2015 School Magazine

MODERN HISTORY ANNA MCARTHUR-DOWTY (12R)

Modern history is a both a challenging and confronting subject, which encourages us to attempt to fully understand many significant events in the past two hundred years. We are taught to delve into historical evidence from a variety of perspectives in order to develop a well-reasoned argument about a topic. This way of thinking is unique to this subject, and has helped me to expand my knowledge, as well as eradicate prejudices and naivety I formerly held in my perception of the world. I have also developed a great sense of empathy, especially in terms of making sense of historic and contemporary conflicts. One of the most thought-provoking and relevant topics from this year was the Arab-Israeli conflict. Prior to learning about this topic, my knowledge of this conflict had been formed based on the selective coverage it often receives in the media. I really enjoyed the opportunity in Modern History to learn about such a relevant topic without bias; unpacking the motives and actions of both the Palestinians and Israelis in order to form my own, informed and educated perspective. The skills I have

developed in modern history over the past two years will serve me well, not only in my future studies, but also in allowing me to interpret and make more sense of complex world events.

ANCIENT HISTORY GIULIA MARRAMA (12G)

Ancient history is an enriching and fascinating subject, which involves learning about the daily lives, customs and social mindset of people living thousands of years ago. Their attitudes towards politics, religion and morality have all shaped the contemporary world and with each account we read and each leader we study, it is as if we are touching the past, entering into the ancient world. Over Years 11 and 12, we have examined rising and falling empires and civilisations, from Ancient China, Greece, Egypt, India and Ancient Rome, to the bloody and cataclysmic Crusades. In all these areas of study we have unpacked opposing viewpoints and perspectives, which has given us a wider understanding on the reliability of particular sources and their

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potential bias. In Term I this year, we had an excursion to The University of Queensland to tour the antiquities museum and hear an intriguing lecture on the various representations of Julius Caesar. Ancient history has opened my mind to the world that existed before this time; even more so I have come to understand how history has been repeated through the millennia and how relevant ancient battles, theories and philosophies still are in society today.

CURRICULUM