Modern History
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Welcome to the NSW HSC Online node for Modern History
The material here is intended to supplement what you have studied in the classroom. The material therefore, does not cover all topics or all of the outcomes and content of the topics that are included.
By the time you reach the examination period at the end of the year you should have a thorough knowledge of the Stage 6 Modern History syllabus. The page of Contents in the Syllabus lists the main items covered in the document, such as the aims, objectives, course structure and content.
If you don't have a copy of the syllabus, it would be a good idea to download one now (click on the Syllabus button on the top left of this page then click on the relevant letter then scroll down until you find the right course).
The importance of outcomes
Probably the most important point to make is that the syllabus is all about outcomes, and this applies to all of the HSC syllabuses and not just Modern History. What this means is that the focus is on what you as the learner are intended to learn as a result of studying the syllabus.
These outcomes are so important that they are listed twice in the syllabus. They are listed in summary form for the Preliminary and HSC courses towards the beginning of the syllabus document and then again at the beginning of each topic description where the outcomes that relate specifically to the topic are listed.
Examination questions may actually include phrases taken directly from the outcomes.
Past Examinations
Once familiar with the syllabus and outcomes, it is extremely important for you to become familiar with how the actual HSC examination for Modern History is set out.
Students should note that this course was revised and a new syllabus introduced in 2005, with the first HSC examination of the new course being sat in 2006. Students should visit the NSW Board of Studies site, look at the syllabus for the course and then look at the 2006 HSC Specimen Paper for Modern History.
Very conveniently, copies of past examinations as well as
the 'Notes from the Marking Centre'- including
'Marking Guidelines' are available on line. To view
these - simply click on the
Exams 
link at the top left of this page,
choose the year you wish to look at, select the
relevant letter and scroll down.
It is vital that students look at pre - 2006 papers for reference only as only exams from 2006 onwards and the specimen paper mentioned above, follow the new exam format.
Standards Packages
To become more familiar with the standard of work that is expected for excellent HSC marks, it would be good for you to see the NSW HSC Standards Packages for Modern History. Click on the Resource button on the top left of the page to read more about this resource and how you can access it. Again students should use pre 2006 packages for general reference only as they do not reflect the new syllabus tested in the HSC from 2006 onwards.
Glossary
Syllabus outcomes, objectives, performance bands and examination questions have key words that state what students are expected to be able to do. A glossary of key words has been developed to help provide a common language and consistent meaning in the Higher School Certificate documents.
The Glossary button at the top of this page takes you to a specific glossary for the Modern History stage 6 syllabus. There is also a link on the page to take you to the general glossary of assessment terms that apply to all HSC subjects. The 'Glossary of key words for HSC syllabuses' is provided by the Board of Studies.
Using the glossary will help you to understand what is expected in responses to examinations and assessment tasks.
Resources
The Resources button takes you to a site that will have links to useful websites, site reviews and other suggestions on where you can find material to supplement what you study in the classroom.
Careers
The Careers button takes you to a site that will contain information on some of the careers that a study of Modern History can lead to.
Teachers
The Teachers button contains information for your teachers - including links to sites promoting professional development opportunities as well as sites containing resources and support materials for programming and assessment.
Please work carefully through the support materials that have been provided here to help you. Also please note that sometimes new materials will be added to this node to support students of Modern History - so you are encouraged to revisit.
Here's hoping your study of Modern History is interesting, useful and enjoyable.
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