'Study the past if you would define the future.' — Confucius

 

The History curriculum at Sullivan Upper is designed to ensure students acquire a knowledge of Irish, British, European, and world events across the modern era.  Through a skills-based and enquiry led learning environment, students explore these events and come to understand how they are inter-connected and shape our world today.  By studying these issues pupils develop an ability to respectfully debate differing points of view and use evidence to support judgements and challenge stereotypes.

 

History and Politics also provides opportunities for our students to acquire and develop skills and qualities which will equip them far beyond their time at Sullivan.  These include the ability to work both inter and intra-dependently, communicate effectively both orally and written, and to think critically to problem solve.

 

As a department, we have four key aims:

 

1. The development of intellectual skills

2. The development of historical concepts

3. The development of social skills

4. The development of attitudes

 

Curriculum

 

History is taught as a compulsory subject to all in Year 8-10.  It is offered as both a GCSE and A Level.  

 

Key Stage 3

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Year 8: Foundations of History Students begin their historical journey at Sullivan by exploring concepts such as chronology, source analysis, causation, and consequence. These foundational skills underpin they key question in Year 8: How has the medieval world shaped our lives? Through this inquiry, students delve into key themes including Medieval Monarchs, life in a Medieval Town, Voyages of Encounter, and the origins and impact of the Slave Trade.

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Year 9: The Individual In Year 9, students tackle the question: Can one person shape history? Through case studies of figures including Robert Sullivan, Alexander the Great, Martin Luther, Elizabeth I, Gavrilo Princip, Wolfe Tone, and Emmeline Pankhurst, they investigate how individual actions can alter the course of history. This year also develops independent thinking, as students undertake a personal research project on a historical figure they believe has made a significant impact.

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Year 10: Conflict and Change in the 20th Century Building on prior skills, Year 10 students undertake a study focussed on The Key Flashpoints of the 20th Century. Topics include the Russian Revolution, the dawn of the Atomic Age, the US Civil Rights Movement, the Holocaust, The Troubles, and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Students are encouraged to think critically and conduct independent research, culminating in an investigation on Who shot JFK?

 

Key Stage 4

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At GCSE, students will follow the CCEA specification.

 

Paper One – worth 60%

• Section A – Life in Nazi Germany 1933-1945

• Section B – Changing Relationships: Northern Ireland and its Neighbours 1963-1998

 

Paper Two – worth 40%

• International Relations 1945-2003

 

Further information on these can be found on the CCEA website: https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/gcse/subjects/gcse-history-2017

 

Key Stage 5

 

At AS and A2, students follow the CCEA specification.

 

• AS 1 - worth 50% of AS, 20% of A-Level Germany 1919-45

• AS 2 – worth 50% of AS, 20% of A-Level Russia 1914-41

• A2 1 – worth 20% of A-Level The American Presidency 1900-2000

• A2 2 – worth 40% of A-Level Partition of Ireland 1900-25

 

Further information on these can be found on the CCEA website: https://ccea.org.uk/post-16/gce/subjects/gce-history-2019

 

Government and Politics is also offered at AS and A2 Level, again following the CCEA specification.

 

• AS 1 - worth 40% of AS, 16% of A-Level    The Government and Politics of Northern Ireland

• AS 2 – worth 60% of AS, 24% of A-Level    The British Political Process

• A2 1 – worth 35% of A-Level    Comparative Study of the Government and Politics of the United States of America and the United Kingdom

• A2 2 – worth 25% of A-Level    Political Power

 

Further information on these can be found on the CCEA website: https://ccea.org.uk/post-16/gce/subjects/gce-government-and-politics-2016

 

Outside the classroom

Beyond the classroom, students enjoy a programme of activities that deepen their historical understanding and spark curiosity. They take part in visits to sites of historical significance both locally and internationally, including Holywood, Stormont, Dublin, and Berlin. Students also attend lectures and conferences in both historical and political fields, with opportunities at Queen’s University, PRONI, and through online platforms. The school’s thriving Politics Society regularly host guest speakers, providing hands-on learning experiences and direct engagement with experts. These opportunities help students connect classroom learning to the wider world, developing both knowledge and confidence.

 

Careers

Students who study History at Sullivan go on to a range of fields of study and employment, including the arts and humanities, law, engineering, the medical professions, diplomatic services, and finance.