Australia · ACARA Content Descriptions
Year 7 HASS
Year 7 HASS: the ancient world. Students investigate deep time history, methods of historical inquiry, and the ancient civilisations of the Mediterranean, Asia, and beyond.

01Investigating the Ancient Past
Students learn how historians and archaeologists investigate the ancient past, examining sources, evidence, and the methods used to reconstruct history from fragments.
Students will explore the fundamental questions historians ask and the types of evidence they seek to understand the past.
Students will investigate the techniques archaeologists use to uncover and interpret physical remains of ancient civilisations.
Students will examine the significance of oral traditions as historical sources, focusing on their role in preserving the histories of Australia's First Peoples.
Students will explore archaeological and scientific evidence demonstrating the deep time history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.
Students will practice constructing and interpreting timelines, understanding the concept of periodisation and its implications for historical narratives.
Students will apply historical thinking concepts to analyse how events and developments in the past are interconnected and how societies evolve or remain stable over time.
Students will explore the reasons for preserving ancient sites and artefacts, considering the threats they face and the efforts made for their protection.
Students will engage in discussions about the controversial issue of ownership and repatriation of ancient artefacts, considering different perspectives.
Students will learn the scientific principles behind radiocarbon dating and how it provides chronological data for archaeological finds.

02Ancient Egypt
Students investigate the civilisation of ancient Egypt, one of the most remarkable and enduring societies in human history.
Students will explore the geographical features of ancient Egypt and analyse how the Nile River was central to its development and survival.
Students will examine the role of the pharaoh as both a political and religious leader, and the concept of divine kingship in ancient Egypt.
Students will investigate the engineering marvels of the pyramids and other monumental architecture, exploring the labour, resources, and beliefs behind their construction.
Students will explore the hierarchical social structure of ancient Egypt, from peasants to priests, and examine the daily routines and customs of ordinary people.
Students will investigate the complex polytheistic religion of ancient Egypt, focusing on their beliefs about the gods, creation, and the journey to the afterlife.
Students will examine the reign of Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh, and analyse the challenges and achievements of women in positions of authority in ancient Egypt.
Students will explore the development and function of hieroglyphic writing, the importance of scribes, and the process of deciphering ancient Egyptian texts.
Students will investigate Egypt's interactions with neighbouring civilisations through trade, diplomacy, and warfare, focusing on regions like Nubia and the Levant.

03Ancient Greece
Students explore the world of ancient Greece, the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and ideas that shape the modern world.
Students will examine the mountainous geography of Greece and how it contributed to the development of independent city-states rather than a unified empire.
Students will compare and contrast the political systems, social structures, and cultural values of Athens and Sparta.
Students will investigate the origins and evolution of Athenian democracy, focusing on key reforms and the mechanisms of citizen participation.
Students will critically examine the limitations of Athenian democracy, particularly regarding the exclusion of women, slaves, and foreigners.
Students will be introduced to key Greek philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, and explore their enduring contributions to Western thought.
Students will explore the artistic and architectural achievements of ancient Greece, including temples, sculptures, and the origins and significance of the Olympic Games.
Students will investigate the key battles of the Persian Wars, focusing on the strategies, heroes, and significance of Marathon and Thermopylae.
Students will examine the formation of the Delian League, the rise of Athenian power, and the causes and consequences of the Peloponnesian War.
Students will trace the military campaigns of Alexander the Great and the rapid expansion of his empire across three continents.

04Ancient Rome
Students investigate the rise and fall of Rome, from a small city-state to a vast empire.
Students will explore the legendary founding of Rome, its early monarchy, and the transition to a republic.
Students will examine the political structure of the Roman Republic, including the roles of consuls, the Senate, and the ongoing conflict between patricians and plebeians.
Students will investigate the life and political career of Julius Caesar, his rise to power, and his role in the transition from Republic to Empire.
Students will explore daily life in the Roman Empire, focusing on urban centres like Rome and Pompeii, and the lives of people in rural areas.
Students will examine the institution of slavery in ancient Rome, its economic importance, and the social hierarchy that defined Roman society.
Students will investigate the technological achievements of the Romans, including aqueducts, roads, and the Colosseum, and their lasting impact.
Students will explore the various internal and external factors that contributed to the decline and eventual fall of the Western Roman Empire.
Students will investigate the development of Roman law, from the Twelve Tables to the Justinian Code, and its influence on modern legal systems.

05Ancient India and China
Students explore the ancient civilisations of India and China, their achievements and lasting influence.
Students will investigate the advanced urban planning, sanitation systems, and enigmatic script of the Harappan civilisation.
Students will explore the unification of India under the Mauryan Empire and the transformative reign of Emperor Ashoka, particularly his conversion to Buddhism.
Students will investigate the achievements of the Gupta Empire, often considered India's 'Golden Age,' in science, mathematics, and art.
Students will examine the reign of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of unified China, focusing on his centralising policies, the Great Wall, and the Terracotta Army.
Students will explore the core tenets of Confucianism, its emphasis on social harmony, filial piety, and its profound impact on Chinese society and governance.
Students will investigate the philosophy of Daoism, its focus on living in harmony with nature, and its contrast with Confucianism.
Students will explore the Han Dynasty, often considered a golden age, focusing on its political stability, technological innovations, and cultural achievements.
Students will investigate the Silk Road, its routes, the goods traded, and its profound impact on cultural and religious exchange between East and West.

06Economics and Business
Students explore the basic concepts of economics, including scarcity, resource allocation, and the role of consumers.
Students will differentiate between wants and needs and understand the fundamental economic problem of scarcity: unlimited wants versus limited resources.
Students will learn about opportunity cost as the value of the next best alternative foregone when a choice is made, and apply it to personal and societal decisions.
Students will explore the factors that influence consumer choices, including price, advertising, and personal preferences.
Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of supply and demand and how producers respond to consumer needs and market conditions.
Students will explore diverse career pathways, the changing nature of work due to technology, and the importance of developing future-ready skills.
Students will investigate the concept of entrepreneurship, the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, and the role of innovation in business.
Students will learn about different types of business structures (e.g., sole trader, partnership, company) and their varying goals, including social enterprises.
Students will develop basic financial literacy skills, including creating a personal budget, understanding income and expenses, and the importance of saving.

07Civics and Citizenship
Students investigate the features of Australia's democracy and the role of citizens in a diverse society.
Students will explore the core values and principles that underpin Australia's democratic system, including freedom, equality, and justice.
Students will investigate the purpose and key features of the Australian Constitution, including its role in establishing the framework of government.
Students will examine the Westminster system of government in Australia, focusing on the roles of the Parliament, Executive, and Judiciary, and the principle of separation of powers.
Students will explore the role of political parties in Australian democracy, how they form policies, and the process of federal elections.
Students will investigate various ways citizens can actively participate in their democracy, including advocacy, protest, and community engagement.
Students will trace the journey of a bill through the Australian federal parliament, from its introduction to becoming an Act of Parliament.
Students will gain an understanding of the structure of the Australian court system, the difference between civil and criminal law, and the importance of an independent judiciary.
Students will explore the concept of multiculturalism in Australia, the contributions of diverse cultural groups, and how it shapes national identity.