HISTORY (Higher)

What are the aims of this course?

The aim of this course is to foster breadth and depth in the knowledge and understanding of historical themes and to develop skills of explaining historical developments and events, evaluating sources and drawing conclusions.

Learners will develop skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work.

What are the recommended entry levels for this course?

Learners should have a National 5 pass at History (or equivalent). Learners may decide to embark upon this course without a History qualification but they should have a National 5 pass in an associated discipline and a National 5 pass in English.

What content is included in this course?

Learners will study material from three contexts: Scottish, British and European and the World.  In the Scottish context, learners will study the Scottish Wars of Independence, 1249-1328.  In the British context the focus will be on Britain, 1851-1951, a study of the development of the United Kingdom into a modern democracy and the development of the role of the state in the welfare of its citizens, illustrating the themes of authority, ideology and rights. The European and the World context will consider USA, 1918-1968, a study of the growing tensions in American society, focusing on racial divisions, economic difficulties, the growth of federal powers and the struggle for civil rights, illustrating the themes of ideology, identity and rights.

What skills will I develop?

Learners will be encouraged to construct and sustain lines of argument which reflect the complexity of the issue they address.  They will present conclusions in a clear way, while reflecting the complexity of the issue under consideration. Their tasks will involve them evaluating historical sources in terms of authorship/origin, possible purpose, content and context and their lessons will lead to their participation in debate and discussion, through which attitudes of open-mindedness and tolerance are fostered.  By the end of the course they will be able to adopt a structured approach to the research of a historical issue.

What learning and teaching approaches will I experience?

Learners will experience a range of learning experiences and teaching approaches.  They will be encouraged to work co-operatively with others and also to work individually to allow opportunities for exercising judgement and taking responsibility for their learning. The course allows students to access consider and comment on a variety of primary sources, an experience which will benefit all those who wish to move on to Further or Higher Education. Resources are varied – ranging from Smartboard interactive lessons through DVDs to the more traditional textbook and factsheets.

How will I be assessed?

The Course Assessment is made up of a question paper and an assignment. The learner’s grade will be determined by the Course Assessment.

The exam is split into two papers.

Paper 1: is the Scottish paper worth 36 marks.

Paper 2: is the British, European and World History paper worth 44 marks.

The assignment is externally assessed and worth 30 marks.  Pupils will also be regulary assessed throughout the course.

What are the homework requirements?

Set homework is issued periodically, but students are reminded that homework is a standing obligation in this subject.  Regular and consistent revision of notes is an important factor in the development of skills and is an important factor in eventual success in the external examination.