Level 2 History
HIS2 Subject DescriptionTeacher in Charge: A. Bright.
Entry GuidelinesThe best preparation for this course is to study NCEA Level 1 History. Although achievement in another social science or literacy rich subject would also prepare you for Level 2 History. Entry and suitability can be discussed with the Head of Faculty.
Level 2 History – Agents of Change: Ideas, Conflict, and Turning Points
What sparks change in the world—and what stands in its way? In Level 2 History, you’ll journey through defining moments that reshaped societies, challenged power, and transformed the way people think, live, and govern. The theme of Historical Change invites you to explore powerful movements, revolutionary ideas, and the people who dared to defy the status quo.
You’ll dive into diverse contexts that could include:
The Enlightenment, where radical thinkers championed reason, liberty, and human rights—laying the foundations for democracy and revolutions.
Prohibition in the USA, a bold social experiment that aimed to reform society but instead unleashed crime, corruption, and cultural resistance.
The Arab–Israeli conflict, a long-running struggle rooted in nationalism, colonisation, religion, and contested identities—shaping geopolitics and justice debates to this day.
In this course, you’ll develop key skills for academic and real-world success:
Critical thinking: evaluate evidence, question sources, and uncover bias.
Argument writing: build persuasive, well-reasoned historical arguments.
Perspective-taking: explore conflicting viewpoints and moral dilemmas.
Cause and consequence: trace the ripple effects of people, events, and ideas over time.
You'll also engage with questions that still challenge us today:
How do ideas inspire revolution—or repression?
What happens when governments try to legislate morality?
Can peace be achieved when histories remain contested?
Why take Level 2 History?
This course strengthens your ability to think independently, communicate clearly, and back up your opinions with evidence—skills valued in law, journalism, politics, education, and more. It prepares you for NCEA Level 3 and beyond, while giving you the tools to understand the world you live in with greater depth and clarity.
Level 2 History is not about memorising facts—it’s about making sense of change, challenging assumptions, and understanding how history shapes the present. If you're curious, passionate about justice, or love a good debate, this is the subject for you.
Faculties:
Pathway Career Pathways
Animator/Digital Artist, Archivist, Art Director (Film, Television or Stage), Historian, Artist, Artistic Director, Barrister, Minister of Religion, Graphic Designer, Interior Designer, Conservator, Legal Executive, Solicitor, Judge, Curator, Workplace Relations Adviser, Records Adviser, Game Developer, Photographer, Policy Analyst
Contributions and Equipment/StationeryThere is a possibility that a fieldwork trip to the Bay of Islands may take place in 2022. This would include flights to and from Auckland, transport to and around Waitangi, Russel, Kerikeri etc. accommodation, food and activity entry. The planning for this trip is in the early stages. This would not be a compulsory trip and would support 91229 and 91230 assessment standards.