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S1 / S2
Why We Study Modern Studies
Modern Studies looks at
the world today, society in Britain and the institutions that govern and
dominate our lives. It encourages pupils to take a lively interest in
current affairs and helps them better understand the adult world.
The Subject Skills
1
. Knowledge and understanding – Most S1 pupils see Modern Studies as a
new subject having had little experience of it in primary school. However,
those with an interest in the news quickly master this subject’s key ideas
and concepts.
2. Enquiry skills -
the ability to identify exaggeration and bias in evidence and to draw
conclusions Also gathering information on a given topic, selecting what is
relevant, and discarding the rest before presenting a clear, reasoned
report.
The
Content of the Modern Studies Course
The
S1 and S2 Course will be taught as part of a social subjects rota in two 5
week blocks (18 periods) in each of the two years.
The content will cover
the following areas with formal assessment taking place at the end of each
unit.
(a)
Representing the People/Power to the People (voting, elected
representatives, pressure groups).
(b)
Rules, Rights and Responsibilities – (law and order).
(c)
Gender Gap/Employment gap (inequalities, poverty, unemployment).
(d)
Development Gap (standards of living in Scotland and the developing
world).
The
Philosophy of the Modern Studies Department
Our immediate aim is
to provide pupils with relevant, varied and interesting tasks. We also aim
to challenge pupils to help them towards the long term goal of better grades
in S4. Pupils are introduced to the style and level of questioning commonly
used in Standard Grade Modern Studies exams to help ease the transition from
S2 to S3. For those who don’t find the work sufficiently demanding
‘Extension’ sheets are available while ‘Help’ sheets which have been
produced through collaboration with the Learning Support Department, are
available to the less able.
If you have any queries please contact
Mr J Harkness
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