Mr C Tapscott (Head Of Department)
Mrs J Coen
Mr F Lappin
Miss C Patterson
History (subjects: History, Government & Politics)
- Acquire knowledge and understanding of the past;
- Investigate historical events, people, changes and issues
- Develop understanding of how the past has been represented and interpreted;
- Use historical and political sources critically and in context;
- Draw conclusions and be able to reinterpret these in the light of new information
- Understand the development of the contemporary world
- Build up a historical vocabulary
- Improve standards of literacy, oral communication and numeracy
- Have an understanding of the development of modern political societies
- Develop their own political opinions and be able to argue for them.
GCSE History
Examination Board: CCEA
What is GCSE History about?
GCSE History covers a number of topics; from Hitler’s Germany to the Troubles in NI and Superpower relations from World War Two until the end of the Cold War. A range of skills are developed including the ability to communicate in both oral and written form, to work with others, to listen to and accept differing views, to extract information from a range of source materials and to reason and present organised and supported arguments.
| Content | Assessment | Weighting |
| Unit 1 Modern world studies in depth: Life in Nazi Germany 1933-1945 Local study: Changing Relations: NI 1965 – 1998 | External Examination 1 hour 45 minutes | 60% |
| Unit 2 Outline Study: International Relations 1945 – 2003 International Relations 1945-2003 | External Examination 1 hour 15 mins | 40% |
What can this subject lead to?
History is highly regarded by universities and employers alike. It develops skills of critical thinking, reasoning and debate which are sought after and valued in the workplace. History provides many career options including accountancy, law, the media, teaching, sport and business.
History
Examination Board: CCEA
What is A Level History about?
Our study focuses on sixteenth century and twentieth century history. We study the lives of the Kings and Queens of England and Spain as well as the ever-changing face of the American presidency. Students will develop the ability to analyse and evaluate from a range of sources and use a range of methods of communication. They will develop critical thinking skills, the ability to work with others and work independently.
What will I study and how will I be assessed?
| Content | Assessment | Weighting |
| Unit AS 1 Historical Investigations and Interpretations: England 1509 -1558 | External Examination | 50% of AS 20% of A Level |
| Unit AS 2 Historical Conflict and Change: Russia 1914- | External Examination | 50% of AS 20% of A Level |
| Unit A2 1 Change Over Time: The American Presidency 1901 – 2000 | External Assessment | 20% of A Level |
| Unit A2 2 Historical Investigations and Interpretations: England 1558-1603 | External Assessment | 40% of A Level |
Are there any particular qualities or skills I should have to study this course and to what kind of careers can it lead?
Students will use a number of skills in this subject and these include gathering information, expressing opinions in both oral and written forms and understanding and interpreting source materials.
A range of communication skills alongside critical thinking skills opens doors to a wide range of careers. Some of the main career pathways for students of History include law; management and consultancy; publishing and public relations; marketing and advertising; business and finance; accountancy; investigative journalism; politics and political research; media, broadcasting and communications and, of course, teaching and lecturing.
Government and Politics
Examination Board: CCEA
What is A Level Government and Politics about?
If you are fascinated by the way decisions are made, who made them and the thinking behind them, then this subject is for you. It is the study of political systems in Northern Ireland, UK and USA. It also involves the study of Political Power in chosen countries around the world.
AS and A2 Government and Politics develop essential knowledge and understanding of politics. This course concentrates on developing skills of debate, backed up by knowledge. Students look at the motivation behind actions and research differing opinions to argue their case. Much of the work will be carried out through group discussion which can be reported orally, in written form or through class presentations.
What will I study and how will I be assessed?
| Content | Assessment | Weighting |
| Unit AS 1 The Government and Politics of Northern Ireland | External Examination | 40% of AS 16% of A Level |
| Unit AS 2 The British Political Process | External Examination | 60% of AS 24% of A Level |
| Unit A2 1 A comparative study of the Government and Politics of the USA and the UK | External Assessment | 35% of A Level |
| Unit A2 2 Political Power | External Assessment | 25% of A Level |
Are there any particular qualities or skills I should have to study this course and to what kind of careers can it lead?
The analytical and investigative skills developed in this course can contribute to a wide range of careers. Some of the main career pathways for students of Politics include law, management and consultancy, publishing and public relations, marketing and advertising, business and finance, accountancy, investigative journalism, politics and political research, media, broadcasting and communications and, of course, teaching and lecturing.
Although the study of History is not job specific, its students have the skills that enable them to pursue a multiplicity of careers demanding a wide range of talents, and they do so extremely successfully in an open and competitive jobs market.
The study of History provides students with a wide range of transferable skills, which are important in many career fields. Understanding and analysis of issues and events are of key importance to historians and can be applied in many other fields of work. Other skill areas developed in studying history include:
- Understanding of and experience in research methodology;
- Statistical compilation and analysis;
- Information management;
- Critical thinking and analytical skills;
- Verbal and written literacy;
We attempt to show our students the jobs that can be linked to History by considering some high profile cases but more importantly with examples of the careers our own past pupils have moved into.
