History

Mrs G. Corcoran (Head of Department)
Mr M. Robertson
Mr D. Cullen (Mr C Kelly)

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 for 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. In addition, students benefit from links with external agencies such as The Navan Centre, The Nerve Centre, as well as various museums, to bring the study of History to life,

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.

In Year 8 pupils learn about chronology and using sources. They discover how the Norman’s came to England and Ireland, and learn about the Indigenous Peoples of North America.

In Year 9 pupils develop an understanding of the reign of the Tudors. They also look at local history considering the Plantations and The Titanic. Students finish the year looking at the Slave Trade and the Civil Right Movement in the USA.

In Year 10 pupils learn about key technological developments in the 20^th Century. They investigate the causes and events of WW1, WW2 and The Cold War, and they consider the relationship between Nationalism and Unionism in Ireland and the events of the Easter Rising and War of Independence.

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

Year 11: ( 60% of overall grade)

Students study two topics: Nazi Germany and a Local Study (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):

AS: 1 – Germany 1918 -1945 (25% of overall grade)

AS: 2 – Russia 1903 -1941 (25% of overall grade)

A2: 1 – Clash of Ideologies in Europe 1900 – 2000 (20% of overall grade)

A2: 2 – Partition in Ireland 1900 – 1925 ( 30% 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 in collaboration with the Navan Centre 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, visits to Auschwitz-Birkenau to study events of WW2, Berlin to study Cold War, and Normandy to study D Day Landings.

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