History in the CBS
History is a core subject in the CBS. For Junior Cert, History is taught in three class periods per week. See below for content taught in each year of junior Cert.
See attached presentation as to why we should study History. Also attached is a copy of the 2011 Junior Cert History Exam Paper.
Every year we award our students for their academic excellence in various Junior Cert subjects.
Subject Aims:
a) Develop the skills of History – to develop a range of research skills essential for study of History. To realise there are different interpretations of different historical issues. To develop an appreciation of the nature and variety of historical evidence.
b) Knowledge and understanding – to develop knowledge and understanding of human activity in the past. To realise the past is different, they did things differently. To learn Irish, European and World History.
c) Preparation for life and citizenship – to develop the ability to think critically, to develop positive values associated with the study of History. To develop in students an appreciation of the society in which they live and of other societies, past and present.
Subject Objectives:
Students should acquire knowledge and understanding of:
– Elements of each topic
– Actions and experience of previous generations
– How elements of Irish society fit into a broader context
– Human activity in the past
– Ability to apply a) procedural, b) interpretative and c) substantive concepts
a) Source and evidence, fact and opinion, bias
b) Change and continuity, cause and consequence, comparison and contrast
c) Power and authority, conflict and reconciliation, democracy and human rights, culture and civilisation, economy and society, identity and community, space and time.
Content to be covered in each Year of History Programme:
Year 1: * Finding out about the past – Historians, sources, Archaeology. * Ancient Ireland – Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age/Celts. * Ancient Rome – Life of a servant, slave, craftsperson, soldier and child. * Middle Ages – Castle, Church and City i.e. knights, monks, serfs, craftsperson. * Renaissance – Painter (Leonardo), Sculptor (Michelangelo), Architect (Brunelleschi), Outside of Italy (Durer).
Possible Field Trips – Heritage Park, Kilkenny Castle (Summer Term)
Year 2: * Exploration – Emphasis on Columbus but also mention Magellan and Conquistadors. * Reformation – Emphasis on Luther, but also mention Calvin and Counter Reformation. * Plantation – Special study of Ulster Plantation with Laois/Offaly and Munster also mentioned. * Revolutions – Wolfe Tone and Washington done in detail. Robespierre also mentioned. * From Farm to Factory – Transport, Agricultural and Industrial Revolution
Possible Field Trips – 1798 Interpretive Centre, Dunbrody Famine Ship, Wicklow Gaol, Johnstown Agricultural Museum. All after March when they re-open for the season.
Year 3: * Political Developments in Ireland 1900-1922. * New State, 1922-1985 * Northern Ireland, 1920-1985 * 1st Year Revision Test – week beginning 19th October. * Social Change in 20th Century Ireland: Rural and Urban life, Rural and Urban work, Transport and Communication. * 2nd Year Revision Test – week beginning 7th December. * International Relations in 2oth Century * African/Asian Nationalism
