History

Course Overview

The purpose of National 4/5 History is to open up the past for learners. History provides learners with insights into their own lives, the society and the wider world in which they live. Students will develop a range of historical skills, knowledge and understanding by studying a range of topics drawn from Scottish, British and European contexts. 

• Migration and Empire, 1830-1939 

This unit focuses on why different groups of people came to Scotland during the period 1830- 1939. Why did Irish, Lithuanian, Jewish and Italian people come to Scotland? What jobs did they do? How did they integrate into Scottish society? What problems did they face? It also examines the reasons why so many Scottish people chose to leave Scotland. Why did Scottish people emigrate to Canada, Australia, New Zealand and India? How did they contribute to developing the ‘New World’? What impact did these countries of the Empire have on Scotland? 

• The Atlantic Slave Trade, 1770-1807 

An in depth study into Britain’s role in the Atlantic slave trade. Key topics include the organisation of the triangular trade, the importance of the slave trade to Britain and the Caribbean and what the life of a slave was like. The arguments for and against the slave trade will be examined with particular focus on the abolitionist campaign. 

• Red Flag: Lenin and the Russian Revolution, 1894-1921 

Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the collapse of monarchy and the rise of Communism in Russia through the turbulent years between 1894-1921. Key topics include the fall of Tsar Nicholas II, the story of the mysterious Rasputin, the emergence of Vladimir Lenin, the rise of the Communist ideology, the February Revolution and the October Revolution. 

Learning and Teaching Approaches

History lessons are varied and active and will include activities such as evaluating historical sources, class discussion and debate, internet research and individual and group tasks. Your teacher will set clear targets for you to complete and the work will be at an appropriate level. 

Homework

You will receive homework on a regular basis. This might involve finishing off class work, practising exam questions or revising for assessments. 

Assessment Approaches

Course assessment at National 4:

• Internally assessed with no external exam

Course assessment at National 5:

• Assignment: 20 marks (20%) 

• Question Paper: 80 marks (80%)