Level 1 History

Kia mau koe ki nga kupu o ou tupuna - Hold fast to the words of your ancestors

An understanding of where we have come from is a fundamental aspect of how people participate in their own society. This course brings history alive through fascinating topics designed to engage young adults and develop their understanding that all events have causes, consequences and multiple perspectives. 

SKILLS: While we learn topics that are significantly important to us, the aim in Level 1 History is to learn and apply skills that are used widely in society in everyday life including most, if not all careers.  There are many careers where the intellectual skills developed through the study of history will be a distinct advantage. These can include the law and associated careers such as police, journalism, and aspects of private business such as in management. 

These skills include:

• ‘Fact v Fake’: The ability to interpret pieces of information such as written articles, photographs, cartoons and websites in terms of why these were created and how to make judgments on the information in terms of it being reliable and trustworthy.   
• ‘Communication’: The ability to formally write a structured essay and a report that are clear and concise. 
• ‘Perspectives’: Sometimes referred to as “point of view’.  This is the ability to understand how an individual or groups position / stance has been influenced by things such as religion, country of origin, level of education, or ethnic background.  
• 'Analysis': The skill of analysis is invaluable in many careers, as the ability to analyse and then prioritise information is vital to decision making.

Students will develop important transferable skills including; the ability to see events in History in context, to distinguish relationships, to read historical material in a discriminating way, to weigh evidence relating to historical events and issues, form judgements based on evidence and argue a case and present conclusions intelligently in structured writing.

Students develop insight into complex events such as the Cold War, and the use of Atomic Bombs at the end of World War Two. Students will explore their own backyard in a research project focusing on History from Te Tauihu o te Waka a Maui. They can choose from a range of local events including but not limited to the Maungatapu Murders, the Springbok Tour or the Wairau Affray.  Topics are chosen in collaboration between students and the classroom teacher.

This course will include learning opportunities that create a foundational knowledge of the subject, as intended by the revised NCEA Level 1. The Big Ideas and Significant Learning (outlined above) will be the focus and this can then be assessed through the new Achievement Standards. Students will be offered assessment opportunities for a selection of these standards based on their progress through the course and how ready they are. It is expected that all students will be able to attempt three NCEA Level 1 assessments throughout each course for around 15 credits. Kaiako are looking forward to developing exciting and engaging courses around these features as well as assessments from the new standards in time for implementation in 2024.