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

The units undertaken in S4 Modern Studies are:

Social Issues: Crime and Law

• The Nature of Crime
• Levels of Crime in Scotland – the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey
• Social, Economic and Biological Causes of Crime
• Consequences of crime on the Victim, Offender, Families, Communities, Wider Society
• the Scottish Criminal Court System – Different types of Criminal Courts and Sentencing Powers
• Government & Police Responses to Crime and the effectiveness of these responses
• The Scottish Prison System (Custodial Sentences)
• Non-Custodial Sentences

Democracy in Scotland

• Features of a Democracy
• How can people participate in a democracy?

• Election Campaigns
• Role and Powers of the First Minister
• Role and Responsibilities of MSPs
• Representation within the Scottish Parliament
• Electoral Systems (AMS)
• Influence of Pressure Groups & the Media

World Powers: the USA

• America’s Political System and the ability of individuals to participate
• America’s political, military and economic influence on other countries
• Social and Economic Issues in America including poverty, health, education, crime
• Effectiveness of policies in tackling social and economic inequalities in America

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 Modern Studies, assessments will often include:

• Skills Questions – Drawing conclusions, Supporting/Opposing a viewpoint using evidence, Decision-making supported by evidence (Using Past Paper and N4 equivalent questions)
• End of Unit, Formal and Prelim Assessments
• Lead your own learning: Pupils undertaking National 4 Modern Studies will choose a current issue to research and make a recommendation on. 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 Modern Studies 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.