Learn, Challenge, Create
Ancient History gives students the opportunity to understand the roots of our civilization by examining the diversity and complexity of ancient civilizations from around the world. It is by understanding the past that we are able to build a better future.
At Aldridge:
Ancient History is offered from Year 10, where students are offered a taster of what is to come in Years 11 and 12. Year 10 concentrates on developing the skills required for success in senior while engaging in a fascinating study of some pivotal events in human history. Year 11 focuses on archaeological and historical practice and the role of individuals in changing history. While year 12 examines people, their power and use of authority in the ancient world. Many of the assessment items in Ancient History allow students to engage with the material in a unique manner as they are encouraged to pursue their own area of interest within a set framework. This fosters the independence needed to succeed in tertiary studies.
Why study Ancient History?
Ancient history provides an understanding of the foundations of modern societies - their beliefs, structures and influences and how those societies interacted, the effects of which are still being felt today. Ancient History develops a range of 21st century skills (such as critical thinking and the effective use of ICTs) which will give students the critical edge for success in the modern world. The study of Ancient History develops the academic research and writing skills required for success in future studies.
Pathways:
Ancient History opens the door for further education and employment in the fields of archaeology, history, education, psychology, sociology, law, business, economics, politics, journalism, the media, health and social sciences, writing, museum work and curating, tourism, academia and research. The study of Ancient History is useful in everyday life — including work —to understand situations, place them in perspective, identify causes and consequences, acknowledge the viewpoints of others, develop personal values, make judgments and reflect on their decisions. There are few professions where those involved do not acknowledge the importance of a person understanding their own cultural and historical heritage
Units of study:
Year 10
UNIT
| NAME
| DESCRIPTION
|
1. Investigating the Ancient World | Digging up the past – Archaeology / early Humans | Students investigate the origins of civilization and investigate the archaeology used the field of Human Evolution. |
1. Investigating the Ancient World | Ancient Societies: beliefs, rituals and funerary practices. – Ancient Egypt OR Ancient Societies: Warfare – the Spartans and Vikings | Students May either investigate the rituals and beliefs of Ancient Egypt Or Compare the weapons and tactics used by the armies of Sparta and the Vikings |
| 2. Personalities in their times | Influential Individuals of the Norman Conquest of Britain | Students examine the individuals who changed the course of history through the Norman Conquest of Britain |
| 2. Personalities in their times | Women in Power | Students investigate an individual of their own choosing and assess their impact on society. This unit allow students to explore the women they are most interested in - from ancient China, the Near East, the Mediterranean Civilization to the Vikings and Medieval Heroes. |
Year 11
UNIT
| NAME
| DESCRIPTION |
| 1. Investigating the Ancient World | Topic 1: - Digging up the Past - Archaeology | Students investigate the skills and knowledge of an archaeologist and practice applying them to real life situations using authentic artefacts. |
| 1. Investigating the Ancient World | Topic 2: - Ancient Societies: beliefs, rituals and funerary practices | Students investigate the beliefs of an ancient culture in a self-directed unit which allows students to explore topics reflecting their own interests under the teacher's guidance. |
| 2. Personalities in their Time | Topic 1: Boudicca – the Warrior Queen OR Akhenaten - the Heretic Pharaoh | Students investigate the impact of a significant individual and how that individual changed their civilization. |
| 2. Personalities in their Time | Topic2: Alternative Choice of Personality – (student's choice) | Students investigate an individual of their own choosing and assess their impact on society. This unit allow students to explore the men and women they are most interested in - from ancient China, the Near East, the Mediterranean Civilization to the Vikings and Medieval Heroes. |
Year 12
UNIT
| NAME
| DESCRIPTION
|
3. Reconstructing the Ancient World | Topic 1: 5th Century Athens | Students explore the origins of own democratic way of life in 5th Century Athens |
3. Reconstructing the Ancient World | Topic 2: Medieval Crusades | Students analysis the origins, motives and effects of the Medieval Crusades and discuss the long term impacts on the modern world. |
| 4. People, power and authority | Topic 1: Rome – Civil War and the Breakdown of the Republic | The best know ancient romans come to life in this study how a small an inconsequential republic came to dominate much of Europe for nearly 1000 year in the Roman Empire. |
| 4. People, power and authority | Topic 2: Augustus | Students study the achievements and controversies surrounding the rise of the Augustus. |
Teachers:
The Ancient History teachers are both passionate about the subject and experts in the field.