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In Year 8 pupils study History for 3 lessons per week. They begin with a study of the history of the St. Louis Order and the school. Most of the year is taken up with a study of the Normans, including the famous Battle of Hastings and the Normans coming to Ireland. We usually finish the year with a visit to our local Norman castle at Greencastle. An annual joint project with the Art Department on aspects of Norman life provides further opportunities for ICT work and model making. This forms the basis for our annual Art/History Competition.
In Year 9 pupils study History for 3 lessons per week. The theme for this year’s work is Rivalry and Conflict with topics including the Reformation, Henry VIII and the Williamite Wars. Topics such as Mary Queen of Scots, the Spanish Armada and the Plantation of Ireland provide opportunities for role play, news broadcasts, wall displays and ICT work. The year finishes with a study of frontier life in America in the early 18th Century.
In Year 10 pupils study History for 2 lessons per week. Their course focuses on Irish History (from 1800-1921) with a pause to study the First World War. A study of the Famine (1845-1850) gives an opportunity to use computer/video conferencing with a partner school in the South of Ireland in the annually organised Dissolving Boundaries Project. Over Key Stage 3 pupils have developed skills of analysis and research to allow interpretation, extended writing, empathy, oral communication and ICT competence which they find invaluable in their GCSE and ‘A’ Level studies in History and other subjects.
Pupils in years 8, 9 and 10 are given at least one History homework per week. This could include reading, research, short questions, extended writing or learning etc.
At the end of each unit pupils are assessed on their understanding of the content in a class test. Pupils are also given the opportunity to self-assess their performance during the unit.
Formal school examinations take place in December and June. At this stage History examinations usually last one hour.