8th September 1997

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A group of 21 Dutch and Russian history teachers are taking part this week in a course at the University of Ulster at Coleraine which examines historical issues including the Battle of the Boyne and the Siege of Derry.

Their work focuses on how the Internet can be used to develop links with schools in Northern Ireland, enabling young people to understand more about their historical roots.

The two Dutch coordinators of the visit, Helen Bude and Marion Kuyper view the week as a model for training history teachers in Europe on how the Internet can motivate students of history. They will draw on the experience of Dr Roger Austin, School of Education at the University of Ulster, who has been involved in pioneering work in Information Communications Technology.

A number of visits have been planned during the week, focussing on Education for Mutual Understanding. History teachers from four local schools: Coleraine High School; Dominican College, Portstewart; Ballymoney High School; and Our Lady of Lourdes High School, Ballymoney will discuss how history is handled in Northern Ireland schools.

The group will also have the opportunity to visit Derry's City walls. Heather Thompson, North East Education and Library Board and Kathleen Gormley, senior teacher at St Cecilia's School, Creggan, Derry, will show how they use projects involving study of the walls for cross community historical work.

A visit to Ulster Television is also planned to demonstrate how current news items are treated and how broadcasters are creating history programmes for schools.

The training week is being sponsored by Euriclio, an organization which draws together historical associations across Europe, and the Dutch Ministry of Education.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk