History Department Trips

The early part of the summer term is traditionally a busy period for the pupils and staff of the history department with the annual trips to the Somme Centre and Carrickfergus Castle. Third form pupils study various aspects of the Great War in history and are fortunate to have such a fine heritage centre in close proximity to the school. The centre offers continually updated displays supported by humorous and informative guidance. Staff working at the museum report that girls are every bit as enthusiastic as boys when it comes down to the drama and intrigue of war. Carrickfergus Castle appears to be constantly flanked by scaffolding as the great care and attention given to restoration and maintenance is ongoing. It remains a tremendous venue to give the first form pupils an insight into medieval life as they are told about the origins and in particular the role of John de Courcy.

We are also fortunate to be within walking distance of the Stormont and our GCSE students in fourth form are treated to a day with the education staff in the impressive Northern Ireland Assembly buildings.
 
When relevant we have taken pupils to the local Strand cinema and we hope to repeat the initiative on an annual basis with films that link to topics valid for the various year groups.

GCSE Trip to Berlin

In June 2010 thirty 4th formers, accompanied by Mrs Hoare, Miss Murphy, Mr Bradley and Mrs Wyeth set off on a joint History/German trip to Berlin. The beautiful weather was a huge bonus and added to everyone’s enjoyment. The group visited several historical sites, such as Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Cecilienhof (where the Allies met after WW2), the Wannsee villa, (where the Final Solution was discussed), the Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Museum, the Story of Berlin Museum and the Nuclear Bunker and the Olympic stadium. These were all of great value for those studying GCSE History and the city of Berlin has a fantastic historical aura. There was also opportunity to see other tourist sites of Berlin and of course go shopping. It was good to have the German linguists with us to assist with the language. The trip was repeated in 2011 and is now established as a meaningful and supportive experience for our GCSE students able to go with contextual value for both of the examination papers they are entered for.