History
Curriculum vision
History is a thriving subject in Parkhall Integrated College. In teaching our subject we hope to, not only stimulate our students, but to also equip them with the skills that will allow them to work in many areas of modern society.
Key stage 3
Our History curriculum is carefully sequenced to develop students’ historical skills and understanding over time, moving from local and medieval history to global developments and, finally, the modern world.
Year 8 lays the foundations for studying History. Students are introduced to the key skills historians use, including working with sources, understanding chronology, and exploring cause and consequence. Learning begins with an investigation of the local area, allowing students to connect the past to their own community through the study of local monuments such as the Round Tower. From this local focus, students move to a wider study of the Normans, first examining the Norman conquest and then developing a deeper understanding of the Normans in Ireland. This progression from local to national history helps students build confidence and context. The year also includes an educational visit to Carrickfergus Castle, reinforcing classroom learning through real‑world experience.
Year 9 builds on these foundational skills by broadening students’ understanding of change, continuity, and global connections. Students begin by exploring the movement of ideas and peoples through the study of the Reformation, the Tudors, and the Renaissance, including key developments such as the printing press and advances in science and medicine. They then progress to examining the growth of empires and increasing global interaction, studying topics such as the transatlantic slave trade, the colonisation of Ireland, and the American Revolution. The year concludes with a focus on the 19th century, where students explore industrialisation, famine and migration, and political reform, including the expansion of voting rights and the campaign for women’s suffrage. This sequence prepares students to understand the origins of the modern world.
Year 10 draws together the skills and knowledge developed in earlier years to study more complex and contemporary history. Students focus in depth on World War I and World War II, analysing causes, consequences, and the profound impact of conflict on individuals and societies. Building on their prior understanding of political change and empire, students also study modern Irish history, particularly events of the 20th century, and consider how these developments continue to shape society today.
Key stage 4
Students in years 11 and 12 follow the CCEA Syllabus for GCSE which includes Hitler’s Germany, Northern Ireland and its Neighbours, and the Cold War.
Key stage 5
In key stage 5, the department follows the CCEA syllabus.
In year 13 students study Germany 1919- 1945 and Russia 1914 – 1941. In year 14 students study the American Presidency 1901 – 2000 and the Partition of Ireland 1900 – 1925. A full breakdown of what is involved in each module is available here.
The department also offers Government & Politics. As with History, this follows the CCEA Syllabus.
In Year 13 students study the Government & Politics of Northern Ireland along with The British Political Process.In Year 14 students will study A Comparative Study of the Government and Politics of The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland along with a Study of Political Power. A full breakdown of what is involved in this course can be found here.
Extra-curricular
The History department run various trips and visits throughout the year. Trips are run to Carrickfergus Castle and to Dublin on an annual basis and our
Government & Politics students will travel to London to visit the Houses of Parliament and to Stormont to visit the Northern Ireland Assembly.
