Department Introduction
“Studying the past, understanding the present and looking to the future.”

In the History Department we strive to make the subject enjoyable, relevant and challenging.  We work to ensure that our students not only wish to succeed but believe that they can succeed. We also aim to equip our students with the skills necessary for life long learning and future employment

Key Stage 3 History Programme of Study

Year 8 History Course

• An introduction to What is History?
• A brief History of St. Malachy’s College from 1833.
• A brief History of Belfast.
• The Norman Impact in Britain and Ireland 1066-1450.

Year 9 History Course

• The History of Ireland, Britain and Europe c.1500 – c.1850

 Year 10 History Course

• The History of Ireland from c1850 to Ireland after partition in 1921
• Study of the Modern World in the C20th

Students will go on Educational Visits in Years 8 and 10 to enhance their learning

GCSE History Programme of Study:

Students will study 3 courses:

• The USA 1918-1941.
• Northern Ireland 1965-1985.
• The Cold War 1945-1991

In Paper 1 of the GCSE students will be examined on the first two courses. (50%)

In Paper 2 of the GCSE students will be examined on the last course. (25%)

Students will also complete an investigative study on a topic related to one of the 3 Courses studied.  Students will research sources on the topic to complete an assignment made up of two questions. The written work will be completed under class supervision. (25%)

Information on AS/ A Level Teaching
Please provide a short insight into the teaching at AS/ A Level Level. The idea would be to give parents of current of prospective students an insight into each department as well as the College as a whole. For example Modern Languages may wish to provide details on the topics covered by each language.

A Level History Programme of Study:
In Year 13 (AS History) students will study 2 courses: 

• Germany and the Nazis 1918-1943. (25%)
• Italy and Fascism 1914-1943.  (25%)

 In Year 14 (A2 History) students will study 2 courses:

• The Partition of Ireland 1900-1925. (30%)
• The Clash of Ideologies in Europe 1900-2000.  (20%)

Students will complete one exam paper for each course.

Any other information

All students in the College study History at Key Stage 3(Years 8-10).

After this studying History becomes optional but the subject continues to be a very popular choice at both GCSE and A Level