Humanities

Higher Geography

Description

The course develops pupils’ understanding of our changing world, its human interactions and physical processes. Practical activities, including fieldwork, provide opportunities for pupils to interact with their environment. The study of geography encourages positive lifelong attitudes of environmental stewardship, sustainability and global citizenship. The course provides pupils with the skills, knowledge and understanding to contribute effectively to their local communities and wider society. The contexts for study are local, national, international and global. Pupils develop a wide range of geographical skills and techniques and an understanding of the complex ways in which people and the environment interact in response to physical and human processes on a local, national, international and global scale.

 Pupils will study:

•  Geographical skills (mapping, transects, cross sections, research & fieldwork skills)

•  Physical environments ( Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere, Biosphere)

•  Human environments ( Population, Rural area, Urban areas)

•  Global issues (Global climate change, Development and Health)

Entry Requirement

While there are no official requirements for entry , pupils would be expected to have achieved a strong pass in National 5 Geography or another social subject or science (A/B grading).  Exceptions can be made dependant on pupil circumstances.

Assessment

Externally assessed by SQA  and consists of :

46% - Physical and Human Environments Exam

27% - Global Issues and geographical skills

27% - Assignment (AVU)

The cumulation of these three elements will provide pupils with a grading at Higher.

In addition to this all pupils are assessed regularly at the end of each topic to gain experience of answering Higher level questions and applying the skills they have learned in class.

Units

We also offer unit outcomes at Higher level for pupils who may not perform well in the final exam. This ensures that they obtain some qualifications from the course.

Final Exam

There are two exams:

Component 1: Physical and Human Environments - 1 hour 50 minutes

Component 2: Global Issues and Geographical Skills - 1 hour and 10 minutes

Higher History

Description

This course provides an opportunity for pupils to deepen their knowledge and understanding of historical topics. Pupils will also develop analysis, evaluation, and literacy skills. They will do this through the completion of three units.  

Higher History Units:

• USA 1918-1968 (immigration to the USA; civil rights movement; Wall Street Crash)

• Britian 1851-1951 (development of democracy; votes for women; social reforms)

• Migration and Empire 1830-1939 (why Scots emigrated; experience of immigrants in Scotland; the impact of Scots on the Empire; the impact of the Empire on Scotland)

• 
  

Entry Requirement

An A-C for any Humanities National 5 (History, Modern Studies, Geography, RMPS) and pupils should be currently sitting, or have passed, Higher English.

Assessment

Pupils have to complete an assignment during class time and an external exam. It is also possible for pupils to complete Higher Units in class time.

Final Exam

There is a final exam, split into 2 papers: one essay based and one skills based. Pupils have 1 hour 30 minutes for each paper.

Higher Modern Studies

Description

This course aims to expand on pupils' knowledge of current political and social issues in local and international contexts. 

Topics covered

• Democracy in Scotland and the UK

• Social inequality in Scotland and the UK

• International issues: underdevelopment in Africa

Entry Requirement

Pupils must have gained a National 5 level qualification in Modern Studies or a National 5 level qualification in any of the other Humanities subjects. If pupils have not previously studied any of the humanities subjects at National 5 level then a qualification in National 5 or Higher English may be accepted subject to a discussion with the Faculty head.

Assessment

You will be required to sit three unit assessments- one on each of the areas studied. You will also be required to complete an Assignment which is an independent research project. The assignment is worth 27% of your overall grade.

Units

We also offer unit outcomes at SCQF level 6 for pupils who may not perform well in the final exam. This ensures that they obtain some qualifications from the course.

Final exam

There are two SQA  exams the pupils will sit at the end of the course Paper 1 (essays) is 1hr 45 minutes and Paper 2 (Enquiry skills) is 1hr 15 minutes.

NPA Criminology SCQF Level 5

Description

This course introduces learners to criminology, including its history, the role of the media and crime prevention. It also develops knowledge and understanding of the way crime and criminal justice operate.

Topics covered

• History and development of Criminology

• Crime and the Community

• Social issues in Scotland/the UK

Entry Requirement

Pupils should have obtained a National 5 English Qualification or a National 5 qualification in a Humanities or literacy based subject.

Assessment

You are assessed in a number of different ways including extended questions, reports, essays and presentations. You must pass all of the outcomes to obtain the NPA Criminology qualifications.

Final exam

There is no final exam for this course.

Scottish Studies Level 5

Description

This course provides the opportunity for pupils to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of a range of topics related to Scotland. Throughout the year pupils will complete 4 topics relating to Scotland’s History, tourism industry, representation on film, and an area of their choice.

Scottish Studies Units:

·      Scottish Wars of Independence (History)

·      Visit Scotland (Travel and Tourism)

·      Scotland on Screen (Media)

·      Scotland in Focus (project based, pupil choice)

Entry Requirement

No qualifications required.

Assessment

Pupils complete classwork throughout the year that contributes to their final pass/fail grade. Part of this includes completing an independent research project on a Scottish topic of their choice.

Final Exam

There is no final exam for this course.

Leadership/Personal Development/Employability Level 5

Description

This course helps pupils to learn and demonstrate important life skills such as effective communication and organisation whilst learning to lead a basic subject based session/activities to younger people, their peers within a school or community setting.

Modules Covered

• Leadership: An Introduction

• Leadership In Practice

• Practical Abilities

• Self in the Community

• Self and Work

• Self Awareness

Entry Requirement

There are no entry requirements for this course.

Assessment

Pupils complete classwork throughout the year that contributes to their final pass/fail grade. Part of this includes completing a group project to demonstrate and nurture their leadership abilities.

Final Exam

There is no external exam for this course.