Curriculum Information

​

Key Stage 3

​

All students in Key Stage 3 study History in two discrete 50 minute periods.

 

In Year 8 students are introduced to the skills of History and are given opportunities to apply these skills to the core content of KS3. Following an introduction, Year 8 students then carry out an investigation into the death of the Tollund Man, the Norman conquest of England and later, the Normans in Ireland. In Year 9 students explore the religious changes introduced in England throughout the Tudor period during the Reformation, the problems faced by Elizabeth I, the Voyages of Discovery and finally, the Plantation of Ulster. Students in Year 10 carry out an in-depth study into the causes of World War One, the nature of trench warfare and the use of propaganda to recruit soldiers. At the end of the school year, Year 10 students then learn about the Great Famine.

 

Throughout KS3, pupils are encouraged to develop their critical thinking skills and communication skills which are at the core of the Northern Ireland Curriculum.  Students explore a variety and range of topics in Key Stage 3 that chronicle human behaviour in previous centuries. We examine the key circumstances that have shaped the past and transformed society helping students to understand the present through the prism of the past. The Key Stage 3 schemes of work are reviewed on a yearly basis and revised in line with advancements within the Northern Ireland Curriculum.

 

Literacy is at the core of the Key Stage 3 curriculum in History.

Pupils also get to explore careers linked to History in preparation for GCSE subject selection in Year 10.

​

Key Stage 4 (GCSE)

​

All students in Key Stage 4 study History in three 50 minute periods.

 

All classes study the CCEA History GCSE course, which is studied over a two-year academic cycle.

​

The main requirement for GCSE History is a proven track record and interest in Key Stage 3 as well as the ability to communicate effectively in written form. The ability to use and interrogate historical sources is key. GCSE History looks at some of the most interesting and controversial events in the twentieth century and this subject will encourage you to develop key transferable skills that will be useful during further study and in the work place such as –

​

• how to construct an argument 

• research and problem solving skills

• researching and organising information

• analytical and interpretation skills and writing a coherent argument.

 

Teaching staff are committed to delivering engaging and challenging lessons to the students in a relaxed learning environment where each pupil is given individual support and encouraged to fulfil their potential in History. After school revision classes are held in the lead up to external exams.

​

Students will study 3 units in total across 2 years including:

 

Unit 1: (studied in Year 11)

Section A: Modern World Studies in Depth

Option 1: Life in Nazi Germany, 1933-1945

Section B: Local Study

Option 2: Changing Relations: Northern Ireland and its Neighbours, 1965-1998

 

Unit 2: (studied in Year 12).

Outline Study

International Relations, 1945-2003

​

Qualification Route CCEA GCSE