What are the aims of this course?

These courses aim to provide learners with insights into their own lives and the society in which they live.  By examining the past, learners will discover their heritage as members of a community, a country and a wider world.  Learners will be encouraged to develop a life-long interest in the subject of history that will enhance their understanding of the society in which they live.

What will I be learning about in this course?

Learners will study topics that will allow them to build on their learning, develop their understanding of Scotland’s past, and set Scotland’s history in both a British and an international context.  Learners will consider the political, economic and cultural place of the Scottish Highlands in Scotland’s past.  They will move on to consider how Scotland became involved in the Great War, and the impact of this conflict on Scottish society.  Learners will consider the impact of the Industrial Revolution on Britain as a whole, considering not only the nature of work, but how the changes affected the spheres of health, housing, transport and the politics of the country.  Finally, learners will consider the growth and the impact of Nazism in Germany between 1918 and 1939.

What skills will I develop?

Learners will develop the ability to think independently, while acquiring the knowledge and understanding of historical themes.  Learners will also evaluate historical sources, drawing conclusions as well as extracting information.  As learners’ knowledge develops, they will show empathy with people living in other time periods.  Learners will be encouraged to debate issues and, on the basis of evidence, form views and respect those of others.

What learning and teaching approaches will I experience?

Students 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.  Resources are varied – ranging from Smartboard interactive lessons through visual presentations to the more traditional textbook and factsheets.

How will I be assessed?

Throughout the Broad General Education phase, assessment will focus on the application of standards and on the expectations that are made of each learner. These assessments will consider not just knowledge and understanding but also skills, attitudes and capabilities as detailed in the Experiences and Outcomes in this subject area.  Learners will be made aware of these standards before undertaking these assessment tasks. Assessment will take place in both formal settings, as well as in those activities which naturally arise in the learning environment. By the end of S3, learners will be supported in assessments which will allow for greater breadth, challenge and application.

Units at National 4 will be internally assessed on a unit-by-unit basis (Scottish, British, Europe and World).  They will be assessed on a pass/fail basis within this centre.  There will also be an Assignment in which learners will research and communicate findings on a theme drawn from the course.  Learners will be able to exercise choice in the selection of their Assignment.

At National 5, learners will also be externally assessed by a question paper and an assignment.  The question paper will be completed under exam conditions and will be 2 hours and 20 minutes long, and the assignment will be conducted under exam conditions in an hour. Allocation of marks will be 80% to the question paper and 20% to the assignment.  The Course assessment is graded A–D.

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.

What might this course lead to in the future?

At this stage in the student’s career, it is important to attain as good a set of grades as he or she possibly can.  This will allow further progression into the field or fields which interest them.  However, the study of History is often seen as a vital component in the fields of law, social science or journalism.  Any study or career which demands the careful and coherent presentation of argument would look favourably on a qualification in History.