BELFAST HIGH SCHOOL
HISTORY & POLITICS
The History and Politics department at Belfast High School is committed to inspiring a deep curiosity and understanding of the past in our students.
We believe that studying History is essential to helping young people make sense of the world around them – locally, nationally and globally.
Head of Department
Mr J Wishart BA PGCE
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Teaching Staff
Miss N Hughes BA PGCE
Mr M Lowry BA MEd PGCE
Mr M McCann LLB PGCE
Miss A McNeill BA PGCE MA
Mrs R Whitten BA PGCE
CURRICULUM
Key Stage 3
Pupils study a range of topics in KS3 History taking them on a journey from medieval times to the present day. Topics include, the Norman conquest of Britain and Ireland, Medieval Life, Plantation and conquest in Ireland and Empires, slavery and Civil Rights, the Suffragettes, the First World War, the rise of the Nazis and the partition of Ireland. History skills such as source work and written analysis are taught throughout our course.
GCSE
At GCSE, pupils follow the CCEA History specification. Pupils study Life in the United States in the Roaring 20’s including the ‘Jazz age’, economic boom, prohibition, Wall Street Crash and the Great Depression. Additionally, pupils study Northern Ireland from 1965 through the Troubles to the Good Friday Agreement. Pupils investigate international relations from the start of the Cold War in 1945 to the 911 attacks and subsequent War on Terror. Pupils develop their range of specialist skills in source work and analysis. ​
A Level
At A Level, pupils follow the CCEA History specification. At AS Level pupils cover Weimar and Nazi Germany and Russia from 1914-41. At A2, pupils study the Partition of Ireland and the 20th Century US presidency. We also offer the Government and Politics A Level. This looks at the political system in Northern Ireland and United Kingdom and comparative politics focused on the United States and Britain alongside looking at the Political power topic.
Co-curricular Activities
Pupils can take part in the Junior History club, Debating Society and in senior school they can take part in the Bar Mock trials. There is a wide range of History and Politics related trips on offer, including to the Northern Ireland Assembly, UK Parliament in London and destinations such as Berlin and Krakow in Poland.