Pre VCE History

Reasons to choose Pre-VCE History:

  • If you are interested in the learning about the ‘big stuff’ – crazy leaders, wild world events and momentous movements

  • If you enjoy History or are interested in the past

  • If you want to know more about how we got to where we are today

  • If you are looking to study other humanities subjects and broaden your general knowledge

Skills

Students will engage with historical inquiry and research skills, construct historical debates and complete document and source analysis tasks (from political cartoons to physical objects). They will look into key concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, historical significance, and the importance of understanding different perspectives.  

This course will provide students with a way of looking at the past and making meaning from it, as well as giving them opportunities to engage with their own passions and interests. 

Student testimonials:

I really enjoy Pre-History due to the flexibility and structure of the work. The class really allows you to work the way you like too. The topics are also very interesting and are presented in a captivating and engaging way! – William (FLE2)

Pre-History class, is a thoroughly enjoyable experience, as it is a activity based research into key fundamentals of how we have arrived at this point in history. – Ezra (FLE3)

COURSE PROGRESSION

Please note that Pre VCE History A is not a prerequisite for Pre VCE History B. However, we strongly encourage students to complete the subjects as a sequence.

Pre VCE History A: Power and Progress
(1066-1850)

SEMESTER 1

In Pre VCE History A, students will explore Medieval Europe, the growth of Empires, the challenges of colonisation and conquest, and the progress brought about by the Industrial Revolution.

In this unit, students will have the opportunity to do a deep dive into these four periods (Medieval Europe, Spain’s conquest of the Americas, Britain’s colonisation of Australia, and the Industrial Revolution) whilst developing their historical thinking skills such as inquiry and chronology.

Pre VCE History B: Conflict and Change
(1914-2015)

SEMESTER 2

Pre VCE History B: Conflict and Change (1914-2015) examines the defining events and movements of the twentieth century, from the devastation of two world wars to the campaigns that transformed societies around the globe. Students explore the causes and consequences of conflict, investigate the struggle for rights and freedoms, and analyse how ordinary people challenged injustice and shaped history.

Through evaluating evidence, considering different perspectives and constructing historical arguments, students develop the critical thinking skills needed to understand a century that continues to influence our world today. This subject offers a good grounding for VCE Modern History; it does not cover the same content.