The Battle of the Somme

Understanding 1916

Lesson 1: Why did it take place?

On this page

The first lesson in the module will be used to inform students how the First World War began and examine the key people and countries involved. The lesson will act as an introduction to the war effort in Ireland and will explore events in Ireland before the outbreak of war, including how and why Irishmen came to be involved in the global conflict.

Lesson Intentions

  1. Discuss the reasons why so many countries were quick to declare war; and
  2. Understand the reasons why Irishmen were encouraged or felt compelled to enlist in the British army.

Areas of Learning

Environment and Society

History

Objective 1: Developing pupils as Individuals

Explore how history has affected their personal identity, culture and lifestyle.
(Personal Understanding)

Investigate individuals who are considered to have taken a significant moral stand and examine their motivation and legacy.
(Moral Character)

Objective 2: Developing pupils as Contributors to Society

Investigate the long and short term causes and consequences of the partition of Ireland and how it has influenced Northern Ireland today including key events and turning points.
(Citizenship)

Investigate the impact of significant events/ideas of the 20th century on the world.
(Cultural Understanding)

Investigate critical issues in history or historical figures who have behaved ethically or unethically.
(Ethical Awareness)

Learning for Life & Work

Local and Global Citizenship

Diversity and Inclusion

Investigate factors including religious and political that influence individual and group identity.

Investigate how and why conflict, including prejudice, stereotyping, sectarianism and racism may arise in the community. Investigate ways of managing conflict and promoting community relations, reconciliation.

Language and Literacy

English with Media Education

Objective 1: Developing pupils as Individuals

Engage, through language, with their peers and with fictional and real-life characters and situations, to explore their own emotions and develop creative potential.
(Personal Understanding)

Explore and respond to others’ emotions as encountered in literature, the media, moving image and peer discussion.
(Mutual Understanding)

Explore the use of language and imagery in conveying and evoking a variety of powerful feelings.
(Spiritual Awareness)

Objective : Developing pupils as Contributors to Society

Use literature, drama, poetry or the moving image to explore others’ needs and rights.
(Citizenship)

Explore the power of a range of communication techniques to inform, entertain, influence and persuade.
(Media Awareness)

Irish with Media Education

Objective 1: Developing pupils as Individuals

Engage, through language, with their peers and with fictional and real-life characters and situations, to explore their own emotions and develop creative potential.
(Personal Understanding)

Explore and respond to others’ emotions as encountered in literature, the media, moving image and peer discussion.
(Mutual Understanding)

Develop an understanding of the power of languages (including bi-lingualism and body language) to communicate and empathise with others.
(Mutual Understanding)

Explore the use of language and imagery in conveying and evoking a variety of powerful feelings.
(Spiritual Awareness)

Objective 2: Developing pupils as Contributors to Society

Use literature, drama, poetry or the moving image to explore others’ needs and rights.
(Citizenship)

The Arts

Art and Design

Objective 1: Developing pupils as Individuals

Express themselves through Art and Design.
(Personal Understanding)

Drama

Objective 1: Developing pupils as Individuals

Express themselves emotionally and imaginatively through drama and improvisation.
(Personal Understanding)

Explore and respond to the views and feelings of others.
(Mutual Understanding)

Tasks

A number of tasks have been developed in order to help pupils progress in a number of desirable Using ICT skills and Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities. This lesson in particular helps develop their knowledge, understanding and skills by engaging the pupils in a number of active learning activities and digital tasks.

Using ICT
  • Research
  • Presentation
  • Desktop Publishing
  • Working with Images
  • Working with Sound
Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities
  • Managing Information
  • Self-Management
  • Thinking, Problem Solving, Decision Making
  • Being Creative
  • Working with Others
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