Strengthening Academic Thinking In History

On Friday 6 June, Year 12 Modern History, Ancient History and History Extension students participated in a Study Day at the University of Sydney to strengthen academic historical thinking. Students attended university-style lectures while on campus. The lectures focused on using the published research from historians and archaeologists as evidence within student arguments to maximise HSC academic achievement. A huge thank you to Lauren Jenkins for working with the History Teachers Association (NSW) to support Year 12 students at this University history event.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Student Reflections

The Year 12 History Study Day at the University of Sydney was helpful in developing my understanding of the Ancient History course. The lectures about Pompeii, New Kingdom Egypt, Hatshepsut and Sparta were useful in consolidating the information I had already learnt in class and provided new study techniques to maximise my marks.
Emily Guerrerio
Year 12

The History Study Day at the University of Sydney was a great experience to be able to clarify my understanding across my Ancient History HSC course. It went over key syllabus dot points, providing me with clear information and relevant sources I will be able to apply to my HSC exams. The speakers were engaging and informative and it was great being in an environment with other like-minded individuals, encouraging one another and working collaboratively within my class to ensure we had been staying up to date with notes in order to lift one another up come exam time. Definitely a worthwhile experience and has motivated me to ensure my notes and knowledge is ready to take on the big exams ahead with support from Ms Zagora.
Lily Vincent
Year 12

As an Ancient History student, the History Study Day served as a valuable refresher of the various units covered throughout the year, while also reinforcing the critical role of primary and secondary sources in crafting sophisticated and well-evidenced responses. The day not only consolidated my historical knowledge but also strengthened my confidence in approaching source-based and extended response questions with greater precision and depth.
Mia Papavramidis
Year 12

These lectures included new information and resources to help us deepen our understanding of these areas of study, as well as consolidate what we already knew. It was a valuable experience as we were able to approach this content differently, and we got to have a look at the university’s campus.
Claire Carroll
Year 12

The History Study Day at the University of Sydney, hosted by the HTANSW, was an incredibly valuable experience that enhanced our studies while offering the chance to connect with like-minded peers. It was exciting to experience a taste of university life and imagine ourselves studying here in the near future.
Isabella Williams
Year 12

Overall, the History Study Day was a useful and engaging way to revise key content, gain fresh perspectives, and see how history is studied beyond high school. It helped clarify some of the more complex parts of the course and made me feel more confident heading into the trial exams and HSC.
Emmalia Borralho
Year 12