Year 13 History

History is a subject that offers an understanding of human activities in the past in the context of change through time. It enables students to understand politics, their heritage and that of their community, society and nation, as well the examination of other society’s heritage. Students are encouraged to read and analyse a range of source materials carefully with discrimination and insight. They learn to research and write effectively for a range of purposes, expressing their perspectives in a clear, well-organised and convincing manner. Students taking History will learn a number of important and highly transferable social skills including how to develop clear critical thinking, diplomacy, research, communication, reasoned debate, observation, recognizing differing points of view, and detect bias and propaganda.

History provides an opportunity for ākonga to understand how our historical narratives are shaped and how they influence our understanding of both ourselves and the world around us. Through whanaungatanga, vā, and fonua, ākonga are able to grow as confident, questioning, and empathetic individuals, with a developing understanding of their own place in, and their connection to the world around them.

History is a research-led discipline where ākonga are able to engage through pūrakau and pakiwaitara from our origin stories and nurture a growing awareness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi – its principles, values, and ongoing relevance. Ākonga will have the opportunity to look at causes and effects, as well as the continuity and change of historical narratives. When engaging with sources, ākonga will be able to critique the historical narratives and the various perspectives around them by considering whose narratives are missing and whose have taken dominance, and the historical factors that contribute to shaping these narratives, including omissions and 'myth-takes'.

Ākonga will develop their understanding of the nature of historical inquiry and will apply culturally appropriate methodologies when conducting research. They will learn how to ask and answer important questions based on their engagement with a range of sources and substantiate their arguments and judgements. When critiquing the construction of historical narratives, ākonga are able to look at the strengths and limitations of sources used in their construction and how they can be contested. Ākonga will learn ways to determine the significance of the history that they learn and be able to debate that significance in different ways.

History presents ākonga with the dilemmas, choices, and beliefs of people in the past. Ākonga build on their understanding of differing perspectives and contested historical narratives. They learn to apply whakapapa as a framework to connect to whānau, hapū, iwi, communities, Aotearoa New Zealand, and the wider world - building connections with their own identities and sense of place. This encourages a greater level of critical thinking and engagement with sources of knowledge.

Exploring the shaping of identity in history can illuminate the space, relationships, and connections between people and te taiao. This is where the concept of vā can be applied as a powerful method of teaching and learning about place and identity within History. It is a concept from across the Pacific Islands which can be widely understood as 'relational space', where both personal and collective wellbeing is facilitated through sharing, giving, creating, and navigating space.

History prepares ākonga for the future because it equips them with knowledge and skills, such as the ability to articulate ideas and make them clear to others, that are valuable and useful throughout life and a wide range of careers. History also supports ākonga in exploring the significance of tūrangawaewae to Aotearoa New Zealand and in growing an informed understanding of its diverse society. It also provides space to explore the concept of fonua by highlighting the importance of belongingness and connectedness to both people and place, as well as the importance of having “a place to stand” where people feel secure, safe, respected, and accepted for who they are. Ākonga will understand the significance of the whakapapa of places, peoples, and events. They will learn how to think critically about local, national, and global historical narratives.