History
Migration and Empire
This course focusses mainly on Scotland during the 19th century. This course describes different immigrant groups which came to Scotland and ultimately led to the Scotland we have today. This also enhances young people to become responsible citizens by explaining why they were forced to leave their own country, why they chose Scotland as their new home and the massive impact they had on Scottish politics, society and economy. The course then looks at the opposite side of which Scots were forced to emigrate from their country and the impact they had on the British Empire across the world.
The Atlantic Slave Trade
The Atlantic slave trade is something very commonly studied throughout the world. British involvement is always much larger than anyone first suspects. By looking at how the slave trade operated we can study the impact this had on Britain. We also study the appalling experience of the slaves and even more importantly the polarisation the abolition campaign caused. This course helps develop skills which require empathy and highlights the impact people can have when they put their minds to it.
Hitler and Nazi Germany
Yet another atrocity! This course studies how Germany and millions of people were blinded by the Nazi regime. It explains how the Nazi’s were able to take control one step at a time until most of Europe was at war and 55 million people were dead.
Modern Studies
Democracy in Scotland
You will develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of democracy and the political system in Scotland. Including how the government is organised, how MSP’s and councillors represent us, the main political parties in Scotland and how Pressure Groups can influence the government.
Crime and Law
By the end of this course pupils should feel comfortable in describing the current legal system within Scotland. In addition, the course will also help young people understand why people commit crimes and investigate case studies which will allow a broader understanding of the society we live in today.
USA
The SQA requires that young people learn about international issues. Knightswood Secondary have chosen to study the United States of America. The course is broken up into two sections: how the government system works in the USA, including the powers of different governing bodies and the process of voting, as well as the inequalities which are faced through America, such as health, housing, crime and education.
Geography
1] Physical Environments: you will learn mapping skills and also the key processes and features that make up our natural world. Topics will include River Landscapes, Limestone Landscapes & Land Uses and also Weather & Climate.
2] Human Environments: you will learn and apply key content and skills related to comparing the processes and interactions people have with Urban and Rural areas within Developed and Developing Countries. Key topics include population, rural and urban change and its management.
3] Global Issues: you will learn about the key Global Issues and the interactions between Human and Physical factors that cause them and critique the solutions adopted to manage them. Key topics include: Environmental Hazards and Development & Health (or Climate Change & Human Impacts on the Environment)
RE
Islam and the Social World
In S3 pupils will investigate and reflect upon how followers of Islam put their beliefs into action. Pupils will develop an historical basis for Islam and its social practices, and will consider how Muslim family values may conflict with British/Western values. Pupils will become increasingly aware of the importance placed on family life and how the Qur’an informs life and practice.
Genetic Engineering Unit
Pupils will research, debate and reflect on issues surrounding the beginning of life – designer babies; IVF and cloning and will be required to state their own views on key issues with supporting reasons.
Euthanasia
Pupils will research, debate and reflect on issues surrounding the topic of euthanasia. Pupils will gain knowledge of key terms, and will recognise various views for and against euthanasia based on religious and non-religious arguments. Pupils will become familiar with the recommendations of the British Medical Association.
S5/6 Higher Courses
History
Migration & Empire/WW1
This course focusses mainly on Scotland during the 19th century. This course describes different immigrant groups which came to Scotland and ultimately led to the Scotland we have today. This also enhances young people to become responsible citizens by explaining why they were forced to leave their own country, why they chose Scotland as their new home and the massive impact they had on Scottish politics, society and economy. The course then looks at the opposite side of which Scots were forced to emigrate from their country and the impact they had on the British Empire across the world.
Britain 1851-1950
Britain prides itself on democracy and equality. Yet this was not always the case. To understand our social system and challenge attitudes some may have it is important to understand the political growth of Britain throughout the 19th and 20th century. From the first large group of reforms during the Liberal government of 1906-1914, pupils will progress to women and their suffrage cause and finally Labour’s push after the Second World War towards a welfare state.
Germany
This is a study of the growth of nationalism in Germany leading to unification in 1871, and the development of extreme nationalism after 1918. This course studies how Germany and millions of people were blinded by the Nazi regime. It explains how the Nazi’s were able to take control one step at a time until most of Europe was at war and 55 million people were dead.
Modern Studies
Democracy in Scotland
You will develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of democracy and the political system in Scotland. Including how the government is organised, how MSP’s and councillors represent us, the main political parties in Scotland and how Pressure Groups can influence the government.
Crime and Law
By the end of this course pupils should feel comfortable in describing the current legal system within Scotland. In addition, the course will also help young people understand why people commit crimes and investigate case studies which will allow a broader understanding of the society we live in today.
USA
The SQA requires that young people learn about international issues. Knightswood Secondary have chosen to study the United States of America. The course is broken up into two sections: how the government system works in the USA, including the powers of different governing bodies and the process of voting, as well as the inequalities which are faced through America, such as health, housing, crime and education.
Geography
1] Physical Environments: you will learn mapping skills and also the key processes and features that make up our natural world. Topics will include atmosphere, lithosphere, biosphere and hydrosphere.
2] Human Environments: you will learn and apply key content and skills related to comparing the processes and interactions people have with Urban and Rural areas within Developed and Developing Countries. Key topics include population, rural land degradation and management and urban change and its management.
3] Global Issues: you will learn about the key Global Issues and the interactions between Human and Physical factors that cause them and critique the solutions adopted to manage them. Key topics include: Development & Health and Climate Change
