Year 10
Humanities and Social Sciences
ASHAHISY10
Year 10 History Achievement Standard
12 statements aligned to content descriptors and elaborations
Achievement standard (as ACARA publishes it)
Achievement standard
Click any sentence to jump to its statement and linked content descriptors.
By the end of Year 10, students explain the historical significance of the period between 1918 and the early 21st century. They explain the causes and effects of events, developments, turning points or movements in 20th century Australia and internationally, leading up to and through the Second World War, and the post-war world. They describe social, cultural, economic and/or political aspects, including international developments, related to the changes and continuities in Australian society over this historical period. Students explain the role of significant ideas, individuals, groups and institutions connected to the developments of this period and their influences on Australian and global history.
Students develop and modify a range of questions about the past to inform historical inquiry. They locate, select and compare a range of primary and secondary sources and synthesise the information in sources to use as evidence in historical inquiry. They analyse the origin, content, context and purpose of primary and secondary sources. Students evaluate the accuracy, usefulness and reliability of sources as evidence. They sequence events and developments to analyse cause and effect, and patterns of continuity and change, connected to a period, event or movement. They evaluate perspectives of significant events and developments, and explain the important factors that influence these perspectives. They compare and evaluate different and contested historical interpretations. Students use historical knowledge, concepts and terms to develop descriptions, explanations and historical arguments that synthesise evidence from sources.
The 12 achievement standard statements
Open a statement to see the content descriptors ACARA links to it, then open a descriptor's elaborations.
By the end of Year 10, students explain the historical significance of the period between 1918 and the early 21st century.
Content descriptorAC9HH10K03 Knowledge and understanding
the significant events and turning points of the Second World War, including the Holocaust and use of the atomic bomb
Elaborations (7)
- Elaboration explaining why particular events were significant turning points in the European theatre of war, such as Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939, the Blitzkrieg, the Battle of Britain, Operation Overlord (the invasion of Normandy), the Battle of the Bulge, and the Soviets’ capture of Berlin
- Elaboration explaining why particular events were significant turning points in the Asia-Pacific theatre of war, such as the Japanese occupation of China, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the fall of Singapore in 1942, the bombings of northern Australia, the American victory at the Battle of Midway in 1942, the Battle for Kokoda and the Battle of Iwo Jima
- Elaboration examining the historical context in which the Holocaust occurred, including anti-Semitism and Nazi race theory
- Elaboration investigating the scale and significance of the Holocaust using primary and secondary sources, such as survivor testimonies
- Elaboration discussing the short- and long-term impacts of the Holocaust on the Jewish community post–Second World War, such as coming to terms with the scale of loss, migration to Israel, Australia and the United States, and the creation of Yad Vashem and other Holocaust centres, museums and memorials
- Elaboration identifying the race to build the atomic bomb by Germany, Japan and the USA, and analysing why the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
- Elaboration investigating the effects of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, including short- and long-term effects on human health, and short- and long-term environmental effects on the cities and surrounding areas
Content descriptorAC9HH10K07 Knowledge and understanding
the effects of significant post–Second World War world events, ideas and developments on Australian society
Elaborations (3)
- Elaboration analysing the causes and conditions that led to increased migration to Australia and changing public opinion and government policy, such as the publication of the mass murder of the Holocaust or the plight of refugees in war-ravaged Europe
- Elaboration describing the main features of a government policy that affected migration to Australia, such as the government’s “populate or perish” policy and the “White Australia” policy
- Elaboration investigating the nature of the waves of migration (for example, from Europe in the 1950s–1960s, from different parts of Asia in the 1970s–2000s, from the Middle East in the 1980s–1990s, from India in the 1990s–2000s or from Africa in the 2000s), the numbers of migrants from those countries since the Second World War and the reasons for those migrations, including push factors such as the effects of war, economic downturns or social upheaval, and pull factors such as Australia’s peaceful democracy and economic and educational opportunities
Content descriptorAC9HH10K11 Knowledge and understanding
the significant events and methods in the movement for the civil rights of First Nations Australians and the extent to which they contributed to change
Elaborations (5)
- Elaboration investigating the effects of the US civil rights movement of the 1960’s and its influence on Australia in changing perspectives, beliefs and opinions; for example, outlining the Freedom Rides in the USA, how they inspired civil rights campaigners in Australia and how they became a turning point in the campaign of First Nations Australians for rights and freedoms
- Elaboration creating a chronological account of the significant events in the movement for the civil rights of First Nations Australians, including the right to vote federally in 1962, Freedom Rides, the 1967 Referendum, the Tent Embassy, the Mabo decision, prime minister Keating's Redfern Speech, the Bringing Them Home report, the first Sorry Day, the Apology to the Stolen Generations and the Uluru Statement from the Heart
- Elaboration explaining how significant events contributed to change; for example, legal changes, especially land rights, as a result of the Pilbara Strike, Palm Island Strike, Wave Hill Walk-Off, the Mabo decision, the Wik decision and the Tent Embassy; political changes as a result of the right to vote federally in 1962 and the 1967 Referendum; social changes as a result of the Freedom Rides; changes to advance Reconciliation as a result of the Redfern Speech, the Bringing Them Home report, the Royal Commission into Deaths in Custody and the Apology to the Stolen Generations
- Elaboration discussing how Reconciliation is not a single significant event or change, but an ongoing process of truth-telling and healing between First Nations Australians and other Australians
- Elaboration investigating the Mabo case and the significance of this event’s contribution to understanding of terra nullius and the land rights movement for First Nations Australians
Content descriptorAC9HH10K12 Knowledge and understanding
the significant events, individuals and groups in the women’s movement in Australia, and how they have changed the role and status of women
Elaborations (2)
- Elaboration investigating events connected to the changing roles and rights of women in the workforce since 1945 such as the repeal of the “marriage bar”, the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, the changing nature of participation in employment and the gender pay gap
- Elaboration examining the contributions of significant female leaders in Australian public life; for example, political leaders and activists, social reformers, sporting identities, artists and entertainers
Content descriptorAC9HH10K13 Knowledge and understanding
the continuing efforts to create change in the civil rights and freedoms in Australia, for First Nations Australians, migrants and women
Elaborations (4)
- Elaboration identifying areas such as education, health care, housing and employment that are the focus for continued civil rights action for First Nations Australians, and discussing why there continues to be a need for such action
- Elaboration examining the changes in women’s rights in 20th- and 21st-century Australia, ranging from suffrage to election to state and commonwealth parliaments, employment law, reproductive rights, access to public places like hotels, and protections against domestic and family violence
- Elaboration investigating the changes in government policy in relation to migrants and how these policies have reflected and impacted on Australia’s changing place in the world; for example, the Racial Discrimination Act 1975
- Elaboration examining the ideas in and Australia’s responsibilities as a signatory to the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) (2007) and discussing how it influences calls for recognising the rights of First Nations Australians and First Peoples in other countries
Content descriptorAC9HH10K14 Knowledge and understanding
changing historical perspectives over time in relation to the developments in technology, public health, longevity, standard of living in the 20th century, and concern for the environment and sustainability
Elaborations (3)
- Elaboration identifying key developments in technology since 1945 that have changed the world in the following areas: the household, such as television, appliances, central heating and cooling; travel and trade, such as shipping and passenger jets; globalisation, mass consumption and communications, such as the microchip, satellites and digital systems
- Elaboration discussing the growth in the world’s population during the 20th century, including life expectancy changes in different parts of the world, and the depletion of natural resources
- Elaboration identifying how the rise of the environmental movement around the world has changed people’s perspectives on things such as developments in renewable energy technology and sustainability measures such as recycling
Content descriptorAC9HH10K15 Knowledge and understanding
the origins and significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including Australia’s involvement in the development of the declaration
Elaborations (2)
- Elaboration describing the causes of the development of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, such as the atrocities of the Holocaust, the immense scale of destruction and displacement because of Second World War
- Elaboration investigating the present significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
They explain the causes and effects of events, developments, turning points or movements in 20th century Australia and internationally, leading up to and through the Second World War, and the post-war world.
Content descriptorAC9HH10K01 Knowledge and understanding
the causes, outbreak and course of the Second World War and the significance of Australian involvement
Elaborations (4)
- Elaboration investigating significant events and ideas during the inter-war years between the First World War and the Second World War, including the Treaty of Versailles (territorial concessions required by Germany and the imposition of war reparations), the Russian Revolution and the Great Depression, rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany from 1933
- Elaboration analysing the major events leading up to the outbreak of the Second World War, such as the Japanese invasion of Manchuria, the Spanish Civil War, Italo–Abyssinian Wars, the annexation of Austria, the Munich Agreement and the annexation of the Sudetenland, the invasion of Poland in 1939, the occupation of China and the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941
- Elaboration investigating the causes of the effects of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany, the structural weaknesses of the League of Nations, the rise of fascist and militarist regimes, and the failure of appeasement policies
- Elaboration examining the reasons for Australia’s involvement in the Second World War, and the responses to the conflicts of prime minister Robert Menzies, “Australia is also at war” and prime minister John Curtin, “Australia looks to America”
Content descriptorAC9HH10K02 Knowledge and understanding
the places where Australians fought, and their perspectives and experiences during the Second World War, such as the fall of Singapore, prisoners of war (POWs), the Battle of Britain and Kokoda
Elaborations (4)
- Elaboration identifying places where Australians fought, such as North Africa (including Tobruk), Darwin, New Guinea (including Kokoda), Malaya and Singapore, and evaluating their significance
- Elaboration investigating the significance of Kokoda as the battle that halted the Japanese advance on Port Moresby and why it helped reinforce the Anzac legend
- Elaboration comparing the experiences of various prisoners of war (POWs), such as the treatment of Australian POWs under German and Japanese control
- Elaboration examining the perspectives of particular groups of POWs, such as those in camps in Ambon or Rabaul, those used as forced labour on the Thai–Burma Railway, or army nurses captured in Singapore
Content descriptorAC9HH10K03 Knowledge and understanding
the significant events and turning points of the Second World War, including the Holocaust and use of the atomic bomb
Elaborations (7)
- Elaboration explaining why particular events were significant turning points in the European theatre of war, such as Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939, the Blitzkrieg, the Battle of Britain, Operation Overlord (the invasion of Normandy), the Battle of the Bulge, and the Soviets’ capture of Berlin
- Elaboration explaining why particular events were significant turning points in the Asia-Pacific theatre of war, such as the Japanese occupation of China, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the fall of Singapore in 1942, the bombings of northern Australia, the American victory at the Battle of Midway in 1942, the Battle for Kokoda and the Battle of Iwo Jima
- Elaboration examining the historical context in which the Holocaust occurred, including anti-Semitism and Nazi race theory
- Elaboration investigating the scale and significance of the Holocaust using primary and secondary sources, such as survivor testimonies
- Elaboration discussing the short- and long-term impacts of the Holocaust on the Jewish community post–Second World War, such as coming to terms with the scale of loss, migration to Israel, Australia and the United States, and the creation of Yad Vashem and other Holocaust centres, museums and memorials
- Elaboration identifying the race to build the atomic bomb by Germany, Japan and the USA, and analysing why the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
- Elaboration investigating the effects of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, including short- and long-term effects on human health, and short- and long-term environmental effects on the cities and surrounding areas
Content descriptorAC9HH10K08 Knowledge and understanding
the causes of changes in perspectives, responses, beliefs and values on migration that have influenced Australian society since 1945
Elaborations (5)
- Elaboration using sources to analyse the changing attitudes to the arrival of migrants in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s
- Elaboration analysing the arguments for and against the “White Australia” policy between 1964 and 1973 or the Child Migration scheme 1922–1967
- Elaboration discussing the contribution of migration to Australia’s changing identity as a nation; for example, the influence of different cultural and religious groups with the arrival of different waves of migrants, such as those from Europe in the 1950s–1960s, from different parts of Asia in the 1970s–2000s, from the Middle East in the 1980s–1990s, from India in the 1990s–2000s or from Africa in the 2000s
- Elaboration discussing the debate over multiculturalism that arose in the 1980s
- Elaboration discussing how debates over different aspects of Australia’s immigration and border protection policies have changed over time in light of international events, including consideration of issues such as mandatory detention of asylum seekers, humanitarian migration, business and skilled migration, and temporary protection visas, from the early 1990s to the present day
Content descriptorAC9HH10K09 Knowledge and understanding
the causes of First Nations Australians' campaigns for rights and freedoms before 1965, such as discriminatory legislation and policies, the 1938 Day of Mourning and the Stolen Generations
Elaborations (3)
- Elaboration investigating the political and societal impacts that contributed to First Nations Australians’ campaigns for rights and freedoms, such as legal status at the Commonwealth and various state/territory levels, segregation and treatment on missions, and the policy of assimilation adopted in 1937 by the Aboriginal Welfare Conference of Commonwealth and State Authorities
- Elaboration explaining the significance of the 1938 Day of Mourning in the campaigns of First Nations Australians for rights and freedoms, including the significance of 26 January 1938 (150 years since the arrival of the First Fleet) and the national Indigenous rights meeting
- Elaboration exploring accounts of the past experiences of First Nations Australians who were members of the Stolen Generations and how these experiences influenced the civil rights movement in Australia from the 1960s through to the present day
Content descriptorAC9HH10K12 Knowledge and understanding
the significant events, individuals and groups in the women’s movement in Australia, and how they have changed the role and status of women
Elaborations (2)
- Elaboration investigating events connected to the changing roles and rights of women in the workforce since 1945 such as the repeal of the “marriage bar”, the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, the changing nature of participation in employment and the gender pay gap
- Elaboration examining the contributions of significant female leaders in Australian public life; for example, political leaders and activists, social reformers, sporting identities, artists and entertainers
Content descriptorAC9HH10K16 Knowledge and understanding
causes and effects of the significant events and developments of the major global influences on Australia in the post-Second World War period
Elaborations (6)
- Elaboration investigating how the fear of communism and the emergence of the Cold War impacted on Australian society, particularly in relation to political debates, immigration and some aspects of popular culture including music, film and sport
- Elaboration examining the “the long boom” under prime minister Robert Menzies, in particular the expansion of primary industry exports (wool and iron ore) and the growth of protected manufacturing industries such as steel, textiles, electrical goods and automobiles, and the promotion of home ownership
- Elaboration analysing the causes of cultural development and the effects on Australian society such as the post–Second World War baby boom and the resulting effect of the development of youth culture in the 1960s
- Elaboration investigating America’s cultural influences, such as the arrival of television for the Melbourne Olympics (1956) and Bill Haley’s Australian tour (1957), and British popular influences, such as the Mersey sound and The Beatles’ tour of 1964
- Elaboration comparing views on the values and beliefs of rock ‘n’ roll, film and television across time, age and gender, such as issues of conservatism and rebellion, the challenge to established ideas and national identity
- Elaboration analysing the causes and conditions that led to the environment movement and its effects on changing public opinion about protecting the environment, such as rapid population increase, urbanisation, increases in industrial pollution and waste, and species extinction
They describe social, cultural, economic and/or political aspects, including international developments, related to the changes and continuities in Australian society over this historical period.
Content descriptorAC9HH10K04 Knowledge and understanding
the effects of the Second World War, with a particular emphasis on the continuities and changes on the Australian home front, such as the changing roles of women and First Nations Australians, and the use of wartime government controls
Elaborations (7)
- Elaboration discussing the introduction of conscription into Australia through the Citizen Military Forces as a change from the policies of First World War
- Elaboration investigating the effects of the Second World War on the changing roles of women in Australia during the war (for example, women in the military [WAAAF, AWAS, WRANS], the Women’s Land Army, factory work) contrasted with the continuities of their roles before and after the war
- Elaboration investigating the impact of Second World War at a local and national level, such as the bombing of Darwin, the Japanese submarine attack on Sydney and the sinking of ships off the Australian coast, the “Battle of Brisbane”, the Cowra breakout and the Brisbane Line
- Elaboration describing the effects of changes to individual rights and freedoms because of the National Security Act 1939, such as censorship of the media; detention of Japanese, German and Italian residents; banning groups opposed to the war on either political or religious grounds; and controls over the workforce (“manpower controls”)
- Elaboration identifying the barriers that affected First Nations Australians’ enlistment in the Second World War, such as the lack of trust in their loyalty by the Australian Government, denial of their Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status and the notion that there would be disharmony between First Nations Australians and non-Indigenous Australian men
- Elaboration examining the reasons for the Australian Government changing its views on including First Nations Australians in the defence forces, such as the critical shortage of soldiers, Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion established in 1941 and specialised work undertaken by First Nations Australians; for example, the Nackeroos and the Northern Territory Special Reconnaissance Unit
- Elaboration examining the changing roles of First Nations Australian men and women working as civilians for the army during the Second World War, such as increased employment opportunities in domestic work in hospitals, ammunition stacking, timber cutting and cement works, maintaining gardens, slaughtering cattle, and assembling and clearing gearboxes
Content descriptorAC9HH10K05 Knowledge and understanding
the significance of the Second World War to Australia’s immediate post-war economic, political and social development, and Australia’s international relationships in the 20th century
Elaborations (5)
- Elaboration examining the role of Prime Minister Ben Chifley in post-war reconstruction
- Elaboration evaluating the significance of the Second World War to Australia’s changing relationship with Britain and the USA, particularly the shift in importance from the one to the other, such as the creation of the ANZUS alliance
- Elaboration evaluating the short- and long-term effects of the Second World War on the emergence of Australia’s deeper engagement with Asia, such as the development of SEATO, the South Pacific Forum, APEC, the ASEAN Regional Forum and various trade alliances
- Elaboration describing the involvement of Australia in the founding of the United Nations, such as the roles played by HV Evatt and Jessie Street in drafting the charter of the United Nations
- Elaboration investigating the impact of the significant wave of post-war European and Asian migration, including the Colombo Plan, and views about race, including attitudes towards First Nations Australians
Content descriptorAC9HH10K17 Knowledge and understanding
changing social, political, economic, cultural, environmental and technological conditions, and the causes of a major global influence in Australia
Elaborations (8)
- Elaboration describing the impact of the Vietnam War on Vietnam and how the communist victory in Vietnam in 1975 resulted in the arrival of refugees into Australia
- Elaboration investigating policies of multiculturalism since the 1970s and the concepts of cultural heritage and assimilation
- Elaboration analysing post–Second World War population growth and the development of Australia’s culturally diverse society, using different types of graphs
- Elaboration recognising the historic impact of the pictures of Earth taken during the Apollo 8 mission and how they influenced people’s view of the world
- Elaboration explaining events such as the struggle over American, British and French nuclear weapon testing in the Pacific from 1946 to 1996 or the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior in 1985
- Elaboration evaluating the effectiveness of international protocols and treaties such as Kyoto (1997), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (since 1992) and the Washington Declaration (2007)
- Elaboration identifying American and Asian influences on Australian popular culture since the Second World War, such as through mainstream Hollywood and Bollywood films, and the animation film industry in China and Japan
- Elaboration investigating the changing contribution of the Australian rock ‘n’ roll, film and television industries to Australian culture and identity through the development and export of music, film and television
Content descriptorAC9HH10K18 Knowledge and understanding
continuities and changes in perspectives, responses, beliefs and values that have influenced the Australian way of life
Elaborations (4)
- Elaboration explaining why environmental movements gained increasing public voice and identifying different perspectives
- Elaboration investigating how Australians in the 1960s and 1970s, influenced by the events of those decades, began to question the traditional notions of egalitarianism, a fair go, classlessness and democracy; for example, conscription and the Vietnam War, the Women’s Liberation Movement and the dismissal of the Whitlam government
- Elaboration comparing and contrasting the policies relating to engagement with the Asia-Pacific region of the governments led by prime minister Paul Keating (1991–1996) and prime minister John Howard (1996–2007)
- Elaboration examining the nature of religion in Australia; for example, the changing attitudes to religious practice, the increase of non-Christian religions and non-traditional Christian churches
Students explain the role of significant ideas, individuals, groups and institutions connected to the developments of this period and their influences on Australian and global history.
Content descriptorAC9HH10K05 Knowledge and understanding
the significance of the Second World War to Australia’s immediate post-war economic, political and social development, and Australia’s international relationships in the 20th century
Elaborations (5)
- Elaboration examining the role of Prime Minister Ben Chifley in post-war reconstruction
- Elaboration evaluating the significance of the Second World War to Australia’s changing relationship with Britain and the USA, particularly the shift in importance from the one to the other, such as the creation of the ANZUS alliance
- Elaboration evaluating the short- and long-term effects of the Second World War on the emergence of Australia’s deeper engagement with Asia, such as the development of SEATO, the South Pacific Forum, APEC, the ASEAN Regional Forum and various trade alliances
- Elaboration describing the involvement of Australia in the founding of the United Nations, such as the roles played by HV Evatt and Jessie Street in drafting the charter of the United Nations
- Elaboration investigating the impact of the significant wave of post-war European and Asian migration, including the Colombo Plan, and views about race, including attitudes towards First Nations Australians
Content descriptorAC9HH10K06 Knowledge and understanding
the commemoration of the Second World War, including different historical interpretations and debates
Elaborations (2)
- Elaboration analysing the debate over the Battle for Australia 1942 and its commemoration since 2008
- Elaboration discussing the commemoration of Kokoda, including the debate about the appropriateness of hiking the Kokoda trail today as a form of commemoration
Content descriptorAC9HH10K10 Knowledge and understanding
the contributions of significant individuals and groups in the campaign for the recognition of the rights of First Nations Australians and the extent to which they brought change to Australian society
Elaborations (4)
- Elaboration investigating the lives of significant First Nations Australians and other Australians who contributed to the rights and freedoms of First Nations Australians, such as Neville Bonner, William Cooper, Fred Maynard (AAPA), Jack Patten, Sir Douglas Nicholls, Lady Gladys Nicholls, Vincent Lingiari, Charles Perkins, Shirley Smith, Gladys Elphick, Essie Coffee, Joyce Clague, Daisy Bindi, Gary Foley, Michael Anderson, Eddie Koiki Mabo and Lowitja O’Donoghue
- Elaboration investigating First Nations Australian groups that contributed to changing Australian society, such as the Australian Aborigines League (Victoria), the Australian Aboriginal Progressive Association (AAPA) and Student Action for Aborigines
- Elaboration examining the role of Christian, union and labour groups in the movement for First Nations Australians' rights and freedoms, including the foundation of the National Day of Mourning
- Elaboration examining the ways some First Nations Australians’ embracing of Christianity and Islam has interacted with their beliefs, identity and political freedoms
Content descriptorAC9HH10K11 Knowledge and understanding
the significant events and methods in the movement for the civil rights of First Nations Australians and the extent to which they contributed to change
Elaborations (5)
- Elaboration investigating the effects of the US civil rights movement of the 1960’s and its influence on Australia in changing perspectives, beliefs and opinions; for example, outlining the Freedom Rides in the USA, how they inspired civil rights campaigners in Australia and how they became a turning point in the campaign of First Nations Australians for rights and freedoms
- Elaboration creating a chronological account of the significant events in the movement for the civil rights of First Nations Australians, including the right to vote federally in 1962, Freedom Rides, the 1967 Referendum, the Tent Embassy, the Mabo decision, prime minister Keating's Redfern Speech, the Bringing Them Home report, the first Sorry Day, the Apology to the Stolen Generations and the Uluru Statement from the Heart
- Elaboration explaining how significant events contributed to change; for example, legal changes, especially land rights, as a result of the Pilbara Strike, Palm Island Strike, Wave Hill Walk-Off, the Mabo decision, the Wik decision and the Tent Embassy; political changes as a result of the right to vote federally in 1962 and the 1967 Referendum; social changes as a result of the Freedom Rides; changes to advance Reconciliation as a result of the Redfern Speech, the Bringing Them Home report, the Royal Commission into Deaths in Custody and the Apology to the Stolen Generations
- Elaboration discussing how Reconciliation is not a single significant event or change, but an ongoing process of truth-telling and healing between First Nations Australians and other Australians
- Elaboration investigating the Mabo case and the significance of this event’s contribution to understanding of terra nullius and the land rights movement for First Nations Australians
Content descriptorAC9HH10K13 Knowledge and understanding
the continuing efforts to create change in the civil rights and freedoms in Australia, for First Nations Australians, migrants and women
Elaborations (4)
- Elaboration identifying areas such as education, health care, housing and employment that are the focus for continued civil rights action for First Nations Australians, and discussing why there continues to be a need for such action
- Elaboration examining the changes in women’s rights in 20th- and 21st-century Australia, ranging from suffrage to election to state and commonwealth parliaments, employment law, reproductive rights, access to public places like hotels, and protections against domestic and family violence
- Elaboration investigating the changes in government policy in relation to migrants and how these policies have reflected and impacted on Australia’s changing place in the world; for example, the Racial Discrimination Act 1975
- Elaboration examining the ideas in and Australia’s responsibilities as a signatory to the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) (2007) and discussing how it influences calls for recognising the rights of First Nations Australians and First Peoples in other countries
Content descriptorAC9HH10K15 Knowledge and understanding
the origins and significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including Australia’s involvement in the development of the declaration
Elaborations (2)
- Elaboration describing the causes of the development of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, such as the atrocities of the Holocaust, the immense scale of destruction and displacement because of Second World War
- Elaboration investigating the present significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Content descriptorAC9HH10K19 Knowledge and understanding
the effects of global influences on Australia’s changing identity as a nation and its international relationships
Elaborations (5)
- Elaboration investigate how the broad foreign policy and international relations policies of prime minister Gough Whitlam (1972–1975), prime minister Malcolm Fraser (1975–1983), prime minister Bob Hawke (1983–1991) in relation to cultural exchange, migration, trade and defence shaped Australia’s national identity
- Elaboration discussing the changing nature of the music, film and television industries in Australia during the post-war period, including the influence of overseas developments such as rock ‘n’ roll, disco, punk, grunge, indie and other music genres; Hollywood, Bollywood and the animation film industry in China and Japan; and the development of satellite broadcast on television
- Elaboration investigating Australia’s contribution to international popular culture in music, film, television and sport, and the recognition of Australian creative and performing arts internationally
- Elaboration discussing the rising economic and political influence of countries such as China and India since the end of the Cold War
- Elaboration examining the role of digital media, including social media, in shaping Australian society and connecting to global relationships
Content descriptorAC9HH10K20 Knowledge and understanding
different historical interpretations and debates during the second half of the 20th century
Elaborations (5)
- Elaboration discussing the concept of popular culture and how First Nations Australians became more assertive in the development of their own arts industries and influences; for example, the role of Bangarra Dance Theatre in advancing First Nations Australians’ cultures, beliefs, stories and concerns through dance and music
- Elaboration discussing the significant movements for rights and freedom in the world, such as the US Civil Rights movement, the rights movement of First Nations Peoples of Australia, South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement, women’s movements, LGBTQI+ movements and environmental movements
- Elaboration investigating the rise of political and religious extremism, and the impact of the events of 11 September 2001 and the 2002 Bali bombings on immigration to Australia
- Elaboration discussing the global debate over the use of nuclear energy from the 1960s to the present and its change over time, including arguments for and against its use as an alternative to fossil fuels, and the effects of nuclear disasters such as Three Mile Island (1979), Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima Daiichi (2011)
- Elaboration investigating the change in debate about climate change over time from the 1960s to the present
Students develop and modify a range of questions about the past to inform historical inquiry.
Content descriptorAC9HH10S01 Skills
develop and modify a range of historical questions about the past to inform historical inquiry
Elaborations (4)
- Elaboration identifying, planning to investigate and investigating a specific historical question or issue
- Elaboration developing a range of questions about aspects of the past that require historical argument
- Elaboration modifying a key question or related questions in an inquiry, depending on the suitability of the sources available
- Elaboration determining whether a key question or related questions are too broad or narrow given the requirements of the investigation
They locate, select and compare a range of primary and secondary sources and synthesise the information in sources to use as evidence in historical inquiry.
Content descriptorAC9HH10S02 Skills
locate, identify and compare primary and secondary sources to use in a historical inquiry
Elaborations (3)
- Elaboration selecting relevant and useful historical sources from data bases such as Trove and state libraries
- Elaboration identifying information in a primary or secondary source that matches the historical questions being asked
- Elaboration comparing multiple primary or secondary sources and selecting the source/s most pertinent to the historical research being conducted
They analyse the origin, content, context and purpose of primary and secondary sources.
Content descriptorAC9HH10S03 Skills
identify the origin and content of sources, and explain the purpose and context of primary and secondary sources
Elaborations (3)
- Elaboration explaining the historical context of a source and identifying any gaps or inaccuracies in the source
- Elaboration analysing the intent of the author and the features of the source to determine the purpose of the source
- Elaboration describing stylistic elements of sources, such as artistic or architectural, to inform the meaning of sources
Students evaluate the accuracy, usefulness and reliability of sources as evidence.
Content descriptorAC9HH10S04 Skills
explain the usefulness of primary and secondary sources, and the reliability of the information as evidence
Elaborations (6)
- Elaboration identifying perspectives absent from sources and the extent to which this may affect usefulness
- Elaboration explaining the bias of the author and the intent of a source, and the extent to which this may affect reliability
- Elaboration determining the usefulness of sources by corroborating with other sources of information
- Elaboration examining that the reliability and usefulness of a source depends on the questions asked of it; for example, an account having a particular historical perspective and therefore being of use in revealing past prevailing attitudes
- Elaboration determining whether or not the information in one historical source can be verified by information in another historical source
- Elaboration comparing a range of historical sources and identifying similarities, differences and inconsistencies in interpretations
They sequence events and developments to analyse cause and effect, and patterns of continuity and change, connected to a period, event or movement.
Content descriptorAC9HH10S05 Skills
analyse cause and effect, and evaluate patterns of continuity and change
Elaborations (3)
- Elaboration identifying the various manifestations or effects of an event in different geographical locations, using interactive timelines
- Elaboration organising a range of primary sources in chronological order to support the development of a historical argument about significant causes
- Elaboration explaining the links between the main ideas, actions and individuals of an event, and drawing links between them by placing them in sequence; for example, sequencing the Freedom Rides campaigns in the USA and Australia, and explaining the links between the 2 campaigns
They evaluate perspectives of significant events and developments, and explain the important factors that influence these perspectives.
Content descriptorAC9HH10S06 Skills
compare perspectives in sources and explain how these are influenced by significant events, ideas, locations, beliefs and values
Elaborations (4)
- Elaboration comparing interpretations and evaluating differences in relation to the ideas, locations, beliefs and values that have influenced them
- Elaboration explaining the links between the continuities over the period, such as the experiences and treatment of First Nations Australians, women and migrants
- Elaboration analysing the views of men and women at different times regarding gender equality in Australia and explaining how these views might reflect changing values and attitudes
- Elaboration explaining why some perspectives in the past may not have been recorded
They compare and evaluate different and contested historical interpretations.
Content descriptorAC9HH10K06 Knowledge and understanding
the commemoration of the Second World War, including different historical interpretations and debates
Elaborations (2)
- Elaboration analysing the debate over the Battle for Australia 1942 and its commemoration since 2008
- Elaboration discussing the commemoration of Kokoda, including the debate about the appropriateness of hiking the Kokoda trail today as a form of commemoration
Content descriptorAC9HH10K20 Knowledge and understanding
different historical interpretations and debates during the second half of the 20th century
Elaborations (5)
- Elaboration discussing the concept of popular culture and how First Nations Australians became more assertive in the development of their own arts industries and influences; for example, the role of Bangarra Dance Theatre in advancing First Nations Australians’ cultures, beliefs, stories and concerns through dance and music
- Elaboration discussing the significant movements for rights and freedom in the world, such as the US Civil Rights movement, the rights movement of First Nations Peoples of Australia, South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement, women’s movements, LGBTQI+ movements and environmental movements
- Elaboration investigating the rise of political and religious extremism, and the impact of the events of 11 September 2001 and the 2002 Bali bombings on immigration to Australia
- Elaboration discussing the global debate over the use of nuclear energy from the 1960s to the present and its change over time, including arguments for and against its use as an alternative to fossil fuels, and the effects of nuclear disasters such as Three Mile Island (1979), Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima Daiichi (2011)
- Elaboration investigating the change in debate about climate change over time from the 1960s to the present
Content descriptorAC9HH10S07 Skills
analyse different and contested historical interpretations
Elaborations (4)
- Elaboration exploring debates about the historical period or topic studied, such as the “Brisbane Line”, “reds under the bed” and McCarthyism
- Elaboration identifying different interpretations and constructing an argument about which interpretation has the evidence to support it
- Elaboration analysing how historians have changed the way they interpret the event under investigation over time, such as a change in view with the discovery of more sources
- Elaboration constructing a historical argument that identifies different possibilities in interpretation, organising ideas to build an argument, presents a particular point of view with consistent reference to the evidence available, and uses evaluative language
Students use historical knowledge, concepts and terms to develop descriptions, explanations and historical arguments that synthesise evidence from sources.
Content descriptorAC9HH10S08 Skills
create descriptions, explanations and historical arguments, using historical knowledge, concepts and terms that incorporate and acknowledge evidence from sources
Elaborations (4)
- Elaboration developing an extended text that explains, analyses and evaluates a historical event, development or movement for purpose and audience; for example, organising ideas and information to present relevant historical knowledge about the impact of a global event on a community to be presented to peers
- Elaboration constructing a historical argument that identifies different possibilities in interpretation, synthesises ideas to build an argument, presents a particular point of view that incorporates and evaluates available evidence
- Elaboration developing a historical explanation or interpretation, using historical concepts and terms to build understanding of context, significance, purpose and the impact of the event or development
- Elaboration presenting a historical argument, such as essay, oral presentation, debate, interactive digital or non-digital display, online conference or forum incorporating evidence
This achievement standard describes the expected learning for Year 10 History. Use it to plan teaching and assessment with the Australian Curriculum v9.
At a Glance
| Strand | Substrand | CDs | Elaborations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge and understanding | Second World War | 6 | 29 |
| Knowledge and understanding | Building modern Australia | 7 | 26 |
| Knowledge and understanding | The globalising world | 7 | 33 |
| Skills | Questioning and researching | 2 | 7 |
| Skills | Using historical sources | 2 | 9 |
| Skills | Historical perspectives and interpretations | 3 | 11 |
| Skills | Communicating | 1 | 4 |
| Total | 28 | 119 | |
Frequently Asked Questions
What should students know by the end of Year 10 History?
By the end of Year 10, students explain the historical significance of the period between 1918 and the early 21st century. Read the full standard
How many Content Descriptors support this standard?
28 Content Descriptors support this Achievement Standard (Knowledge and understanding: 20, Skills: 8).
How does this compare to Year 9?
The Year 9 History standard (ASHAHISY9) covers the preceding curriculum level. Standards build progressively, with Year 10 expectations extending what was introduced in Year 9.
Is this from the latest Australian Curriculum?
Yes, this Achievement Standard is from the Australian Curriculum version 9.0 (AC v9), the most current version published by ACARA.