COURSE

The National 5 course is divided into three main units, in addition to this pupils will be asked to complete an Added Value Unit.

Studying Modern Studies can provide relevant and essential skills for a variety of different careers such as: teacher, editor, reporter, journalist, lawyer, police force, civil service, social work, programme research/TV work.

CONTENT

Political Issues in the UK 

Democracy in the UK – Pupils will develop detailed knowledge and understanding of democracy in the UK.  

Pupils will study:

• Representation within the UK parliament
• Role and function of the UK Parliament
• The job of an MP
• The purpose and composition of the House of Lords
• How can citizens participate in politics in the UK
• The purpose, process and outcomes of election campaigns
• How people vote in elections
• Examine the advantages and disadvantages of First Past the Post
• Look at specific influences on decision making such as pressure groups and the media

Social Issues in the UK 

Crime and the Law in the United Kingdom- Pupils will develop a detailed knowledge of Crime and Law in the United Kingdom.

Pupils will study:

• Different types of crime
• The causes of crime
• The impact of crime on communities, individuals and victims
• Efforts to tackle crime, the role of the police
• Changes to the law regarding alcohol, drugs and traffic offences
• The Criminal Justice system in Scotland
• Types of sentences
• Scottish juvenile justice system
• Children’s Hearings, procedures and actions.

World Power 

The United States of America- Pupils will develop a detailed knowledge of an important world power and look at why it is relevant to people living in Scotland

Pupils will study:

• Political issues in the USA, type of government, main structure of government and participation
• Democracy in the USA
• The Immigration Debate and responses to illegal immigration
• Social and economic issues in the USA
• Government responses to social and economic issues
• Rights and responsibilities of US citizens 
• The worldwide influence of the USA

The Added Value Unit- Individual Assignment 

Pupils will be asked to carry out and piece of research and produce a report using the information collated. The report will be on a contemporary issue of the pupil’s choice. The added value unit will be assessed and time will be devoted to the research and writing of the report in class. There will be a variety of research tools available to pupils.

TYPICAL LESSON

Your Modern Studies lessons will include a variety of different learning opportunities such as:

• Co-operative and active learning in pairs and groups
• Class discussions and debates
• Decision making
• Utilising ICT
• Source handling skills
• Role play
• Utilising a variety of stimulating audio and visual materials
• Note taking
• Guest speakers
• Newsflash activities discussing topical issues

HOW WILL IT BE ASSESSED?

A variety of assessment methods will be used in National 5 Modern Studies such as extending writing, source evaluation, pupil presentations, role play, research activities and creation of powerpoints and other forms of media.  There is also an external exam set by the SQA and an assignment requiring independent work.

The course will improve your ability to use a variety of resources in order to fully understand the subject:

• ICT
• Groupwork
• Note-taking
• Debating
• Using the mass media
• Presentation skills
• Independent thinking
• Canvassing opinion
• Research skills
• Extended writing
• Source evaluation