History Department

Welcome to the History Department @StMarysGSM, Magherafelt

[History Department @HistorySMG]

A brilliant day of specialist A Level lectures for our Year 14 historians. Dr Russell Rees delivered an in‑depth session on the Partition of Ireland, while Mr Stewart Bredin led an engaging lecture on the American Presidents option. A valuable boost as students prepare for exams.

[History Department @HistorySMG]

Next stop: Kilmainham Gaol, where our Year 14 historians explore the cells and stories of the leaders of the 1916 Rising, the War of Independence and the Civil War.

[History Department @HistorySMG]

Our Year 14 History students began their day at Glasnevin Cemetery, exploring the final resting places of key revolutionary figures including Michael Collins, Countess Markievicz, Éamon de Valera and Roger Casement. A powerful start to our historical journey

[History Department @HistorySMG]

To conclude the term and our World War I studies, Year 10 History students stepped back in time to explore the weapons of the Great War. Sean from Holding History brought an extraordinary collection of authentic artefacts — rifles, bullets, grenades, helmets, and more!

[History Department @HistorySMG]

@NI_Bureau

[History Department @HistorySMG]

Day 2 continued 🇺🇸
Pupils enjoyed a thought-provoking lunch & learn at the Northern Ireland Bureau with Richard Cushnie, gaining insight into NI–US relations.
The day ended with the immersive American Dream experience—an inspiring look at ambition and identity. #WashingtonDC

[History Department @HistorySMG]

Day 5 – Washington 🇺🇸
A final morning soaking up the views at the Washington Monument as the marathon buzzed around us. A few last-minute buys… and then homeward bound ✈️

[History Department @HistorySMG]

🇺🇸 Day 4 – Washington Trip
We rounded off the day with the Ghost City walking tour — a spooky stroll, complete with breathtaking night-time views of the Capitol 🌙✨

[History Department @HistorySMG]

🇺🇸 Day 4 – Washington
A morning of retail therapy 🛍️, followed by a poignant visit to Arlington Cemetery to witness the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Kennedy family plot.
One of our students was delighted to find the grave of a relative.

[History Department @HistorySMG]

🇺🇸 Day 3 in Washington
Powerful morning at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum—honoured to hear survivor Peter Gorog speak. A chilled afternoon exploring Old Town Alexandria, with a stop at the Torpedo Factory Art Center 🎨. Rounded off with a evening at the cinema 🎬

[History Department @HistorySMG]

Day 2 in Washington 🇺🇸
Pupils explored key landmarks: the White House, Lincoln Memorial, US Capitol, and Korean & Vietnam War memorials.
A highlight—speaking with a Vietnam War veteran. A moving encounter #SchoolTrip #WashingtonDC

[History Department @HistorySMG]

Day 1 🇺🇸✈️
Year 13 & 14 students are off! Leaving Dublin behind as we head to Washington DC for an unforgettable history adventure. Let the learning (and exploring) begin! #HistoryTrip #WashingtonDC

[History Department @HistorySMG]

Today, students from across the MRLP met for a powerful session with Theatre of Witness. Through deeply personal testimonies, speakers shared how the Troubles shaped their lives.
Their stories sparked meaningful dialogue and deep reflection, leaving a lasting impact.

[History Department @HistorySMG]

@StMarysGSM

[History Department @HistorySMG]

Students from across the MRLP gathered in Derry for the History Shared Ed program, "Monuments, Memory & Meaning." Guided by Theatre of Witness Network , we explored many key sites: Ebrington Square, the War Memorial, & Free Derry Corner.A day of learning, reflection & connection

[History Department @HistorySMG]

@StMarysGSM

[History Department @HistorySMG]

The weather couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of our Year 14 History students today as they visited Glasnevin Cemetery, exploring Ireland’s past for their Partition of Ireland course. #HistoryTrip #GlasnevinCemetery

[History Department @HistorySMG]

In the afternoon we visited Kilmainham Gaol, where Year 14 swapped textbooks for cell blocks. #HistoryTrip #KilmainhamGaol

[History Department @HistorySMG]

@StMarysGSM

[History Department @HistorySMG]

Year 11 history students soaked up the sunshine and history in Derry today! Their trip included the Museum of Free Derry, a walking tour of the Bogside, and a stroll across the iconic Peace Bridge.