The Battle of the Somme

Understanding 1916

Lesson 2: Who were the Irish that fought?

Lesson 2 of the module explores the breakdown of Irish recruits ahead of the war, including the make-up of some divisions, as well as reasons for joining and the eventual introduction of conscription.

Lesson Intentions

  1. Discuss the reasons why unionists and nationalists both wanted to join the British army; and
  2. Examine the formation of notable divisions in Ireland.

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)

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)

Learning for Life & Work

Local and Global Citizenship

Diversity and Inclusion

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

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 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)

Explore how different cultures and beliefs are reflected in a range of communication methods.
(Cultural Understanding)

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

Irish with Media Education

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)

Areas of Learning

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
  • Working with Images
  • Working with Sound

Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities

  • Managing Information
  • Self-Management
  • Thinking, Decision Making
  • Being Creative
  • Working with Others
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