Australia · ACARA Content Descriptions
Year 10 HASS
Year 10 HASS: the modern world post-1918. Students investigate World War II, the struggle for rights and freedoms, post-war migration, and the forces of globalisation that shape our world today.
World War II and the Modern World
An in-depth investigation into the causes, course, and devastating consequences of World War II, focusing on the Australian home front and global shifts in power.
The failure of the Treaty of Versailles, the rise of fascism in Europe, and the collapse of collective security.
Focusing on the fall of Singapore, the bombing of Darwin, and the significance of the Kokoda Track campaign for Australian security.
The systematic state-sponsored persecution and murder of European Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators.
The impact of total war on Australian society, including rationing, censorship, and the changing roles of women in the workforce.
The ethical and strategic debates surrounding the use of atomic weapons and the formal surrender of Japan.
The formation of the United Nations and the shift from a Eurocentric world to a bipolar world dominated by the US and USSR.
Rights and Freedoms
Investigating the struggles for civil rights and Indigenous sovereignty in Australia and the United States.
Examining key events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the influence of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. on global activism.
The campaign to change the Australian Constitution to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the census.
Charles Perkins and the 1965 Freedom Ride through regional NSW to expose racism and segregation.
The legal battle of Eddie Mabo and the High Court decision that overturned the myth of "Terra Nullius".
The history of forced removals of Indigenous children and the national significance of the 2008 Apology.
A study of the 2017 call for Voice, Treaty, and Truth, and the ongoing debate regarding constitutional recognition.
Migration and Multiculturalism
Tracing the journey from a restrictive "White Australia" to a modern, diverse multicultural nation.
The government's drive to increase Australia's population for security and economic growth after WWII.
The gradual policy shifts under Holt and Whitlam that ended racial preference in migration.
The arrival of "boat people" in the 1970s and the first major test of Australia's new multicultural policy.
The formal adoption of multiculturalism and its impact on Australian education, media, and food.
The controversies surrounding mandatory detention, offshore processing, and "Operation Sovereign Borders".
Analysing the role of skilled migration and international students in the contemporary Australian economy.
The Globalising World
Exploring how interconnected economies, technologies, and environments define the 21st century.
How the internet and mobile technology transformed communication, commerce, and social interaction.
The production of goods across multiple borders and the rise of multinational corporations.
The science of global warming and the international efforts to mitigate its impact through treaties.
The impact of 9/11 and the subsequent "War on Terror" on global security and civil liberties.
The role of the WHO and the impact of COVID-19 on global connectivity and economic stability.
Debating the effectiveness of the UN, G20, and IMF in a world of rising nationalism.
Popular Culture and Society
Analysing how media, sport, and music reflect and influence Australian values and identity.
The influence of American film, television, and food on the Australian way of life.
The role of sporting success in defining "the Australian character" and the "Fair Go".
From the protest songs of the 60s to the global reach of Australian indie and hip-hop.
How platforms like TikTok and Instagram shape self-perception and community belonging.
The shift from local manufacturing to fast fashion and the rise of ethical consumerism.
The history of diversity on Australian screens, from "Neighbours" to "Black Comedy".
Economic Performance and Living Standards
Understanding how the Australian economy functions and how wealth is distributed.
An introduction to Gross Domestic Product and its limitations as a measure of wellbeing.
How the Reserve Bank of Australia manages the economy to keep prices stable.
The different types of unemployment and the impact of automation on future jobs.
Analysing the gap between the rich and poor and the role of the social safety net.
How the federal government collects revenue and decides on spending priorities.
Civics, Citizenship, and Justice
Examining the Australian legal system and the role of the citizen in a democracy.
The role of the High Court in interpreting the law and resolving constitutional disputes.
How international treaties and agreements influence Australian domestic law.
How parties form platforms, campaign, and represent the interests of voters.
How individuals can effect change through lobbying, protest, and community organizing.
The role of a free press in holding power to account and the dangers of misinformation.