History

Mr M. Robertson (Head of Department)
Mr C Kelly
Ms E.Donnelly

All students study History as a compulsory subject for their first three years in St Patrick’s College. Should they so wish, they can choose to study History at GCSE and A Level. The History department works collaboratively with other departments within school such as English, Geography and Religion to develop the skills of the presentation of information, analysis and decision-making. These are transferable skills that will be required by students in their careers and life beyond school.

History is the study of the past, focusing on the motivations, actions and decisions taken by people. It helps them to appreciate the good things that have happened and an opportunity to reflect on events and people who make have had a negative impact on our world or society. It enables students to explore the past and use the knowledge they gain to enable them to make informed.

By studying the past, pupils will be able to make much greater sense of the world in which they live, and be equipped to make decisions that can benefit the world for future generations.

The Key Stage 3 curriculum aims to develop pupils’ knowledge, understanding and skills by providing opportunities to investigate the past through a broad and balanced range of periods and contexts. These opportunities will allow pupils to develop and individuals, contributors to society and to the economy and environment.

Through this model, pupils will be able to demonstrate skills and application of knowledge and understanding of History and its impact on the present.

Norman conquest of England

Normanisation of England

Medieval Realms

Norman Ireland

Middle Ages

Native Americans

Transatlantic slave trade

Civil rights movement

The Reformation and the Tudors

Age of Elizabeth

Ulster Plantation

Gunpowder Plot

Cromwell in Ireland

Glorious Revolution

Industrialisation

Home Rule Crisis

World War One

Easter Rising

Irish War of Independence

Partition of Ireland

Women’s Suffrage

Inter-War Years

World War Two

The Holocaust

GCSE Students study the CCEA Examination specification which is 100% examination based.

Year 11: ( 60% of overall grade)

Students study two units: Life in Nazi Germany 1933-45 and Changing Relations: Northern Ireland and its Neighbours, 1965–98

Year 12: (40% of overall grade)

Students study one unit: International Relations 1945-2003

A Level Students follow the CCEA Examination specification which is 100% examination based.
Year 13 (AS Level) and Year 14 (A2 Level):
AS: 1 – Germany 1919 -1945 (20% of overall A Level grade)
AS: 2 – Russia 1914 -1941 (20% of overall A Level grade)
A2: 1 – The American Presidency 1900-2000 (20% of overall grade)
A2: 2 – Partition of Ireland 1900 – 1925 ( 40% of overall grade)

At Key Stage 3 students can take part in a weekly History Club. They also participate in trips to Titanic Museum in year 9 and The Trench Experience in Year 10, as well as taking part in various workshops provided throughout the year.

At Key Stage 4 a range of extra-curricular trips are offered including a trip to Derry City to complete a Troubles Tour and trips in commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day.

Numerous trips to sites of historical interest occur frequently, including trips to Berlin, Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and a joint-trip with the Geography department to London.

Extra support classes are available weekly in KS4 to practice exam technique.