I was interested to read the framing paper for the national history curriculum, especially the scope of content. It would appear that the new Stage 4 (Years 11 and 12) prescribes that Modern History be taught in Year 11 only, being offered with Medieval History, Asia-Pacific History and 'Option' whilst in Year 12 (presumably the examination year, whatever that examination is called) the offerings are Ancient History, Australian History (oh, dear!), Extension History (as in NSW currently) and 'Option'. Now I accept that 'Option' can cover a multitude of sins but if the framers had meant Modern History to be a main constituent of Year 12 I suggest that they would have named it specifically. Does this mean that we are moving to a stage where Modern History is no longer an 'HSC' (or whatever) subject?
Perhaps it means that like in Victoria the students complete one year courses rather than two years and can be tested (HSC style) in either year on that subject and have it go towards a UAI. I think that's how it works in Vic...?
So, a student can complete Modern (or other) History in Year 11 of 2010 and then sit the exam in December (??) 2010, follow it up with a good dose of Ancient (or other) in 2011 and sit a test at the end of that course?
Would be a bit more similar to university courses and in fact could serve as a nice bridge between the two kinds of study patterns now that I think about it.
