Staff
Mrs L Johnston (Leader of Learning)
Mrs N Kelly
Mrs A Wilson
Mr B Savage
Mrs F Leckey
All pupils at the Belfast Model School for Girls study History at Key Stage 3. In Year 8 students study an introductory unit called ‘What is History?’ In this unit they are introduced to the work of the historian and they are given the opportunity to develop their Historical skills interrogating evidence and using it to reach conclusions. The main focus of their study in Year 8 is the Norman Conquest, its causes, effects and consequences. They also investigate the Normans in Ireland as their local study.
In Year 9 students study the Reformation, the reigns of the Tudor and Stuart kings and queens, the Spanish Armada, and the Gunpowder Plot. The Plantation of Ulster and the Williamite Wars are the local study focus for this year group.
In Year 10, students continue to develop their skills of historical enquiry focusing on World War I. The Battle of the Somme is taught as a case study because of its local importance. Other topics include the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Life in Ireland during the 19th Century Ireland.
At Key Stage 4 students study CCEA GCSE History. This course consists of two units:
- Unit 1 – Study in Depth (Year 11)
Section A: Life in Nazi Germany 1933 – 1945
Section B: Changing Relations, Northern Ireland and its Neighbours 1920 – 1949
- Unit 2 – Outline Study (Year 12)
International Relations 1945 – 2003
At Key Stage 5 students study CCEA GCE History. This course consists of 4 units:
- AS History – (Year 13)
Germany 1919-1945
Russia 1914-1941
- A2 History – (Year 14)
The American Presidency 1901–2000
The Partition of Ireland 1900-1925
The curriculum is supported by field trips and educational visits. Through these students are able to develop their understanding of History beyond the classroom. Seeing sites and objects first hand allows them to truly think about the past and understand the reality of the situations they have studied. Recent trips have included visits to the WWI battlefields and Dublin. Key Stage 3 Students have also had the opportunity to participate in educational outreach visits where Living History characters dressed in authentic costumes with weapons and artefacts bring the past to life.
Literacy Statement – History Department
In the History Department we believe that Literacy is an integral part of teaching and learning. We are committed to providing students with opportunities to develop their literacy skills in all three key areas:
- Reading
- Writing
- Spoken Language (Oracy)
It is our aim to nurture students who can read, write and speak with confidence not just in History but across the curriculum. We believe that confident literacy skills enable students to become effective communicators so that they are able to express their knowledge and understanding with depth, clarity and efficiency.
The History Department has a focus on teaching literacy skills across all key stages of the curriculum. Pupils are taught and encouraged to use specialist, subject specific vocabulary in their written and oral work and their literacy is assessed in a range of pieces across the academic year. In lessons students are given feedback and guidance to enable them to develop their literacy skills.
