Bloody Sunday, Ireland, 1972 - Two Sides, Two Stories (Key stage 4)
Aims of the workshop
This workshop aims to help students investigate and understand the events of Bloody Sunday, and the different interpretations regarding what happened and who was responsible, through the study of original documents held at the National Archives.
Documents
- Document 1: Reference CJ 4/252
A transcript of the ITV 'This Week' programme, 3 February 1972
- Document 2: Reference CJ 4/258
Map showing the area, and the movements of the paratroopers and marchers on Bloody Sunday, 1972
Activity
This exercise is based on a transcript of the ITV 'This Week' programme about the events of Bloody Sunday, broadcast on 3 February 1972.
Choose one student to read each part out, and give them time to familiarise themselves with their part before asking them to act out the TV programme in front of the class. Give the rest of the class a copy of the map of the area to look at as they listen to the programme, so they can follow what happened, according to the witnesses, and plot the course of events.
The TV programme presents two very different interpretations about what happened, and why, on Bloody Sunday. When the students have finished reading the script through, clarify through discussion with the whole class what the two sides and the two stories are: see if they can decide, or think it is possible to decide, which side is telling the truth. Discuss with the class what they think about the interpretations and evidence they have heard: how reliable and useful they think it is, and what additional evidence they think they would need to look at in order to help them decide.
Get the whole class to look at the map and see if they think this is a reliable piece of evidence for showing what actually happened on the day, and how useful it is for understanding who was responsible. The map may look like a fairly neutral record of events, but close examination will reveal some loaded language and suggestions as to what happened. See if they can detect the bias in it, and discuss how this might affect their use of it as a source for studying this event.
Download exercise materials
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The following exercises include teacher's notes and all documents:
Complete workshop pack (1.1MB)
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Or just download the individual documents:
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The materials are provided in Adobe PDF format so that they are easy to print out. Anyone with a visual impairment who is unable to use PDF documents should visit access.adobe.com for information about converting documents and versions of Adobe Reader with added accessibility features.
If you are unable to print out the preparation materials and need us to send you a paper print out, please email education@nationalarchives.gov.uk or call 020 8392 5365 and leave a message stating the title of the workshop you want the materials for, your name, your school's name, and the date of your workshop.
The workshop
The workshop
The workshop will begin with a discussion based on the exercise materials to see what conclusions the students have already drawn from the script of the TV programme and their prior knowledge of the topic.
We then go on to develop students' research skills and knowledge of the subject through the following activities:
- 'Dear Mr Maudling, TWELVE DEAD!...'
A study of letters, reflecting varied responses and reactions to the events of Bloody Sunday, sent by members of the public, official bodies and organisations to the Home Secretary, Reginald Maudling.
- 'What Happened in Derry...'
Students work on a selection of published documents, including press photographs, republican newspapers and official government reports to examine in more detail the two sides own interpretation of the events.
- 'An Objective View of Events...'
This activity concludes the workshop with a study of the original Widgery Report into the events of Bloody Sunday, and the alternative Dash Report that was produced in response to it.
Knowledge, skills and understanding
Students attending this workshop will develop their knowledge, skills and understanding by:
- Studying key events, people and issues appropriate to their course of study
- Making an in-depth study of key events
- Getting hands-on experience at studying history through a range of original sources, such as official reports, newspaper articles, correspondence and photographs
- Undertaking research activities to gain experience of using historical sources critically in their context by comprehending, analysing, evaluating and interpreting them
- Debating with the Education Officer leading the workshop, and amongst themselves to organise and communicate their knowledge and understanding of the subject in question
Examination board specification
Useful links
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