COURSE CONTENT –What will I learn?
Elective History is open to all students.  The Elective course will focus on modern Scottish, British and European and World history.  You will build on the knowledge and skills that you developed in S1.  

In S2 and S3 you will study: 

• The Border Reivers 
• Mary, Queen of Scots 
• Britain and Empire 
• The First World War 
• The Holocaust 
• The 1980s 

We believe that the events and themes covered in the study of these topics are interesting in themselves and fundamental to understanding the world we live in today.  The course will provide you with the answers to these questions and more: 

• Where did the ‘Beef Tubs’ get their name from?
• How were Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I related?
• Why is English the first language of most white Americans and Australians?
• Where did the ‘Beef Tubs’ get their name from?
• How were Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I related?
• Why is English the first language of most white Americans and Australians?

In S4, there will also be an opportunity for interested students to participate in the annual First World War Battlefields Trip to France and Belgium. 

 

TEACHING METHODS – What will I do? 
In the History department we use a variety of teaching methods. You will be working as an individual a lot of the time, but often in pairs, groups or as a whole class.   You will certainly be doing a lot of reading and writing, but you will also do presentations, posters, debates and investigations.  Your teachers will make your learning as active and fun as possible.  History is fascinating, eye-opening, jaw-dropping and something that we hope you will love for the rest of your life.  History also teaches you many skills that you will use at university, college and in life in general, such as critical thinking, evaluating, essay writing, debating and arguing. 

 

ASSESSMENT AND HOMEWORK

ASSESSMENT
Assessment in History will focus on your knowledge and understanding, thinking skills and research, evaluation and presentation skills.   There will be regular end-of- topic tests but assessment is no longer just about tests.  There will be opportunities to show what you have learned in other ways too – for example by completing investigations, projects or even by making your own movie! 

 

HOMEWORK
Regular homework will be set, increasing as the course progresses.  History Department resources are available via Glow, which can be easily accessed from home.