History

History involves the study of people who lived in the past – ordinary people as well as famous people. In History, you will learn about the sources of evidence on which we base our understanding of their lives. You will find out about important changes that, over time, have helped to shape the world in which you live.

What will I learn in History?

Some of the things you will learn include:

• How people have lived during different periods

• How we find out about the past

• How important changes took place during different periods, what caused the  changes and how people were affected by the changes

• A broad understanding of local, Irish and international history.

Is learning History anything like what I did in primary school?

In SESE: History, in primary school, you developed your knowledge and understanding of people, events and developments in the past. Junior Cycle History continues to build on these areas.

Will History have anything to do with other subjects I will be studying?

Yes, it will. History will give you a very useful historical background for many other subjects e.g. English, CSPE, Science, and Art, Craft, Design. Geography also looks at people’s places of settlement and how people’s lives are shaped by the places in which they live. History, like English, is a good subject for developing your communication skills.

How will History be useful to me?

It will help you to better understand the world in which you live. You will gain experience of working with evidence and learn to tell the difference between fact and opinion. History is a very practical subject because it involves learning about people, countries, societies and cultures. History can help you in many different careers, especially those linked with heritage, tourism, research and the environment.