NCEA Level 3 History

"The Nazis entered this war under the rather childish delusion that they were going to bomb everyone else, and nobody was going to bomb them … They sowed the wind, and now they are going to reap the whirlwind" 

Arthur "Bomber" Harris - commander of the Royal Air Force, Bomber Command during W.W.II (1939 - 45).

Level 3 History offers students the opportunity to explore thought-provoking historic events that have had significant impacts on society and it is a subject that teaches people to gather, process, interpret and present information. By studying the topics that are taught, students will gain a deeper understanding of their own society, their place in the world, and develop important skills that are applicable to tertiary education and various careers.

SKILLS: Studying History provides a student with skills which are not confined to just the study of the past. While we learn topics that are significantly important and interesting to us the aim in Level 3 History is to improve upon the skills learnt at Level 1 and 2. However, do not worry if you did not take History prior to Year 13 as the first four weeks of Term 1 will include the recapping of skills and concepts learned in Year 11 and 12 as well as acquainting students with the expectations of Year 13 History.

Skills of analysis are invaluable in many jobs, and the ability to analysis and then prioritise information is vital to decision making. This not only provides a skill set for a student but has considerable value and application to a wide variety of careers and occupations.

For those planning after Year 13 to be involved in tertiary education, Level 3 History skills such as formal essay writing and gathering research material will help you in a wide variety of future education endeavours. These skills have considerable value and application to tertiary study and a subsequent wide variety of careers and occupations. These can include the law and associated careers such as police, journalism, and aspects of private business such as in management. If you are interested in studying History at the tertiary level then here is the link to the University of Canterbury History Department.

These skills include:

• ‘Fact v Fake’: More than ever before, ours is an information-based society. People must adapt to it and handle a wide variety of information. Therefore, having the skills to know what information is 'fact' or 'fake' is very important in today's world. The ability to interpret pieces of information such as written articles, photographs, cartoons and websites in terms of why these were created and how to make judgments of it being reliable and trustworthy, will be learnt.

• ‘Communication’: The ability to formally write a structured analytical and evaluative essay that is clear and concise. The essay will provide a logical argument based on a significant event you have learnt this year.

• ‘Perspectives’: Sometimes referred to as “point of view’. This is the ability to understand how an individual or groups position / stance has been influenced by things such as religion, country of origin, level of education, or ethnic background.

• ‘Historiography’: This is the study of how historical recording and interpretations of the same events shift with time as a result of many different factors. Historiography helps us understand that societal, political, economic, and other issues may alter the recording of history over time.

• 'Analysis': The skill of analysis is invaluable in many jobs, and the ability to analyse and then prioritise information is vital to decision making.

The three main topics:

•    Introductory topic: 'The Takapuneke Massacre' (Akaroa, 1830); This topic focuses on a significant event in New Zealand's history, where Te Rauparaha, the ariki (leading chief) of the Ngāti Toa, led an attack that destroyed the Ngāi Tahu settlement of Takapuneke in present day Akaroa Harbour.  This incident was part of the wider conflict known as 'The New Zealand Musket Wars.' An intriguing aspect of this event was the direct involvement, for the first time, in a intertribal (or iwi) conflict by Europeans who assisted Ngāti Toa in their attack.  Their involvement set of a chain of events that eventually resulted in Britain gaining sovereignty of New Zealand through the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi). Students will not only learn about this event but also develop the necessary skills that will be used and assessed in Level 3 History. An overnight field trip to Akaroa will provide an opportunity for reinforcement of classroom teachings and will also enable students to visit one of the most significant historic sites in our country. The field trip to Akaroa occurs in Term 1 at the end of February / start of March. 

•    A historical controversy: The strategic bombing of German cities during World War Two; Students will explore the highly controversial topic of Allied strategic bombing campaigns against German cities during World War Two. They will analyse the impact of these bombings on the end of the war and the ethical implications of the significant loss of civilian lives.  For instance, was it morally right for the Allies to destroy towns and cities that housed German families including children and the elderly in an attempt to when the war and bring to an end Hitler's' Nazi regime?  Students will research and create a report that presents arguments for and against the effectiveness and moral justifiability of the bombings. They will also need to state their own opinion based on their findings. 

•    Rwanda Genocide of 1994: This topic delves into the genocide that occurred during the Rwandan Civil War (Central Africa), where over 800 000 predominantly Tutsi Rwandans were killed in a span of 100 days. Students will investigate the causes of the genocide, examine the experiences of the victims, and explore the long-term consequences for those involved. There will also be a study and analysis of the role that the United Nations took during this tragic event. 

Assessments:

•    Research a significant historical event (5 credits): Students will choose a significant event between c.1600 CE and c.1990 CE and conduct research, gather evidence, and create an annotated portfolio.

•    Analyse an historical event (5 credits): Students will write a report on the 1830 Takapuneke Massacre, utilising provided sources and their own understanding of the event.

•    Analyse different perspectives of a contested event; WWII Allied strategic bombing against German cities (5 credits): Students will research and write a report that analyses the arguments for and against the strategic bombing campaigns during World War Two.

•    Analyse the causes or consequences of a significant historical event (6 credits): This external assessment will require students to write an extended analytical and factual essay on the causes or consequences of a significant historical event. This will be practiced in class, in the September School Practice Examination, and finally in the NZQA November external examination.

The course will incorporate online learning components, and students are encouraged to bring their own devices (netbooks or laptops etc.) to access resources and participate in activities through the class Schoology page.

You may also decide to sit the History Scholarship end of year examination. Your teacher will be able to advise you about this.