History teaching staff
- Mrs J O’Neill (Head of Social Studies)
- Mrs McCartney
- Mr J Sharpe
What is History?
Studying history is important because it allows us to understand our past, which in turn allows us to understand our present. History helps us learn about world events and the study of past can help us become good citizens. History helps us understand continuity (what has stayed the same) and change which enables us to judge wisely. Throughout the different topics covered we begin to understand the world around us. History tells us who we are.
US President Abraham Lincoln famously said “We shall have as weak and as strong, as silly and as wise, as bad and as good. Let us therefore study the incidents – to learn wisdom from and none of them as wrongs to be avenged.” Here he is saying let the study of past events educate others and help make them smart good people. British Prime minister Winston Churchill said, “Those that fail to learn from history, are doomed to repeat it.” Again, he is telling us to study the past to make a better future.
Famous faces who studied History…
-Jonathan Ross Tv Presenter studied European History at University.
– Prince Charles, the first British heir completed a degree in History at the University of Cambridge.
-Anita Roddick, the Founder of Body Shop also completed a degree in History.
– Chris Hughes (co-founder of Facebook) majored in History.
This list of names is only a small number of many famous individuals who studied History. This is evidence that studying History can enable you to choose many different careers.
Key Stage 3
All pupils will study History in Year 8-10. History helps to develop skills such as teamwork, creative thinking, independent research, problem solving and decision making.
| Year 8 | Year 9 | Year 10 |
| · Medieval History: | · Conflict & Religion: | · 20th Century Studies: |
| · What is History? (Skills) | · The Reformation | · Titanic: 20th Century Social Change |
| · Battle of Hastings | · The Tudors | · World War 1 |
| · Castles | · The Stuarts | · USA 1920s |
| · Medieval Life | · Ireland in the 17th Century | · Ireland 1900-1921 |
| · Normans in Ireland | · The Irish Famine | · 20th Century Overview |
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GCSE History
Why should I study History at Glengormley High School?
History is not only enjoyable, but you will cover a wide range of topics and content. GCSE History will give you the skills to analyse sources, look for meaning in content and put together facts from the past.
Should I study History – YES!
If you enjoy looking for hidden meaning and solving issues – History is for you!
If you like looking back at the past and examining pictures, artefacts and film – History is for you!
If you want a subject that Universities seek as evidence of good literacy skills – History is for you!
At Glengormley High School we teach the CCEA specification of GCSE History. Students cover three modules and complete two examinations.
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From the options above we cover:
Unit 1: Section A: Life in Nazi Germany 1933-1945 – Covering Hitler in Power and WW2 in Germany.
Section B: NI and its neighbours 1965-1998 – Covering the ‘Troubles’ and up to the Good Friday Agreement.
Unit 2: International Relations 1945-2003 – Covering the History of during and after the Cold War.
GCE History (A-Level History)
If you achieve a Grade C or above in GCSE History and GCSE English, you will be offered History as an option at A-Level. Throughout this two-year course you will complete 4 modules of work taught by Mrs O’Neill and Mr Sharpe.
We also follow the CCEA specification at GCE level.
The options selected in the History department are:
AS1: Germany 1919-1945
AS2: Russia 1914-1941
A21: Ireland under the Union
A22: Partition of Ireland 1900-1925
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Careers and opportunity after studying History:
“There is a history in all men’s lives.” (William Shakespeare)
History can open a wide range of opportunities for further and higher education and interesting and rewarding careers. Through following this course, you will have the opportunity to develop skills that are transferable and are highly sought after by employers. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills and increase your self-confidence through research, having a questioning approach to evidence, arguing a case, reaching balanced conclusions based on the evidence and writing in a clear and coherent way.
Many history students go on to have interesting and challenging careers, for example in the media, politics, teaching, business, finance or civil service. An interest in history may even direct you to a more specialist career as an archaeologist, archivist historical researcher, solicitor, barrister, museum curator or genealogist.
Careers include: –
| · Law | · Journalism | · Curator | |
| · Police | · Researcher | · Genealogist | |
| · Archaeologist | · Teacher | · Politics | |
| · Media | · Civil Service | · Archaeologist |