Social Subjects

Social Subjects Information Videos

Faculty of Social Subjects

Principal Teacher – Mr G Merson

 

Use the links below to find out more about the subjects in Social Subjects.

NATIONAL COURSES     HIGHER COURSES

National 4/5

Geography

Entry Level

SQA Information

National 4

  • Working at CfE level 3 by the end of the Broad General Education

National 5

  • Current S3 pupils: Working at CfE level 4 by the end of the Broad General Education
  • Current S4/5 pupils: National 4 pass in this or a similar subject or interest in subject

Course Content

 

The study of geography introduces candidates to our changing world, its human interactions and physical processes. Candidates develop the knowledge and skills to enable them to contribute to their local communities and wider society. The study of geography fosters positive life-long attitudes of environmental stewardship, sustainability and global citizenship. Practical activities, including fieldwork, provide opportunities for candidates to interact with their environment.

National 4/5

The course has 3 units.

  • Physical Environments – Rivers and limestone landscapes and Weather  
  • Human Environments – Population, Urban Changes and Rural Changes              
  • Global Issues – Global Tourism
  • Value Added Unit – An assignment or project based on fieldwork or a research

Assessment

 

 National 4

  • Each unit will be internally assessed.  Pupils must pass all internal assessments to be awarded the course certificate.

National 5

  • The course is assessed by the external exam and the Course Assignment.  The course award is graded A to D.

Possible Progression Routes

 My World of Work

  •  From National 3 to National 4 in Geography or another Social Subject
  • From National 4 to National 5 in Geography or another Social Subject
  • From National 5 to Higher in Geography or National 5 / Higher in another Social Subject
  • Further Education
  • Training or employment
  • Careers for which Geography would be beneficial include:  Archaeologist, Civil or Structural Engineer, Countryside Ranger or Warden, Drilling Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Explorer, Geologist, Geophysicist, Landscape Architect, Meteorologist, Mining Engineer, Nature Conservationist, Oceanographer, Surveyor 
History

Entry Level

SQA Information

National 4

  • Working at CfE level 3 by the end of the Broad General Education

National 5

  • Current S3 pupils: Working at CfE level 4 by the end of the Broad General Education
  • Current S4/5 pupils: National 4 pass in this or a similar subject or interest in subject

Course Content

 

In the National 5 History course, candidates develop their understanding of the world by learning about other people and their values, in different times, places and circumstances. The course helps candidates to develop a map of the past and an appreciation and understanding of the forces which have shaped the world today.

The course has three units and an added value project.

  • Migration and Empire 1830 -1939           
  • The Atlantic Slave Trade, 1770–1807                 
  • Free at Last? Civil Rights in the USA, 1918–1968
  • Added Value Unit – Pupils chose an area of the course to further study and produce a research piece of work

Assessment

 

 National 4

  • Each unit will be internally assessed.  Pupils must pass all internal assessments to be awarded the course certificate.

National 5

  • The course is assessed by the external exam and the Course Assignment.  The course award is graded A to D.
  • 80% external exam
  • 20% assignment

Possible Progression Routes

 My World of Work

  • From National 3 to National 4 in History or another Social Subject
  • From National 4 to National 5 in History or another Social Subject
  • From National 5 to Higher in History or National 5 / Higher in another Social Subject
  • Further Education
  • Training or employment
  • Careers for which History would be beneficial include:   Archaeologist, Archivist, Genealogist, Library or Information Assistant, Library or Information Professional, Museum or Art Gallery Curator or Keeper, Political Researcher, Teacher – Secondary School – History, Tour Guide, Tour Leader
Modern Studies

Entry Level

SQA Information

National 4

  • Working at CfE level 3 by the end of the Broad General Education

National 5

  • Current S3 pupils: Working at CfE level 4 by the end of the Broad General Education
  • Current S4/5 pupils: National 4 pass in this or a similar subject

Course Content

 

The National 5 Modern Studies course encourages candidates to develop a greater understanding of the contemporary world and their place in it. They also have opportunities to develop important attitudes such as respect for the values, beliefs and cultures of others; openness to new thinking and ideas; and a sense of responsibility and global citizenship. The course emphasises the development and application of skills. The focus on evaluating sources and making decisions develops thinking skills, as well as skills in literacy and numeracy.

The course has 3 units.

  • Democracy in Scotland and the UK
  • Social Issues in the UK
  • International Issues

Added Value Unit – Pupils chose an area of the course to further study and produce a research piece of work

Assessment *

 

National 4

  • Each unit will be internally assessed.  Pupils must pass all internal assessments to be awarded the course certificate.

National 5

  • The course is assessed by the external exam and the Course Assignment.  The course award is graded A to D.
  • 80% External Exam
  • 20% Assignment

Possible Progression Routes

 My World of Work

  • From National 3 to National 4 in Modern Studies or another Social Subject
  • From National 4 to National 5 in Modern Studies or another Social Subject
  • From National 5 to Higher in Modern Studies or Higher in another Social Subject
  • Further Education
  • Training or employment
  • Careers for which Modern Studies would be beneficial include:  Broadcast Journalist, Journalist or Reporter, Library or Information Professional, Police Officer, Political Researcher, Procurator Fiscal, Social Worker, Solicitor, Journalism, TV or Radio Presenter and careers in the Military.
RMPS

Entry Level

SQA Information

 National 4

  • Working at CfE level 3 by the end of the Broad General Education

National 5

  • Current S3 pupils: Working at CfE level 4 by the end of the Broad General Education
  • Current S4/5 pupils: National 4 pass in this or a similar subject

Course Content

 

National RMPS encourages candidates to develop values and beliefs and learn how to express them. It helps them to develop respect for others and an understanding of beliefs and practices which are different from their own. They develop an understanding of human beliefs, values and behaviour; and examine how religion, morality and philosophy might help people find meaning and purpose in life. Candidates have opportunities to develop literacy, personal learning and thinking skills as well as a sense of responsible citizenship.

The course has three key areas of study

  • World Religion
  • Morality and Belief
  • Religious and Philosophical Questions

Assessment

 
  • The course is assessed by the external exam and the Course Assignment.  The course award is graded A to D.
  • 80% external Exam
  • 20% Assignment

Possible Progression Routes

 My World of Work

  • National 5 / Higher in RMPS or other social subjects
  • Further Education
  • Higher Education
  • Training or employment
  • Careers for which RMPS would be beneficial include:  Broadcast Journalist, Journalist or Reporter, Library or Information Professional, Police Officer, Political Researcher, Social Worker, Solicitor, Journalism, TV or Radio Presenter, Teacher – Secondary School – Religious Education
Travel & Tourism: Skills for Work

Entry Level

SQA Information

  • Current S5/6 pupils: National 4/5 pass in any Social Subject or English

Course Content

 
The course is aimed at those who are interested in travel and have considered a career in tourism.  You will study customer service skills on the tourism industry, employability skills.  Scottish Tourism and UK and world-wide travel. The course is structured in such a way that at every stage you will be expected to develop vocational skills in preparation for moving into the work force.

Assessment

 

The Exam

There is no external exam for this course.

Internal assessment

There is an end of unit test for each of the four sections of the course listed below.

  1. Employability
  2. Customer Service
  3. Scottish Tourism
  4. UK & Worldwide tourism

Possible Progression Routes

 My World of Work
  • National 5 in Geography or another Social Subject
  • Higher in Geography or National 5 / Higher in another Social Subject
  • A H in Geography or National 5 / Higher / Advanced Higher in another Social Subject
  • Further Education
  • Higher Education
  • Training or employment
  • Careers for which Travel and Tourism would be beneficial include:  Travel Agent, Tour Guide, Holiday Rep, Archaeologist, Countryside Ranger or Warden, Nature Conservationist, Transport and Logistics co-ordinator.

Higher

Geography

Entry Level

SQA Information
  • Current S4/5 pupils: National 5 pass in Geography or another Social Subject (A or B grade, and to be sitting/have a pass in Higher English is advised)

Course Content

 

Through the study of geography, and by gaining geographical analysis techniques, candidates develop an understanding of aspects of the contemporary world. They are challenged to look at the world in new ways, understand more about their sense of identity, and learn about different countries and cultures. Candidates build up a framework of geographical knowledge and understanding with which to understand and respond to global issues. Candidates gain experience in contributing to group work and working on their own through taking part in investigative and critical-thinking activities. They also progressively develop their skills in literacy and numeracy. Candidates develop an increased understanding of the environment, sustainability, and the impact of global issues.

The course is split into three units:

  • Physical Environments: Atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere.
  • Human Environments: population, rural land degradation and management, urban change and management.
  • Global Issues: river basin management; development and health; and global climate change.

Assessment

 
  • The course is assessed by the external exam and the Course Assignment.  The course award is graded A to D.

Possible Progression Routes

 My World of Work

  • National 5 or Higher in another Social Subject
  • Advance Higher in Geography or National 5 / Higher / Advanced Higher in another Social Subject
  • Further Education
  • Higher Education
  • Training or employment
  • Careers for which Geography would be beneficial include:  Archaeologist, Civil or Structural Engineer, Countryside Ranger or Warden, Drilling Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Explorer, Geologist, Geophysicist, Landscape Architect, Meteorologist, Mining Engineer, Nature Conservationist, Oceanographer, Surveyor  
History

Entry Level

SQA Information
  • Current S4/5 pupils: National 5 pass in History or another Social Subject (A or B grade, and to be sitting/have a pass in Higher English is advised)

Course Content

 

In Higher History, candidates develop a greater understanding of the world by learning about other people and their values, in different times, places and circumstances. The course helps candidates to develop a map of the past and an appreciation and understanding of the forces which have shaped the world today. Candidates have opportunities to develop important attitudes including an open mind and respect for the values, beliefs and cultures of others; openness to new thinking and ideas; and a sense of responsibility and global citizenship.

The course is split into three units:

  • Scottish: The Impact of the Great War, 1914-1928
  • European & World Unit:  Germany, 1815–1939 OR Russia, 1881–1921
  • British: Britain 1851–1951

Assessment

 
  • The course is assessed by the external exam and the Course Assignment.  The course award is graded A to D.

Possible Progression Routes

 My World of Work

  • National 5 / Higher in another Social Subject
  • Advance Higher in History or National 5 / Higher / Advanced Higher in another Social Subject
  • Further Education
  • Higher Education
  • Training or employment
  • Careers for which History would be beneficial include:  Archaeologist, Archivist, Genealogist, Library or Information Assistant, Library or Information Professional, Museum or Art Gallery Curator or Keeper, Political Researcher, Teacher – Secondary School – History, Tour Guide, Tour Leader
Modern Studies

Entry Level

SQA Information

  • Current S4/5 pupils: National 5 pass in Modern Studies or another Social Subject (A or B grade, and to be sitting/have a pass in Higher English is advised)

Course Content

 

Higher Modern Studies encourages candidates to develop a greater understanding of the contemporary world and their place in it. They have opportunities to develop important attitudes such as respect for the values, beliefs and cultures of others; openness to new thinking and ideas; and a sense of responsibility and global citizenship. The course emphasises the development and application of skills. The focus on evaluating sources and making decisions develops candidates’ thinking skills, as well as skills in literacy and numeracy. Investigative and critical thinking activities give candidates opportunities to gain important experience in contributing to group work and working on their own.

The course has three key areas of study

  • Democracy in Scotland and the United Kingdom
  • Social Issues in the United Kingdom
  • International Issues

Assessment

 

The course is assessed by the external exam and the Course Assignment.  The course award is graded A to D.

Possible Progression Routes

 My World of Work

  • National 5 / Higher in another Social Subject
  • Advanced Higher in Modern Studies
  • Further Education
  • Higher Education
  • Training or employment
  • Careers for which Modern Studies would be beneficial include:  Broadcast Journalist, Journalist or Reporter, Criminologist, Library or Information Professional, Police Officer, Political Researcher, Procurator Fiscal, Social Worker, Solicitor, Journalism, TV or Radio Presenter and careers in the Military.
Politics

Entry Level

SQA Information
  •  Current S4/5 pupils: National 5 pass in any Social Subjects course

Course Content

 

Higher Politics contributes to candidates’ understanding of society by helping them to develop an understanding of political theory, political systems in the UK and international contexts, and factors affecting the electoral performance of political parties. Candidates develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationship between political theories, systems and parties. Candidates build up a framework of political knowledge and understanding through interpreting, evaluating and commenting on political issues. They develop higher-order thinking skills through research and critical-thinking activities carried out individually and in groups.

The course has 3 key areas for study:

  • Politics: Political Theory
  • Politics: Political Systems
  • Politics: Political Parties and Elections

Assessment

 

The course is assessed by the external exam and the Course Assignment.  The course award is graded A to D.

Possible Progression Routes

 My World of Work

  • Higher in Modern Studies or National 5 / Higher in another Social Subject
  • Advanced Higher in Modern Studies or National 5 / Higher / Advanced Higher in another Social Subject
  • Further Education
  • Higher Education
  • Training or employment
  • Careers for which Modern Studies would be beneficial include:  Broadcast Journalist, Journalist or Reporter, Library or Information Professional, Police Officer, Political Researcher, Procurator Fiscal, Social Worker, Solicitor, Journalism, TV or Radio Presenter

Advanced Higher

Modern Studies

Entry Level

SQA Information
  • Current S5 pupils: Higher pass in Modern Studies and / or Politics

Course Content

 

Advanced Higher Modern Studies encourages candidates to develop a greater understanding of the contemporary world and their place in it. They have opportunities to develop important attitudes such as respect for the values, beliefs and cultures of others; openness to new thinking and ideas; and a sense of responsibility and global citizenship. The course enables candidates to demonstrate autonomy in their learning through researching and analysing, extended writing, independent study skills, and applying critical thinking.

The course has 4 key areas:

  • Unit 1 – Understanding Criminal Behaviour
  • Unit 2 – Responses to Crime by Society
  • Unit 3 – Social Science Research Methods and Issues
  • Course Assignment – Dissertation

Assessment

 
  • The course is assessed by the external exam and the Course Assignment.  The course award is graded A to D.

Possible Progression Routes

 My World of Work

  • Further Education
  • Higher Education
  • Training or employment
  • Careers for which would be beneficial include:  Broadcast Journalist, Civil Service, Criminologist, Journalist or Reporter, Library or Information Professional, Police Officer, Political Researcher, Procurator Fiscal, Social Worker, Solicitor, Journalism, TV or Radio Presenter and careers in the Military.