Geography is the study of Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. It allows pupils to develop a real understanding of the world in which they live.

Courses:

The following courses are offered within Geography:

Broad General Education

In S1 pupils will develop their geographical skills through the study of disasters journeying from the past to the present day. They will also look in more depth at the geography of Brazil, Japan and the UK.

Pupils in S2 will examine ‘Earth Forces’ and develop an understanding about the forces which shaped the environment they live in. They will go on to study the climatic regions of the world and investigate the impact of rainforest destruction.

S3 pupils will continue to develop their knowledge and skills, following the fourth level experiences and outcomes. Covering topics such as Wild Weather, Health Matters, Using the Rural Environment and Coasts.

Senior Phase

National 4 and 5

At National 4 and 5, geographical skills such as map analysis, individual research and report writing will be developed through the study of three units, ‘Human’, ‘Physical’ and ‘Global Issues’. Topics covered include Urban Geography (Glasgow); Glaciation, Coastal Scenery, Weather, Population, Natural Hazards and Health.

Higher

Higher level pupils need to attach real world contexts to theoretical situations through a variety of case studies. Pupils will study three units; ‘Physical’, ‘Human’ and ‘Global Issues’. In addition to these units pupils will undertake the application of geographical skills and complete an independent assignment into a Geographical issue.

Fieldwork:

All pupils will engage in outdoor learning opportunities within Geography. Senior phase pupils have the opportunity to participate in coastal and urban fieldtrips.

Careers in Geography:   The skills and knowledge gained from studying geography at National 4/5 and Higher, are relevant to a wide range of careers.   The Royal Geographical Society has produced a free booklet on careers in Geography which can be downloaded from:

https://www.rgs.org/NR/rdonlyres/097E30CF-74E4-4F8E-8463-F2D5AB9F6A86/0/GPWGbook.pdf

 

 

Modern Studies examines the big issues in an ever-changing world. Courses are designed to inform pupils about current affairs and give them the ability to understand the world around them – at both a local, national and international level. It will teach them the ability to question and think critically, to construct detailed, persuasive arguments and is truly ‘modern’ in that pupils will learn about events happening right now.

 

Courses

All courses are shaped around key themes of rights, participation, representation and power.

 

Broad General Education:

Pupils study topics such as:

• Human Rights
• Representation and the Scottish Parliament
• The USA
• Terrorism

• China (with a specific focus on Human Rights and its place as a new ‘superpower’)

Senior Phase:

 

National 4 and 5

 

• Crime and the Law in Society (Reasons for Crime, the Police and Court System and Punishment)
• Democracy in the UK (with a focus on Parliament, Participation and the Media)
• USA (Influence on other countries, Political System, Immigration and Inequality)

Higher

• Democracy in Scotland (Parliament, Issues surrounding independence/EU)
• Social Inequality (Health and Wealth)
• USA (Political, Social and Economic Issues)

 

 

There are numerous opportunities for pupils to get involved in community-based learning and to apply their knowledge and skills in the ‘real world’. Pupils have the opportunity to visit the Scottish Parliament and senior pupils have the chance to attend First Minister’s Questions, S3 visit Sky Skills Academy and S4 pupils attend HMP Low Moss. We also have classroom visits from the local MP and MSPs.

 

Pathways with Modern Studies

Modern Studies develops skills and knowledge which can open up pathways in a variety of careers e.g Law, Police, Public Sector professions like Teaching and Social work, Journalism and many more. It is a subject which teaches pupils transferable skills and could lead to further study at College or University in courses such as Crime and the Law, Politics, Sociology or Economics.

 

 

History is the study of people in the past. It allows pupils to understand life as it was and how it influences society today.

 

Courses

The following courses are offered in History:

 

Broad General Education

 

In S1 pupils will develop their historical knowledge through the study of The Celts and Romans. They will then progress on to study the ‘1960’s

 

In S2 pupils will have the opportunity to study ‘ Slavery in the USA’. This will be followed by the ‘Holocaust’ course.

 

In S3 pupils will continue to develop and further their historical skills and will study Britain 1760-1900

 

Senior Phase

 

National 4 and 5

 

At National 4 and 5 pupils will continue to develop 6 key skills in history helping them prepare for their final exam. Pupils will study Britain 1760-1900, The Era of the Great War 1890-1928 and Germany 1919-1939.

 

 

 

 

 

Higher

 

Higher pupils will be given the opportunity to study three topics. The Scottish Wars of Independence, Britain 1850-1979 and Germany 1815-1939. Key skills will be an essential component of the course as will the ability to write an extended essay.

 

Advanced Higher

 

Pupils will be expected to research and develop extensive knowledge and skills on one topic. Weimar and Nazi Germany. This course will help give them the essential skills they would expect to use in University.

 

Careers in History

 

Careers in History are extensive and wide ranging. Pupils aspiring to study law, politics, journalism and media at University are encouraged to take the subject.