Higher Modern Studies deals with contemporary issues that directly affect learners as members of a rapidly changing society. It aims to provide learners with relevant literary and analytical skills, while equipping them with the knowledge of the processes and institutions existing to allow representation within democratic systems. It tackles relevant social issues developing learners as responsible citizens. This variety of study allows them to make effective contributions and decisions in a range of settings.

The Higher Course includes the following units:

• Democracy in Scotland and the UK: the democratic processes, institutions and organisations which make up political life in Scotland and the United Kingdom.  This topic area considers voting behaviour, how the UK and Scottish Parliament hold the government to account as well as consideration of the best way to govern Scotland.

• Social inequality in the UK : including the causes and effects of inequalities as well as government policies used to tackle inequalities. Gender and race inequalities are looked at in-depth as well as health issues in Scotland.

• World Issues: the causes, impacts and international response to Underdevelopment in some African nations. 

• Skills- analysing, evaluating and synthesising a wide range of evidence to make conclusions, identify objectivity and reliability.

Higher Assignment

This assignment is worth 30 marks. This is 27% of the overall marks for the course assessment.

This assignment has two stages:

An eight hour research stage which will include:

• Identifying an issue- pupils have the opportunity to lead their own learning by selecting a topic area that interests them.
• Collecting a range of evidence from different sources such as websites, newspapers, documentaries and podcasts.
• Analysing, evaluating and synthesising information from a range of sources
• Reaching a decision while showing an awareness of alternatives.

A write up stage which must be completed within one hour and 30 minutes

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
• 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.

Higher Modern Studies course is assessed in a number of ways:

• Progress tests
• Higher Prelim Exam
• Higher Assignment

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 individuals and ensure that their needs are being met. Pupils received written feedback and next seps as well as verbal feedback. Staff report formally to parents via Tracking Reports and at parent consultations as per the school calendar.