Engaging With History
Year 11 Modern History students have been captivating their teachers with a remarkable talent for delivering engaging lessons.
The class opened the 2024 academic year with an exploration of Irish history, absorbing the connections between the post-colonisation period and the forces of Irish nationalism. “Having already analysed An Gorta Mór (The Great Hunger), they’ve had a breakthrough in understanding the way the lack of British aid contributed to the development of nationalist groups such as the Irish Republican Brotherhood and Irish Citizens Army,” said Head of History, Ms Rebekah Poole.
Fully immersing themselves, the students worked in groups to devise a mini lesson explaining the background and key events of the 1916 Easter Rising through visual displays and fun class activities. They wove in sources and quotes and brought the topic to life through interactive experiences such as Irish dancing lessons, an Easter egg hunt, Irish bingo, and Irish trivia.
The presentations were judged by members of the Wenona History Department who have helped make Irish history a popular topic at Wenona. Many Alumnae report being so inspired that they travelled to Northern Ireland following graduation and a case study on this topic will be introduced to the History Extension course this year. “Year 11 did a wonderful job, although the class agreed our Irish dancing could use some work!” said Ms Poole.