S2 Modern Studies
Course Overview
The S2 course reflects the Experiences and Outcomes from Curriculum for Excellence in Social Studies; People in society, economy and business. The course is designed to promote active learning, thinking skills and problem solving in relevant contemporary contexts.
The S2 Course includes the following units: World Powers:
- North Korea: an examination of a dictatorship.
- World Powers: South Africa: an introduction to Apartheid, social and economic inequalities and the legacy of Mandela.
- Human Rights: examining rights and responsibilities as well as human rights issues worldwide.
- Pressure groups: an introduction to pressure groups and their influence on decision making.
- China: Interdisciplinary Learning.
Methodology
The following methods are used to deliver the course:
- World Powers: South Africa – creative project on Mandela.
- Human Rights- ‘You Choose’ project whereby pupils identify a global issue and investigate its impact.
- World Powers: North Korea- writing a newspaper article to expose life in NK
- Pressure Groups- personal research.
- China IDL
The S2 course include a variety of methodologies including active learning, co-operative learning, ICT research and pupils leading learning within their classes.
Assessment
The S2 Modern Studies course is assessed in a number of ways:
- World Powers North Korea: Newspaper article.
- Mandela creative Project
- South Africa written assessment
- Human Rights: Child Soldiers newspaper article
- Pressure groups: Written assessment
Recording & Reporting
Pupils will maintain a Pupil Profile folder where assessments and classwork will be filed allowing them to reflect on their learning as they progress in the Broad General Education.
Pupils will have clearly identifiable next steps to enable them to raise their attainment.
Resources
South Africa:
http://www.nelsonmandela.org/content/page/biography
http://www.bbc.co.uk/timelines/ztd26sg
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14094760
Human Rights:
http://www.unicef.org.uk/
http://www.amnesty.org.uk/
https://secure.savethechildren.org.uk
North Korea
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15256929
Pressure Groups:
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/
http://www.cnduk.org/
http://www.ash.org.uk/