History

Ethos of the History Department

As an Integrated School, our ethos is to create an atmosphere of tolerance, respect and understanding. We are educating Protestants and Catholics together, many of whom have deep rooted beliefs in their own traditions. It is these traditions that have found conflict with each other. It is very important that as teachers we are prepared and able to face this reality, while still promoting the ethos of the school.

Within the Department, we as teachers must be aware of a number of issues that might arise in the classroom.

We must be mindful of the language we choose to use. When discussing events, teachers must avoid using words like: ‘us’, ‘them’, ‘our’ or ‘your’ in relation to groups. Teachers are facilitors of learning; they must remain neutral when teaching topics like Irish History.

Sometimes one person’s fact is another person’s fiction. Within the classroom teachers must be prepared to teach pupils how evidence from the past can be interrupted differently depending on who reads it or who has written it.

It is our hope that the study of history will inspire young people to be ‘history makers’. We hope they don’t just learn about history but go and make their own history. That negative events should not be repeated but positive events are made.

All members of the department will strive to meet the needs of each learner. They will endeavour to bring history to life, making it relevant to the children who are in front of them. Teachers will remain balanced at all times, providing the highest quality of teaching to all students. It is hoped that the enthusiasm of the teachers, will inspire and encourage pupils to become great historians.