Welcome to the Social Subjects Faculty

The Social Subjects play an important role in the new curriculum. In the Social Subjects pupils develop an understanding of the world by learning about other people and their values, in different times, places and circumstances. They also develop an understanding of the natural environment and how it has been shaped.

Contexts from Scotland to global are used for learning, while there is a growing emphasis on the historical, social, geographical, economic and political changes that have affected Scotland. Pupils learn about change in society, about conflict and about environmental issues. With greater understanding comes the opportunity and ability to influence events by exercising informed and responsible citizenship.

Members of the Faculty

 

BGE Social Subjects

RMPS

 

In S1 and S2, pupils will look at a broad selection of topics and their basis in each of the faculties. These are listed below along with how each department will be approaching it:

S1 - Scotland

• Geography - Scotland's varied landscapes.
• History - Scottish Wars of Independence
• Modern Studies - Scotland today

S1 - Globalisation

• Geography & Modern Studies - Our place in the globalised world
• History - Voyages of Discovery

S1 - Assignment

 

S2 - USA

• Geography - Human and Physical Geography, Famine and Floods, Earthquakes and Volcanoes
• History - The American West
• Modern Studies - Inequalities in the USA today

S2 - China

• Geography - Rural and urban migration
• History - Dynasties, Communism & Mao
• Modern Studies - China today

In S3 pupils will begin to look deeper at individual subjects and the topics below:

S3 

• Map Skills
• Rivers
• Development and Health

S3 History

• Jacobites
• Causes of WWI
• The Atlantic Slave Trade

S3 Modern Studies

• Social Inequalities in the UK
• Lack of Development in Africa 

Senior Phase - History

 

National 4 

What skills will my child develop?
• exploring, analysing, evaluating, problem-solving, communicating for different purposes
• a conceptual understanding of the past
• a straightforward knowledge and understanding of the factors contributing to, and the impact of, historical events
• the ability to apply a straightforward historical perspective and comment on historical sources
• investigating historical events and forming views
• explaining historical events and drawing straightforward conclusions
• selecting and researching evidence
• organising and applying learning

Assessments

To gain National 4, learners must pass all Units and the assignment
• Units are assessed as pass or fail by the school/centre (following SQA external quality assurance to meet national standards)
• Unit Assessment (or ‘evidence of learning’) could be digital or spoken presentations, posters, leaflets, extended writing, notes or podcasts.
Learners may use these to build a portfolio to show their progress through the Units.

National 5

What skills will my child develop?
• exploring, analysing, describing, explaining
• developing a detailed knowledge and understanding of historical themes and events
• evaluating the impact of historical developments
• evaluating the origin, purpose, content/context of historical sources
• handling a variety of primary and secondary sources eg print, photographs, artefacts, newspaper archives, oral recordings
• comparing and contextualising those sources and drawing reasoned conclusions from them
• presenting information and views
• researching, organising and analysing information
• decision-making and problem-solving
• communicating for different purposes
• thinking independently

Assessment

To gain National 5, learners must pass all Units and the Course Assessment (the Assignment and the Question Paper)
• Units are assessed by schools/centres (following SQA external quality assurance)
• Unit Assessment (or ‘evidence of learning’) could be digital or spoken presentations, posters, leaflets, extended writing, notes or podcasts. Learners may use these to build a portfolio to show their progress through the Units
• The Course Assessment consists of the Assignment (a report on a historical issue of the learner’s own choice, researched in advance and written up under controlled conditons) and a Question Paper (exam).
Both are marked by the SQA and will be graded A to D.

Higher

Skills

• Learners will be able to:
• develop a conceptual understanding of the past and an ability to think independently
• apply a detailed historical perspective in a range of contexts
• analyse various interpretations of historical sources and critically evaluate a variety of views
• understand the relationship between factors contributing to, and the impact of, historical events
• analyse, evaluate and synthesise historical information • research complex historical issues, drawing well-reasoned conclusions

Opportunities for Learners

Learners will be able to:

• develop a coherent and balanced understanding of Scottish, British, European and world history
• develop thinking skills
• develop skills in literacy through using and synthesising information in a variety of ways
• research and investigate themes and events
• synthesise information from a wide range of sources to produce detailed and reasoned lines of argument

Assessment 

• To gain Higher History, learners must pass the three Units and the Course Assessment (Assignment and Question Paper for 90 marks)
• Units are assessed as pass or fail by the school/centre and are quality assured by the SQA. Achievement of Units is recorded on the learner's qualifications certificate
• The SQA has provided examples of Unit assessments that teachers/lecturers can use as they are, or adapt to suit the needs of their learners
• The Course Assessment consists of an Assignment (30 marks) and a Question Paper (exam for 60 marks) which is in three sections (see below). These are marked externally by the SQA
• Higher History is graded from A to D or as No Award

Question Paper

• Section 1 Scottish - source handling (36 marks)
• Section 2 British - extended response questions (20 marks)
• Section 3 European and World - extended response questions (22 marks)

Assignment

The Assignment will assess skills. Learners will research an appropriate historical issue or question of their own choice and write it up as a report, under timed conditions. 

Adv Higher

Senior Phase - Geography

 National 4 

What skills will my child develop?
• straightforward knowledge and understanding of our changing world and its human and physical processes
• a range of geographical skills, techniques and experiences including fieldwork and practical activities
• straightforward understanding of spatial relationships and of the changing world in a balanced, critical and sympathetic way
• a geographical perspective on environmental and social issues
• an open mind and respect for other values, beliefs and cultures
• an interest in, and concern for, the environment, leading to sustainable development and environmental stewardship
• using, interpreting and explaining a range of geographical information and geographical phenomena including maps and data
• the ability to investigate, research, critically evaluate and communicate information and findings
• an awareness of geographical information systems (eg using ICT)

Assessments

To gain National 4, learners must pass all Units
• Units are assessed as pass or fail by the school/centre (following SQA external quality assurance to meet national standards)
• Unit assessment (or ‘evidence of learning’) might include digital or oral presentations, recorded DVD/video, written work, podcasts, wall displays.

A portfolio of work may be prepared
• The Added Value Unit (Assignment) will involve learners in selecting, researching and presenting findings on an issue of their choice, applying their knowledge and understanding.

National 5

What skills will my child develop?
• detailed knowledge and understanding of our changing world and its human and physical processes
• a range of geographical skills, techniques and experiences including fieldwork and practical activities
• detailed understanding of spatial relationships and of the changing world in a balanced, critical and sympathetic way
• a geographical perspective on environmental and social issues
• an open mind and respect for other values, beliefs and cultures
• an interest in, and concern for, the environment, leading to sustainable development and environmental stewardship
• using, interpreting and explaining a range of geographical information and geographical phenomena including maps and data
• the ability to investigate, research, critically evaluate and communicate information and findings
• an awareness of geographical information systems (eg using ICT)

Assessment

To gain National 5, learners must pass all Units and the Course Assessment (Assignment and Question Paper)
• Units are assessed as pass or fail by the school/centre (following SQA external quality assurance to meet national standards)
• Unit assessment (or ‘evidence of learning’) might include more in-depth digital or oral presentations, recorded DVD/video, written work, podcasts, wall displays.

A portfolio of work may be prepared
• The Course Assessment consists of an Assignment and a Question Paper(exam marked by the SQA). The Assignment will involve learners in selecting, researching and presenting findings on an issue of their choice, applying their knowledge and understanding. It will be written up under timed conditions (one hour). The Course Assessment is marked by the
SQA and is graded A to D.

Higher

Skills
Learners will be able to:
• use a wide range of geographical skills and techniques
• understand the complexity of ways in which people and the environment interact in response to physical and human processes on local, national, international and global scales
• understand spatial relationships and the complexity of the changing world in a balanced, critical and sympathetic way
• develop a geographical perspective on environmental and social issues and their significance
• develop an interest in, understanding of, and concern for the environment and sustainable development

Opportunities for Learners
Learners will be able to:
• use, interpret, evaluate and analyse a wide range of geographical information
• interpret and explain complex geographical phenomena
• use a wide range of maps and other data to process and communicate complex geographical information
• develop research skills, including fieldwork
• develop an awareness of a range of geographical information systems through ICT or alternative means

Assessment
• To gain Higher Geography, learners must pass the three Units and the Course Assessment (Assignment and Question Paper for 90 marks)
• Units are assessed as pass or fail by the school/centre and are quality assured by the SQA. Achievement of Units is recorded on the learner's qualifications certificate
• The SQA has provided examples of Unit assessments that teachers/lecturers can use as they are, or adapt to suit the needs of learners
• The Course Assessment consists of an Assignment (30 marks) and a Question Paper (exam for 60 marks) which is in four sections (see below). These are marked externally by the SQA
• Higher Geography is graded from A to D or as No Award.

Question Paper

There are four sections:

• one for each of the three Unit topics
• one on the application of geographical skills

Assignment

Learners will research a geographical issue of their choice and will write up a report on their research under timed conditions.

Advanced Higher

Environmental Science

Travel and Tourism

Senior Phase - Modern Studies

 National 4 

What skills will my child develop?
• straightforward knowledge and understanding of the main democratic processes, institutions and organisations in Scotland
and/or the UK
• straightforward knowledge and understanding of social and economic issues at local, Scottish, national and international levels
and ways of addressing needs and inequalities
• awareness of different views about the extent of state involvement in society
• the ability to detect and explain bias and exaggeration
• an awareness of the nature and processes of conflict resolution
• straightforward understanding of human and legal rights and responsibilities and their application in different societies
• a range of research and information handling skills
• the ability to draw valid conclusions from evidence
• critical thinking skills such as explaining, analysing, evaluating

Assessments

To gain National 4, learners must pass all Units
• Units are assessed as pass or fail by the school/centre (following SQA external quality assurance to meet national standards)
• Unit assessment (or ‘evidence of learning’) might include digital or oral presentations, recorded DVD/video, written work, podcasts, wall displays, extended writing. A portfolio of work may be prepared
• The Added Value Unit (Assignment) will involve learners in selecting, researching and presenting findings on an issue of their choice, applying their knowledge and understanding.

National 5

What skills will my child develop?
• detailed knowledge and understanding of the main democratic processes, institutions and organisations in Scotland and/or the UK
• detailed knowledge and understanding of social and economic issues at local, Scottish, national and international levels and ways
of addressing needs and inequalities
• awareness of different views about the extent of state involvement in society
• the ability to detect and explain bias and exaggeration
• an awareness of the nature and processes of conflict resolution
• straightforward understanding of human and legal rights and responsibilities and their application in different societies
• a range of research and information handling skills
• the ability to draw valid conclusions from evidence
• critical thinking skills such as explaining, analysing, evaluating

Assessments

To gain National 5, learners must pass all Units and the Course Assessment (Assignment and Question Paper)
• Units are assessed as pass or fail by the school/centre (following SQA external quality assurance to meet national standards)
• Unit assessment (or ‘evidence of learning’) might include more in-depth digital or oral presentations, recorded DVD/video, written work, podcasts, wall displays, extended writing. A portfolio of work may be prepared
• The Course Assessment consists of an Assignment and a Question Paper. Learners will research a topical issue and write up their findings (in timed conditions of one hour). The Course Assessment will be marked by the SQA and graded A to D.

Higher

Skills
Learners will be able to:
• develop a range of research and evaluation skills
• understand the democratic process and complex political issues
• understand complex social and economic issues at local, Scottish, national and international levels
• understand different views about the extent of state involvement in society
• understand the nature and processes of conflict resolution
• understand the importance of human and legal rights and responsibilities and their application in different societies

Opportunities for Learners
Learners will be able to:
• achieve an understanding of contemporary society and their place in it
• research, understand and use a wide range of evidence on contemporary issues
• evaluate, analyse and synthesise evidence in order to detect and explain the degree of objectivity
• make and justify decisions and draw conclusions with supporting evidence
• construct complex arguments in a balanced and structured way
• communicate, by a variety of means, views, opinions, decisions and conclusions based on evidence

Assessment
• To gain Higher Modern Studies, learners must pass the three Units and the Course Assessment (Assignment and Question Paper for 90 marks)
• Units are assessed as pass or fail by the school/centre and are quality assured by the SQA. Achievement of Units is recorded on the learner's qualifications certificate
• The SQA has provided examples of Unit assessments that teachers/lecturers can use as they are, or adapt to suit the needs of their learners
• The Course Assessment consists of an Assignment (30 marks) and a Question Paper (exam for 60
marks) which is in three sections (see below). These are marked externally by the SQA
• Higher Modern Studies is graded from A to D or as No Award.

Question Paper

The Question Paper has three sections, one on each Unit.
There will be a choice of essay questions and optional topics.

Assignment

Learners will research a contemporary issue and write it up under timed conditions.

 

Adv Higher

 

Career Pathways - RMPS

This is a very important time for our pupils and it is important that as much advice as possible is available from staff, Skills Development Scotland and parents/carers. This will enable our senior pupils to make informed decisions regarding their education and course choices. For pupils returning in S5 and S6 it is vital that they consider the commitment to study which is required in the senior school. Our curriculum is structured to allow for a wide variety of courses and levels of study.

It is important that all pupils have considered in advance why they have chosen to return to school and that they are being focused on their intended destination.

Career Pathways - History

This is a very important time for our pupils and it is important that as much advice as possible is available from staff, Skills Development Scotland and parents/carers. This will enable our senior pupils to make informed decisions regarding their education and course choices. For pupils returning in S5 and S6 it is vital that they consider the commitment to study which is required in the senior school. Our curriculum is structured to allow for a wide variety of courses and levels of study.

It is important that all pupils have considered in advance why they have chosen to return to school and that they are being focused on  their intended destination.

Career Pathways - Geography

This is a very important time for our pupils and it is important that as much advice as possible is available from staff, Skills Development Scotland and parents/carers. This will enable our senior pupils to make informed decisions regarding their education and course choices. For pupils returning in S5 and S6 it is vital that they consider the commitment to study which is required in the senior school. Our curriculum is structured to allow for a wide variety of courses and levels of study.

It is important that all pupils have considered in advance why they have chosen to return to school and that they are being focused on their intended destination.

Career Pathways - Modern Studies

This is a very important time for our pupils and it is important that as much advice as possible is available from staff, Skills Development Scotland and parents/carers. This will enable our senior pupils to make informed decisions regarding their education and course choices. For pupils returning in S5 and S6 it is vital that they consider the commitment to study which is required in the senior school. Our curriculum is structured to allow for a wide variety of courses and levels of study. 

It is important that all pupils have considered in advance why they have chosen to return to school and that they are being focused on their intended destination.

Celebrating Success

social studies ethos.pdf

 

Remote Learning - Links

Bell Baxter Resources

Modern Studies Department on Twitter

Follow the Modern Studies department for all the latest information on what is happening in and around the school related to current affairs. Here we will post updates to events, projects and achievements by all pupils and staff. An interesting way to stay up to date with everything that is happening in the school and around the world. Use the link or @BBHSModStudies

Bell Baxter YouTube

Join us for updates on everything that is happening around the school. From pupil productions to updates on events and activities, we hope to keep you updated as best we can. You'll also find helpful guides and tutorials for pupils and adults on how to use programmes such as Glow, Teams and much more. 

 

External Resources

BBC Bytesize

What is Bitesize?

BBC Bitesize is a free online study support resource designed to help with learning, revision and homework! It provides support for learners aged 5 to 16+ across a wide range of school subjects. It also supports children and young people’s wellbeing and career choices. It is suitable for all ages and subjects across the curriculum.

National Parent Forum of Scotland

The Forum works in partnership with national and local government and other organisations involved in education and child wellbeing issues to ensure that parents play a full and equal role in education. The overall aim is to help every child to maximise their potential through their school life. The Forum also offers the handy Nationals in a Nutshell documents, which break down courses into understandable facts and information.

 

Apps

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is how teachers will communicate with pupils outwith of school. Each teacher will set up their classes through Teams and issue homework, handouts, and assignments in this manner. Teams is available as an app on most devices, as well as through Glow. We recommend that pupils use the app to access their work.

 

Click on this link to access information on how to MANAGE TEAMS.. 

Click on this link to access information on how to CHECK NOTEBOOK FOR WORK.

Click on this link to access information on how to HAND IN WORK WITH ASSIGNMENTS.

 

Office Lens

Office Lens is a handy app hat turns your smart device into a scanner. This can be used for scanning work from the whiteboard in school or any assignments completed at home. It is part of the Microsoft suite so it has Teams integration, making submitting work easier. It is also helpful for maintaining and organising notes from jotters and loose leaf paper.