, they
analyse origin and purpose, and draw conclusions about their usefulness. They develop their own interpretations about the
past. Students develop texts, particularly explanations and discussions, incorporating historical interpretations. In
developing these texts, and organising and presenting their conclusions, they use historical terms and concepts, evidence
identified in sources, and they reference these sources.
Year 10 Level Description - The Modern World and Australia
The Year 10 curriculum provides a study of the history of the modern world and Australia from 1918 to the present, with an
emphasis on Australia in its global context. The twentieth century became a critical period in Australia’s social, cultural,
economic and political development. The transformation of the modern world during a time of political turmoil, global
conflict and international cooperation provides a necessary context for understanding Australia’s development, its place
within the Asia-Pacific region, and its global standing.
The content provides opportunities to develop historical understanding through key concepts, including evidence,
continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy, significance and contestability. These concepts may be
investigated within a particular historical context to facilitate an understanding of the past and to provide a focus for
historical inquiries.
The history content at this year level involves two strands: Historical Knowledge and Understanding and Historical Skills.
These strands are interrelated and should be taught in an integrated way, and in ways that are appropriate to specific local
contexts.
Content Descriptions
Sustainability/ Biodiversity Elaborations
Historical Knowledge and Understanding - Overview
developments in technology, public health, longevity and
standard of living during the twentieth century, and concern
for the environment and sustainability
The background to environmental awareness, including the
nineteenth century National Parks movement in America
and Australia (ACDSEH028)
outlining the emergence of concerns about the preservation
of natural areas for future generations (for example as
reflected in the establishment of National Parks in the
United States (Yellowstone National Park in 1872), Australia
(Royal National Park in 1879), Canada (Rocky Mountains
National Park in 1885) and New Zealand (Tongariro National
Park in 1887)
The intensification of environmental effects in the twentieth
century as a result of population increase, urbanisation,
increasing industrial production and trade (ACDSEH125)
investigating the impact of early texts that warned about
environmental change (for example Silent Spring by Rachel
Carson, 1962, Don’t It Make You Want To Go Home by Joe
South, 1970, Mother Earth News magazine in 1970, ‘Mercy
Mercy Me’ (The Ecology) lyrics by Marvin Gaye, 1971)
The growth and influence of the environment movement
within Australia and overseas, and developments in ideas
recognising the historic impact of the pictures of Earth taken
during the Apollo 8 mission and how they influenced
about the environment (notion of ‘Gaia’, ‘limits to growth’,
concept of ‘sustainability’, concept of ‘rights of nature’)
(ACDSEH126)
people’s view of the world
Significant events and campaigns that contributed to
popular awareness of environmental issues, such as the
campaign to prevent the damming of Australia’s Gordon
River, the nuclear accident at Chernobyl and the Jabiluka
mine controversy in 1998 (ACDSEH127)
investigating a range of environmental impacts (for example
the flooding of Lake Pedder in Tasmania, deforestation in
Indonesia, the decline of the Aral Sea, the Exxon Valdez oil
spill, the whaling industry)
Responses of governments, including the Australian
government, and international organisations to
environmental threats since the 1960s (including
deforestation and climate change) (ACDSEH128)
explaining the responses of governments and organisations
to environmental threats (for example New Zealand’s antinuclear policy, the United States’ Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
1980 (CERCLA), Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report
(2009)
explaining the significance of ideas about the environment
(for example Gaia – the interaction of Earth and its
biosphere; limits of growth – that unlimited growth is
unsustainable; sustainability – that biological systems need
to remain diverse and productive over time; and rights of
nature – recognition that humans and their natural
environment are closely interrelated)
explaining the struggle over French nuclear weapon testing
in the Pacific from 1966 –1996 (for example the sinking of
the ship, the Rainbow Warrior, in 1985)
evaluating the effectiveness of international protocols and
treaties such as Kyoto (1997), the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (since 1992) and the
Washington Declaration (2007)
Year 10 Achievement Standard
By the end of Year 10, students refer to key events, the actions of individuals and groups, and beliefs and values to explain
patterns of change and continuity over time. They analyse the causes and effects of events and developments and explain
their relative importance. They explain the context for people’s actions in the past. Students explain the significance of
events and developments from a range of perspectives. They explain different interpretations of the past and recognise the
evidence used to support these interpretations.
Students sequence events and developments within a chronological framework, and identify relationships between events
across different places and periods of time. When researching, students develop, evaluate and modify questions to frame
an historical inquiry. They process, analyse and synthesise information from a range of primary and secondary sources and
use it as evidence to answer inquiry questions. Students analyse sources to identify motivations, values and attitudes.
When evaluating these sources, they analyse and draw conclusions about their usefulness, taking into account their origin,
purpose, and context. They develop and justify their own interpretations about the past. Students develop texts, particularly
explanations and discussions, incorporating historical argument. In developing these texts and organising and presenting
their arguments, they use historical terms and concepts, evidence identified in sources, and they reference these sources.