Constructing Archaeology as a Subject in the School Curriculum

In this chapter I examine arguments for and against teaching Archaeology in schools. I then present three possible models for offering it as a subject in the school curriculum. The first two examples were designed by curriculum authorities for secondary students in Australia and England. They are constructed as formal subjects to be taught over extended periods of time at senior secondary level. The third is a proposed model of integration with STEM/STEAM that responds to international recommendations for twenty-first century learning. I conclude by arguing that Archaeology offers students the perfect blend of knowledge and skills from the Sciences and Humanities. It is also a forum in which young adults can think as global citizens by examining ‘big picture’ questions about the past that impact the present as well as the future.