Aboriginal Australians have been recognised in the constitution for 50 years, but they have been largely invisible in school syllabuses.

For the first time next year, HSC students will learn about pre-1788 Aboriginal history in the same way they are taught ancient Greek and Roman history, in a move described as long overdue.

A new unit called '"Ancient Australia" being added to the ancient history syllabus for incoming year 11 students will give them a chance to investigate ancient artefacts and sites in their local area.

"It's about students understanding that we do have an ancient history in Australia as well," senior curriculum officer at the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Emmanuel Karayiannis said.