S5/S6 Higher Modern Studies
Course Overview
The Higher Modern studies examines current political and social issues and builds on knowledge, literacy skills and using sources to draw conclusions.
The Higher Course includes the following units:
- Democracy in Scotland and the UK: UK Parliament Pressure Groups, Voting Systems, Voting Behaviour and Impact of the Media.
- Social Inequalities: Social Class, Poverty, Gender/Race Inequality, Welfare State.
- World Powers China: System of Government, Social and Economic issues.
- World Issues: Conflict in Syria.
Higher Assignment:
This assignment has two stages:
- A research stage which will include:
Identifying an issue; collecting a range of evidence; analysing, evaluating and synthesising information from a range of sources; reaching a decision while showing an awareness of alternatives. This stage has been designed to be capable of completion over a period of eight hours.
- A production of evidence stage which must be completed within one hour and 30 minutes
Methodology
The following methods are used to deliver the course:
- Debating
- Active learning.
- Project work.
- Co-operative learning
Assessment
Higher Modern Studies course is assessed in a number of ways:
- Unit Assessments (ongoing throughout the year)
- Higher Prelim Exam
- Higher Assignment
Recording & Reporting
Pupils will maintain a Pupil Profile Folder where assessments will be filed allowing them to reflect on their learning as they progress in the Senior Phase.
Pupils will have clearly identifiable next steps to enable them to raise their attainment.
Pupil attainment will be tracked within the Faculty and support put in place where necessary.
All Staff
Pupils will recieve regular Home Study to help develop their skills in analysing issues and answering in detail.
Home Study will usually be in the format of:
- Answering exam type questions
- Practicing skills based questions
Pupils also benefit from watching news programmes and documentaries relating to current arrairs.
Resources
Scottish and UK Parliament:
http://www.parliament.scot/
https://www.gov.uk/
Pressure Groups:
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/
http://www.cnduk.org/
http://www.ash.org.uk/
http://howardleague.org/
Crime and Law:
http://www.scotland.police.uk/
http://www.sps.gov.uk/Corporate/Prisons/Prisons.aspx
http://noknivesbetterlives.com/young-people/the-facts
World Powers USA:
https://www.usa.gov/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-34996604
https://home.nra.org/