HISTORY
Overview - Teacher Mrs Brenda Cleary
The History department provides a broad range of topics and periods of study. The study of History will enable students to learn about the past and to better understand the present and many of the issues that affect the world today. It provides students with the opportunity to develop as an individual and enhance their ability to fully participate in society. History will develop the skills of communication, organisation, research, managing information, decision making and empathy.
It is a popular choice at GCSE level and we are very proud of the results achieved by our students and by the fact that many choose to continue to study it at A Level and at university
It is a popular choice at GCSE level and we are very proud of the results achieved by our students and by the fact that many choose to continue to study it at A Level and at university
KS3 - HISTORY
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Year 8 students begin by learning and developing historical skills which will equip them to embrace learning about the past with confidence and competence. Year 8’s study various aspects of Irish History as outlined by the revised curriculum. This will include the impact of the Norman invasion in England and their subsequent arrival in Ireland. Students will also learn about medieval life in Norman Ireland and the effects of which are still evident today.
In Year 9 pupils study primarily 16th and 17th century Britain, Ireland and Europe. We look at the Tudor and Stuart Monarchs and how the Reformation impacted on life in England and Ireland. We focus on the significance of the changes on life in Ireland, and how Ireland interacted in European politics at this time through the study of key events such as the Spanish Armada and the Ulster Plantations. A much deeper understanding of our society today is acquired through an in depth study of Nationalism and Unionism 1800-1900 as 19th and early 20th century Ireland is the primary focus of our Year 10 students. We assess the reasons for and the impact of the Great Famine on Ireland, with a close investigation of the Famine in Fermanagh. We study the relationship between land and politics in the late 19th century. We study decisive events, namely Ulster and Home Rule; The Easter Rising, the rise of Sinn Féin and the partition of Ireland. |
History Trips
Every year, in the summer term, all Year 8 pupils visit Carrickfergus Castle. On return to the classroom each student then formulates an entry for the prestigious “Step in Time” Competition. The students of Saint Mary’s have reaped many of the rewards at the Awards Ceremony for their industrious and excellent efforts at short stories poetry and Art.
Year 9 pupils have visited the Plantation Centre in Draperstown and Year 10’s have had a guided tour of the Walls of Derry. Such visits are planned in order to reinforce work undertaken in the classroom and to give first hand historical experience. Our trip to Carrickfergus Castle 2017
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GCSE HISTORY
The GCSE History specification encourages students to consider the relevance of the past to gain a deeper understanding of the world we live in. Students have opportunities to learn about topics such as Hitler’s dictatorship, the Cuban Missile Crisis, civil unrest in Northern Ireland and the USA’s response to 9/11.
This revised specification balances factual content with developing students’ conceptual understanding and historical skills. Students analyse and evaluate historical sources to appreciate that there is not just one version of the past, but often competing interpretations.
Students develop key transferable skills that will be useful during further study and in the workplace. These skills include researching and organising information, analysing and weighing up evidence, and writing a coherent argument.
The exams are now single tier and contain a mixture of question styles, from short responses to essays.
Unit 1
Section A
Modern World Studies in Depth
Life in Nazi Germany, 1933–45
Section B
Local Study
Changing Relations: Northern Ireland and
its Neighbours, 1965–98
Unit 2:
Outline Study
International Relations, 1945–2003.
This revised specification balances factual content with developing students’ conceptual understanding and historical skills. Students analyse and evaluate historical sources to appreciate that there is not just one version of the past, but often competing interpretations.
Students develop key transferable skills that will be useful during further study and in the workplace. These skills include researching and organising information, analysing and weighing up evidence, and writing a coherent argument.
The exams are now single tier and contain a mixture of question styles, from short responses to essays.
Unit 1
Section A
Modern World Studies in Depth
Life in Nazi Germany, 1933–45
Section B
Local Study
Changing Relations: Northern Ireland and
its Neighbours, 1965–98
Unit 2:
Outline Study
International Relations, 1945–2003.
