History
(Senior Cycle)

At Leaving Certificate level, students study a number of topics in depth. There is significant emphasis on the development of research skills, drawing on a wide variety of sources of evidence (such as maps, public records, political cartoons, and memoirs). When writing, students are taught how to produce focused, logical arguments which are well supported by the evidence.

Students who enjoy History tend to be those who wish to discover more about the people who have shaped the world in which we live; students who have an acquiring mind and are interested in discovering how one event tends to follow on from one another; students who like a good story; and students who have strong English language skills.

What is History?

History aims to record and analyse events which happened in the past, with an emphasis on how and why events occurred. History deals with the development of culture, society and human experience and delves into the characters of people who made the world what it is today. The objective is to learn from past events and the people who were involved, using what we learn to make a success of our own lives.

How is History useful?

History develops important skills such as self-discipline, event and pattern analysis, and critical thinking which are all practical life-long skills. It is crucial when studying history to pay attention to the evidence presented, and to keep in mind factors such as bias and propaganda. Students are encouraged to consider the validity of different interpretations of evidence to develop balanced and grounded judgement.

Careers for which History is particularly useful include:
  • Law
  • Journalism
  • Publishing
  • Politics
  • Economics
  • Business
  • Human Resources

  • Dictatorship and Democracy, 1919 - ’45
  • USA and the World, 1945 - ‘92

  • The Pursuit of Sovereignty and the impact of Partition, 1912 - ’45
  • Northern Ireland, 1945 - ‘93
  • Research Study - submitted in April prior to the Leaving Certificate. Worth 20% of overall grade