History
Staff
Mr Sam Wolfenden
Mrs Stephanie Sterrett
Mr Caelan Moreland
Mr Matthew Lennon
Subject Overview
The History curriculum is designed to allow students to engage with past in a way that sheds light on current affairs at home and abroad. At Bangor Grammar School, students study a broad mixture of British, Irish, European and world history. There is a strong focus on the development of critical thinking and communication skills.
Accommodation
This History department has three wel- equipped classrooms: U7, U8 and U9. There is also a History Resource Room which, as well as housing an extensive departmental library, also provides a space for A Level historians to engage in private study.
Achievements
The History Department is one of the finest in Northern Ireland. At GCSE and A Level, we exceed the benchmarks for Northern Irish Grammar schools. Every year, over 20% of our students achieve A* grades at A Level. We have also seen a large number of our students go on to study History at UK at the most prestigious institutions in the United Kingdom, including Cambridge, St Andrew’, Durham and Warwick.
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3, students are given the opportunity to explore British, Irish and global history. In Year 8, boys begin with a study of the Roman Empire, followed by a depth study of the Norman Conquest of England. In Year 9, the focus moves to Early Modern European history. Students explore the impact of the Renaissance and Reformation in Europe. They also study the reigns of Tudor and Stuart monarchs in England. In Year 10 the focus is on the twentieth century. Students engage in a detailed study of the First World War followed by a study of the Northern Irish ‘Troubles’.
Key Stage 4
GCSE History allows students to learn about some of the most exciting, and at times tragic, events of the twentieth century. In Year 11, students engage in a detailed study of Nazi Germany. This is followed by a synoptic survey of the Cold War, allowing students to learn about the spread of Communism in Europe and conflicts in Korea and Vietnam. In Year 12, pupils complete a Controlled Assessment task on the use of the Atomic Bomb against Japan in 1945. This is followed by a study of the conflict in Northern Ireland and its resolution in the 20th century.
Key Stage 5
AS and A2 Level History allow students to develop further their skills in analysis and source evaluation. At AS Levels students take two papers, one on the history of Liberal and Fascist Italy, another on the history of England under the Early Stuart monarchs. At A2 Level, we build on our students’ understanding of 17th century history. Students engage in a synoptic study of the relationship between Crown and Parliament in 17th century England. They also undertake a depth study of the reign James II and the Glorious Revolution in England and Ireland.
Career Opportunities
The study of History provides vital creative skills essential for the ever a wide range of Careers. It is recognised by Britain’s leading universities as a ‘facilitator subject’ as it is deemed to provide students with the skills necessary for success in the most demanding and competitive disciplines. These skills include written and spoken communication skills, the ability to critically evaluate sources and the ability to read and understand complex texts. The skills developed in A Level History are particularly useful for students who wish to pursue careers in Law, Journalism, Humanities or the Civil/Diplomatic service.