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History

Our Aims

It is our aim to encourage an enthusiastic interest in the study of the past, while developing in our pupils the ability to think critically about causation and sources of evidence. We also seek to develop the pupils’ skill of empathy, the ability to understand the motives, experiences and reactions of different individuals or groups within an historical situation. Pupils will also be encouraged to communicate information, arguments and conclusions clearly and coherently in writing and orally. The History Department has embraced the opportunities provided by being involved in the North Belfast Area Learning Community (NBALC) and has established links with local schools with a view to promoting the teaching of History in the area. The main manifestation of this link has been the provision of a series of lectures on Irish History for pupils studying the A2 course ‘The Partition of Ireland 1900-1925’

Staff

Subject Leader

Dr C. Adair

Teacher

Ms K. Barnett

Teacher

Mrs R. Chambers

Teacher

Mrs R. Christie

Teacher

Mr S. Kitchen

Teacher

Mrs H. Tate

Curriculum

Key Stage 3

History is studied by all pupils in Forms 1-3.

Form 1

• Connected Learning Project: Who am I? How has History shaped my identity?

• The Normans in England and Ireland

• Martin Luther and the Reformation in Europe

Form 2

• The Tudors and the Reformation in England

• Mary, Queen of Scots

• The Spanish Armada

• Connected Learning Project: The Girona

• The Ulster Plantation

• Jacobites and Williamites (1688-1691)

Form 3

• The First World War

• Ireland (1886-1921)
GSCE

After English, Maths and the Sciences, History is the most popular GCSE subject studied by the pupils of the Academy with 64% of Fourth Formers studying History last year. Pupils follow the CCEA specification. In Form 4 the pupils study Germany (1918-1941) or the United States of America (1918-1941) and Great Britain, Northern Ireland and Ireland (c. 1965-1998). In Form 5 International Relations (1945-2003) unit is studied.
AS/ A Level

At AS level, pupils follow the CCEA specification. Pupils in Lower Sixth study AS 2 Option 5: Russia 1914–41 and AS 1 Option 5: Germany 1919–45.

At A2 level, pupils in Middle Sixth study A2 1 Option 4: The American Presidency 1901–2000 and A2 2 Option 4: Partition of Ireland 1900–25.

The study of History at Advanced Level is both enjoyable and challenging. A Level History students develop a range of key skills that will prove invaluable to them, both in their academic studies, and in their chosen careers. By working with source material, students develop their skills of analysis and evaluation. Sixth Form History students also develop their communication skills – both written and oral – as they present their ideas in essays and articulate them in class discussions. Students also have opportunities to enhance their research skills as they use the Library and the Internet to find out more about the people and events they are studying.

Facilities & Resources

The History Department is located at the top of the Crombie building in rooms of much character. Each room in the department has a touchscreen to enabled staff to use online and digital material to bring the past to life. Classes are also given the opportunity to use the ICT suite and are encouraged to use the School Library; both of these facilities are located in the Crombie building, convenient to the History Department.

Get in touch

Our office is open 8:15am - 4:15pm Monday to Friday.

info@bfsra.belfast.ni.sch.uk