Courses - S3-S4

History

In Standard Grade History, pupils in S3 and S4 will all study three units of work:

Unit 1B : Changing Life in Scotland and Britain , 1830 - 1930

This unit looks at the social, economic and political developments in Scotland and Britain . Here pupils will see the effects of change in society and study the causes and consequences of change.

Unit 2B : International Co-operation and Conflict, 1890 - 1920

In this unit, pupils will develop an understanding of their heritage as members of one country involved in a wider world community. The period studied includes the First World War and its effects not only on Scotland / Britain but also on the world stage.

Unit 3D : People and Power, 1918 - 1939

The theme of the third unit, 'People and Power', is the struggle for political and cultural dominance within individual countries. The focus of the unit is Germany 1918 - 1939, taking developments from the Treaty of Versailles at the end of World War One to the rise of Hitler and the Nazis.

Assessment

Assessment is continuous throughout the units with a formal exam at the end of S3. Pupils who do well at General level will also have the opportunity to attempt Credit. Work is assessed on performance in two elements:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Enquiry skills

All three levels i.e. Foundation, General and Credit are offered in the department.

Modern Studies

The Intermediate 1/2 Modern Studies course is made up of three 40 hour Units. Each Unit covers a different area,

Unit 1: Political Issues in the United Kingdom

• Study Theme 1B: Government and Decision Making in Central Government
• Decision Making in the UK
  • the UK Parliament - the House of Lords and the House of Commons
  • the powers of the Prime Minister
  • the Cabinet
  • the work of a backbencher

Voting Systems

• forms of voting participation
• reasons for variations in voter turnout at elections
• influence of the media on the political system and level of participation.
• Case Study: the influence of the press on politics.

Unit 2: Social Issues in the United Kingdom

• Study Theme 2A: Equality in Society: Wealth and Health in the United Kingdom
• Poverty
  • causes and consequences of poverty
  • the role in tackling poverty of–
    • the central government
    • the Scottish Parliament
    • local authorities
    • the voluntary sector
    • the private sector

• Ill Health
  • causes of health inequalities
  • health needs in the UK
  • how these health needs are met by -
    • central government
    • the Scottish Parliament
    • local authorities
    • the voluntary sector
    • the private sector

Unit 3: International Issues

• Study Theme 3C: The United States of America
• Social and Economic Issues
  • main regional and cultural differences
  • inequalities amongst ethnic minorities in terms of–
    • employment
    • income
    • health
    • housing
    • education
    • law and order
• Government responses to these issues

• Political Issues
  • Inequalities of representation of different groups at local, state and federal levels in the political system
  • ethnic groups
  • women
  • age
• Government responses to these issues
• Opportunities for participation in politics–
  • voter registration
  • voting turnout
  • political party activity
  • pressure/interest group membership and activity