History

In History we examine the past by looking at Scottish, British, European and World contexts

In S1 we study The Scottish wars of Independence. We examine the succession problem, Edward I’s influence over Scotland, the rise and fall of William Wallace, key battles and the reign of Robert the Bruce.

In S2 we study The Rise of Hitler and the Nazis in the first rotation. We examine the impact of the Treaty of Versailles, key factors that led to an increase in support for the Nazis, Hitler’s consolidation of power and life in Nazi Germany. In the second rotation in S2 history we study World War one. We look at the key causes of WW1, recruitment, life in the trenches and the home front. S2’s also complete a project on a topic within WW1 of their choosing.

At National 5 we look at a) Mary Queen of Scots and the Reformation  b) The Atlantic Slave Trade, and c) Lenin and the Russian Revolution. At Higher we look at Britain 1851-1951, Appeasement and the Road to War, German 1815 to 1939 and the Scottish Wars of Independence. At Advanced Higher we look at the American Civil War.

Learning skills is an important part of History and we focus on three main skills: 1) evaluating historical sources, 2) explaining the causes and impact of historical developments and 3) drawing reasoned conclusions.

Who might choose this subject?
To study at Higher a pupil should have an A or B pass at National 5. For Advanced Higher a student should have an A or B pass at Higher. For National 4 a National 3 pass is required and for National 5 a National 4 pass is required. A candidate without these requirements must speak to the Head of Humanities to attempt to come to an agreement on admission. Admission will be dependent upon attainment in the other subjects in Humanities and in English.

History can be further studied at Higher and Advanced Higher. Many History students go on to study or have a career in the law, library work, genealogy, journalism, archaeology, or museum work.

Additional Information

National 5 involves a final exam, internal assessments and an Added Value Unit. Pupils will conduct their own research in for the Added Value Unit.

National 4 does not involve a final exam. There are three internal assessments and an Added Value Unit (AVU). For the AVU pupils must research a topic of their choice and write a report on it.  The qualification is a simple pass or fail with no grades.

At National 3 level there are three written assessments that need to be passed to achieve the qualification. There is no AVU or exam.

At Higher there is an exam and an assignment to do during the year. Students will have to conduct their own research for the assignment.

At Advanced Higher there is an exam, a dissertation and internal assessments