History to Life
Exploring History Through Drama
Explore historical events through engaging drama activities. Pupils immerse themselves in a chosen period, examining perspectives, decisions and consequences through structured role-play and process drama. Popular topics include World War II, the 1916 Rising, and the Great Famine.

Skills & Learning Outcomes:
- Investigate historical events through improvisation and role-play
- Develop empathy by representing different perspectives
- Analyse cause and consequence through dramatic action
- Collaboratively construct and sustain dramatic scenes
- Reflect critically on historical themes and relevance
Curriculum Links:
Primary School Curriculum (1999) – Drama
Drama to explore feelings, knowledge and ideas
- Exploring issues and events through improvisation
- Interpreting and representing roles and relationships
- Developing belief in role
Reflecting on Drama
- Discussing and evaluating dramatic action and characters
- Sharing insights gained through participation
Draft Primary Arts Education Specification (NCCA, 2024)
- Exploring and Making – investigating historical themes through embodied play
- Performing and Presenting – shaping dramatic interpretations of events
- Responding and Reflecting – analysing character motivation and historical impact
Cross-Curricular Links
- History (SESE) Exploring change and continuity. Understanding cause and consequence
- Oral Language (discussion in role), Literacy (diary/letter writing in role)