AWARD RECEIVED:
National 4 Modern Studies is an SVQF Level 4 course.
National 5 Modern Studies is an SVQF Level 5 course. 

 

ENTRY LEVEL: What do I need to do it? 

• You do not need to have done S2/3 Modern Studies to do National 4 or 5 Modern Studies.   
• Anyone can choose Modern Studies at the end of S3 and most pupils will be able to do National 4 or 5.   
• S3 teachers will tell you what your recommended level of study would be at the end of S3. 
• The same topics are covered for National 4 and 5 and a decision about your final level will be made towards the end of S4. 

 

COURSE CONTENT:  What will I learn?
There are three units for National 4 and 5:  

 Unit 1 – Democracy in Scotland
This unit will introduce you to contemporary political life in Scotland. The types of representatives and how they work for their constituents will be reflected upon first. You will then look at Scotland’s main political parties and electoral systems. 

Unit 2 – Crime and Law
This unit covers a broad range of issues relating to crime. Firstly, you will have to consider what constitutes a crime in society. Then you will analyse what the main causes of crime are. Finally, how Scotland manages criminal offences and offenders will be evaluated and discussed.  

 Unit 3 – Terrorism
In the International Issues unit, pupils can study any topic which is relevant and impacts many countries. In Peebles High School we study International Terrorism. Terrorism has grown in the last 20 years, both in the UK and further afield, making it an incredibly important issue to study in S4. You will begin by looking at the various causes of terrorism, and then move on to examine the negative impacts terrorism has on individuals, countries, and the wider international community. Finally, you will analyse the different attempts that have been made to tackle terrorism and evaluate how successful these attempts have been. 

 

 TEACHING METHODS: What will I do? 
In the Modern Studies department you will be working as an individual for much of the time, however, paired, group and whole class activities will also take place. The lessons will focus on developing your reading and writing skills through participating in presentations, debates, investigations and so on.  Your teachers will endeavour to make your learning as active and fun as possible.  Modern Studies also teaches you many skills that you will use at university and in later life. 

 

ASSESSMENT: How will I be assessed? 

	National 4	National 5
Added Value  (This is SQA language for a piece of course-work.)	The Added value for National 4 is a project based one of the three units above.  This will be marked by your teacher.	The Added Value for National 5 is an assignment in which you study a topic of your choice. Pupils must then complete a one hour exam on the assignment, which is marked by the SQA.  It is worth 20% of your final mark.
Exam	There is no end of course exam for National 4 Modern Studies.     To achieve a National 4 qualification in Modern Studies, you will need to pass all three unit assessments and your Added Value Project.	There is an end of course exam for National 5 Modern Studies.  This lasts 140 minutes, is worth 80% of your final mark and is marked by the SQA.

 

HOMEWORK:
You will be given regular homework for National 4 and 5 Modern Studies, which will be posted on Show My Homework.  Extra study will also be required for class tests.  The Modern Studies Department also has a Glow group for sharing resources which can be accessed easily from home. 

 

PROGRESSION IN THE SENIOR PHASE:
A National 4 pass could lead to National 5 in S5.
A National 5 pass could lead to Higher in S5.