History
(Junior Cycle)

Junior Certificate history is a wide ranging course, aiming to provide students with an overall view of the most significant developments in human history from the development of farming by Neolithic man, through the Romans, the Renaissance, Revolutions, the Second World War, to the development of the European Union.

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 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

Roman History Projects

Student Time Capsules

First year students in 1D have made time capsules for history. Including newspaper articles, artefacts from their lives and a letter to themselves for 6yrs time. The capsules will be kept unopened until 2020.

Student Presentations

The Renaissance (1st Yr)

The Industrial Revolution (2nd Yr)
  • The work of a historian and archaeologist
  • Ancient Ireland - the Neolithic, Bronze Age, the Celts and Early Christian Ireland
  • Life in Ancient Rome
  • Medieval Life - the feudal system, medieval castles and towns, the Christian Church in the Middle Ages
  • The Renaissance - painting, sculpture, architecture, printing, new ideas in literature, music and science
  • Explorations - Portugese explorers, Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellen, how exploration changed the world
  • The Reformation - Martin Luther, John Calvin, the Reformation in England, the Counter-Reformation
  • The Plantations - life in 1500’s Ireland, the Munster and Ulster Plantations, the Cromwellian Plantation, how the plantations changed Ireland
  • The Age of Revolutions - the American and French Revolutions, the 1798 Rebellion
  • The Industrial Revolution - the revolutions in agriculture, industry and transport, life during the industrial revolution
  • War and Peace in Europe - consequences of World War 1, Italy under fascism, Germany under Hitler, the road to war, World War 2
  • The Cold War
  • Developments in Ireland, 1900-’21 - the Home Rule Crisis, the 1916 Rising, the War of Independence, The Treaty, the Civil War
  • Independent Ireland - the Cumann na nGaedheal and Fianna Fail governments, Ireland during the Second World War
  • Northern Ireland 1920-2000
  • Social History of Ireland - how did rural and urban life change during the 20th century, the changing roles of women in the 20th century, changes in transport, communication, work and leisure