Teaching Divided Histories

Teaching Divided Histories is an innovative three year project which introduces new, curriculum-linked, digital approaches to the study of conflict into schools in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and internationally.

Funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the PEACE III programme, the project is led by the Nerve Centre in conjunction with the British Council, the Curriculum Development Unit of the City of Dublin Education and Training Board, CCEA and a range of other partners.

The aim of Teaching Divided Histories is to transfer knowledge and expertise between Northern Ireland and other conflict affected societies on how the delivery of education and learning can be developed to promote shared societies.

Harnessing the potential of moving image and digital media, Teaching Divided Histories brings together post-primary teachers from across Northern Ireland and border counties to develop and pilot innovative education programmes using film, digital imagery, animation, comic books and webcasting to enable young people to explore common experiences of conflict and peace building.

Teachers and educators are trained in a range of creative and critical skills to use moving image and digital technologies within the classroom to liberate and empower young people to engage practically with issues of conflict and division.

By drawing on best practice in the international field of conflict education through the networks of the British Council, the project is giving teachers the confidence, skills and specific resources and support that enables them to explore contentious history and identity in the classroom.

Teaching Divided Histories is currently also working with teachers in Lebanon, India, South Africa and Sierra Leone, establishing partnerships with schools there and encouraging the digital sharing of creative responses to conflict education on an international basis.