HISTORY

A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD IN WHICH WE LIVE

All stories begin with “Once upon a time” ...
Behind every “Once upon a time” there is always another. Have you ever tried standing between two mirrors? You should. You will see a great long line of shiny mirrors, each one smaller than the one before, stretching away into the distance, getting fainter and fainter, so that you never see the last. But even when you can’t see them anymore, the mirrors still go on. They are there, and you know it.
E.H Gombrich “A Little History of the World” (1936)

History at ETSS Wicklow is more than facts and dates. It is about our students relationship with the past and their place in their future.

To view the “bigger picture” of the past, students are encouraged to approach history as a court case. Facts, evidence, opinions, bias, and points of view come together through analysis of source material, academic writings, student led research and debate to critically evaluate and make sound judgements on past events.

We locate the past in the present through a multi-media approach to teaching and learning that is enhanced by technology. As a school which uses iPads, students can communicate their ideas and their learning through active use of 21st century skills. We are perfectly equipped to allow students to explore the past through virtual reality, through skype meetings with experts and through access to online databases.

We also encourage a hands-on approach to history through active learning methodologies such as students as teacher presentations.

Study is supported via Teams, personalised revision booklets and cherry-picked content from an array of Junior Cycle textbooks.

Formative assessment is used throughout the Junior Cycle. Formal examinations follow NCSE assessment guidelines -

  • Classroom Based Assessment 1: The Past in my Place (2nd Year)
  • Classroom Based Assessment 2: A Life in Time (3rd Year)
  • Assessment Task: Built around 'Classroom Based Assessment 2' (3rd Year)
  • State Examination: Formal written examination at the end of 3rd Year