History
Staff
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Mrs B McMaw MEd BA PGCE (Head of Department)
Miss F McKinley MEd BA PGCE PQH
Mr R Gorman MEd BA PGCE
Mrs Wills BA PGCE
Why Study History
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At Carrickfergus Grammar we believe that a deep understanding of History is the right of every student. Our curriculum is built on the principle of academic rigour, ensuring that students do not just learn about the past but engage with the complex narratives that have shaped our modern world.
We believe that a knowledge-rich History curriculum must be a global one. To understand the modern world, students must look beyond their own immediate experiences and national borders. Our curriculum is deliberately designed to provide chronological breadth and geographical diversity, acting as a window into the lives of others.
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Deep Historical knowledge helps develop a range of disciplinary skills such as; looking beyond the headlines and appreciating inference, challenging arguments and viewpoints, thinking independently, supporting arguments with evidence and writing in a clear and organised way.
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At the heart of our department is a team of dedicated expert subject-specialists. We believe that exceptional teaching is rooted in deep subject knowledge and a genuine love for the discipline.​​
Key Stage 3
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Our Key Stage 3 curriculum is built upon a rigorous chronological framework with each unit driven by an overarching Enquiry Question that encourages analysis and historical debate.
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In Year 8 we lay the groundwork by examining the foundational themes of Empire and Conquest, asking how power is won and lost.
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In Year 9 we study Religious Change and the spirit of Revolution and Protest which challenged the absolute authority of the Monarchy.
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Finally, in Year 10 we move to the modern era through sophisticated depth studies including the Partition of Ireland, Minorities, Diversity and Cultural Change in America, and the Significance of WWII.
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Our Unit Enquiries are best explained in the KS3 Curriculum Roadmaps below:
Key Stage 4 GCSE History
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We currently follow the CCEA History Specification for GCSE.
In Year 11 we study Unit 1 and pupils sit an exam worth 60% of their GCSE at the end of Year 11. This is comprised of Life in Nazi Germany (1933-1945) and Northern Ireland (1965-1998).
In Year 12 pupils study International Relations 1945-2003, including the development of the Cold War which is assessed in another exam at the end of Year 12 (worth 40% of GCSE).
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We recognize the volume of content at GCSE and are committed to supporting our GCSE students with a comprehensive suite of bespoke Knowledge Organisers, Retrieval Practice during every lesson to strengthen long-term memory, systematic Self-Quizzing and frequent application of past paper Exam Questions.
Key Stage 5 A Level History
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A Level History moves towards higher-level scholarship, historiography and synoptic analysis. We follow the CCEA Specification which offers a balance of depth and breadth studies across European and Irish contexts.
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AS 1
Germany 1918–1945
1h 30m Exam (Sources and Interpretations)
20%
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AS 2
Russia 1914–1941
1h 30m Exam (Thematic Essays)
20%
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A2 1
Clash of Ideologies 1900–2000
1h 15m Exam (Synoptic/Long-term Change)
20%
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A2 2
Partition of Ireland 1900–1925
2h 30m Exam (Sources and Interpretations)
40%
Careers: Where can History take you?
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History is highly regarded by Russell Group universities and top-tier employers for the analytical toolkit it provides. By mastering the ability to interrogate evidence, synthesize complex data and construct persuasive, evidence-based arguments, our students are exceptionally well-prepared for careers in Law, the Civil Service, and International Diplomacy. Furthermore, the critical thinking and communication skills makes History students highly sought after in Management Consultancy, Finance, Journalism and the Heritage sector, proving that the study of the past is an essential foundation for the leaders of the future.