At the heart of every good history lesson, or any good lesson, for that matter, is a good story. The new Junior Cycle versions of the subjects does not change that: in fact, the CBA component enhances the use of stories in teaching about the past. Yes, the term ‘CBA’ does strike terror in many a young First Year’s heart: it is right up there with the IRS, the IRA, the UDA, the CIA and the DGI as far as three-letter abbreviations which can induce anxiety. But once the students actually complete a ‘Classroom Based Assessment’ they realise how fun and honestly educational they can be. In History, the CBA takes the form of a personalised research project: one specific topic, researched in detail and presented to the class. And, with encouragement, many of the students decide to take on subjects which somehow relate to their families, their heritage, their own stories. Below we see war heroes, political leaders, rebels, and everyday lives, all with interesting links to ‘big history’ and the students themselves. Reserve your fear for the CCP!