S4 History

Course Overview

In S4, learners will continue to build on the skills and knowledge acquired during their study of History within the Broad General Education, and specifically in S3.

Germany  1933-1939

Pupils will begin by learning about Germany during 1933-1939. They will study the ways in which Hitler and the Nazis consolidated their power over the German people by use of violence, intimidation and threat. Learners will also examine the Nazis’ social and economic policies including the formation of the Hitler Youth and the treatment of Jewish people and other minority groups. We will learn about attempts to resist the Nazi regime and the difficulties faced by those who opposed.

Atlantic Slave Trade

We will then go on to look at the Atlantic Slave Trade, 1770-1807, expanding on the unit undertaken in S2 History. This unit includes a study of the nature of the British Atlantic slave trade in the late eighteenth century. Learners will examine the impact of the trade on various African Kingdoms as well as changing attitudes towards the trade in Britain, and specifically in Scotland. We will finish by learning about the pressures that led to the abolition of the Atlantic Slave Trade.

Learning and teaching approaches are:

• Focused on the learner
• Enjoyable, relevant and inclusive – enhancing the experience, achievement and attainment of all young people
• Active, allowing young people to become problem solvers in a supportive and stimulating classroom environment
• Flexible and creative, allowing for personalisation of learning
• Allow for choice and challenge
• Collaborative and co-operative, promoting quality social interaction between young people.
• Using ICT to support digital literacy whilst enhancing the curriculum

Assessment is an integral part of our teaching and learning process and we recognise that regular positive and constructive feedback is very important to help pupils progress. As a result, learners receive high-quality feedback to support their understanding of their progress in learning and what they need to do to improve.

In S4 History, assessments will often include:

• Historical Source Analysis Skills Questions (Using Past Paper and N4 equivalent questions)
• Mini-essays focussing on establishing and evaluating the key causes or impacts of historical events and issues
• End of Unit, Formal and Prelim Assessments
• Lead your own learning: Pupils undertaking National 4 History will choose an historical issue to research. They will prepare and complete an Added Value Project. N5 candidates will lead their own learning by selecting an appropriate issue to investigate as a part of the National 5 History Coursework Task

All pupil assessments are routinely graded and recorded by the teacher and the results are stored centrally, these results are used by staff to track the progress of the learners and ensure that their need are being met. Pupils also review their own attainment and are encouraged to identify ways to improve their learning. Staff report formally to parents and carers as per the school calendar.