WHAT would Patrick Pearse, James Connolly and Thomas Clarke make of it all? Well, we think they’d give these Ballymun students a big thumbs up.
The local youngsters recently and uniquely brought to life the events of 1916 in a catchy new rap song composed by themselves and it’s fast becoming something of a YouTube sensation.
Last month the fifth year students from Trinity Comprehensive School retraced the steps of the 1916 rising leaders, and made a video for their rap number at historic city landmarks including the GPO, Kilmainham Gaol and Dublin Castle.
With the 100th anniversary of 1916 drawing nearer, the initiative is part of a drive by the school to make history real for students and to get them engaged with the subject.
The rap song was inspired by Gerard O’Neill, author of
‘2016 A New Proclamation for a New Generation’. As a follow up to the rap a debate between students and local TDs on the motion,
‘2016 – Do We Need Another Proclamation’, took place in the school on March 21. The pupils were helped by mentors from Dublin City University.
History, like any other subject, is best taught and understood when pupils engage with the material and make it more relevant to their own life, says Trinity Comprehensive School PRO and teacher, Paddy O’Reilly.
“The rap is very catchy and the whole school is very proud of it,
? he said.
The Ballymun students are all familiar with the names of the 1916 rising leaders as the high-rise tower blocks built in the area in the
’60s to re-house families from Dublin city centre were all named after the patriots.
Student Thomas Dowd (16) said making the rap has been a fantastic experience, and something he will never forget.
“None of us will ever, ever forget the names of those involved in the Rising,
? he said.
“They are well engrained into our brains. We would love to see this become a YouTube hit. Being involved in this has really re-sparked my interest in music.
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The students were supported in their project by history teacher Edel Fitzpatrick, Kim Gavin and others from the Raising and Giving Society at DCU which organises fundraising and awareness.
They helped the pupils write the rap song and prepped them for the debate. According to Mr Reilly they have been an invaluable support every step of the way.
Gerard O’Neill said the kids from Trinity Comprehensive School are part of the 2016 Generation.
“We need to hear their voice and engage their energy in thinking about the kind of country we want to live in by the centenary of the Rising,
? he continued.
“Hence the idea of a rap song, which we hope will inspire other young people to add their voice to the debate. And maybe even make their rap songs about 1916!
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History teacher Edel Fitzpatrick said:
“These are a really strong, enthusiastic bunch of students and they have really revelled in this project. None of them and nobody in the school will ever forget the names of those involved in the Rising, all of whom are named in the rap.
“Students of this age relate to music and video. This is the way history should always be taught and we look forward to continuing to work with our supporters in the wider Dublin community to bring other significant parts of our great history to life and make it more relevant to the leaders of the future.
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