Modern Studies
National 4/National 5
Course Overview
AIMS OF THE COURSE
Modern Studies opens up the world of contemporary society for pupils. The purpose of Modern Studies is to develop learners’ knowledge and understanding of contemporary political and social issues in local, Scottish, United Kingdom and International contexts. Through such studies pupils will form an appreciation of the changing nature of modern society, rights and responsibilities, while developing the skills to interpret and participate in the social and political processes they will encounter now and in the future.
COURSE CONTENT
This Course has three mandatory Units; Democracy in Scotland and the United Kingdom, Social Issues in the United Kingdom and International Issues. Within each Unit there is a considerable degree of flexibility in contexts and themes which can be studied.
HOMEWORK REQUIREMENTS
Throughout the course pupils will be given regular homework to enhance their study skills and prepare for unit assessments. Homework can take a number of different formats, for example, completing course work, revision or research tasks.
Faculty Principal Teacher
Mr N Bentley
Assessment Methods
National 4
All Units for courses at National 4 Level will be internally assessed on a pass or fail basis. Assessments will be taken on a Unit-by-Unit basis or through combined assessment. Learners at National 4 are also required to pass an Added Value assessment to gain a full course award. At National 4 Level added value will be assessed internally.
National 5
This course assessment has two components:
-Component 1: question paper
-Component 2: assignment
The question paper has three sections. Each section has two optional parts and in each option, candidates must answer four questions: three questions assess knowledge and understanding; the fourth question assesses evaluating skills using sources.
- Democracy in Scotland and the United Kingdom
- Social Issues in the United Kingdom
- International Issues
The question paper component has 80 marks out of a total of 100 marks for course assessment. The question paper is therefore worth 80% of the overall marks for the course assessment.
The assignment allows candidates to demonstrate challenge and application by demonstrating the following skills, knowledge and understanding:
¨ choosing, with minimum support, an appropriate Modern Studies topic or issue
¨ finding at least two sources, of different types, as independently as possible, and collecting relevant evidence from them
¨ evaluating the effectiveness of the two sources used, commenting on their specific strengths and weaknesses
¨ applying Modern Studies skills to the evidence collected
¨ drawing on knowledge and understanding to explain and analyse key features of the topic or issue
¨ reaching a well-supported conclusion, supported by evidence, about the topic or issue
The assignment component has 20 marks out of a total of 100 marks for course assessment. The assignment is therefore worth 20% of the overall marks for the course assessment.
Learning and Teaching Approaches
A variety of learning and teaching approaches will be used throughout the course including: teacher exposition; group work; discussion; individualised learning; evaluation of source material; personal and group research and problem solving; self-evaluation and peer assessment.
Progression Pathways
Through completing this course it is expected that pupils will develop broad, generic skills for life, work and learning. Thinking skills, literacy, numeracy and employability, enterprise and citizenship skills will be developed to a level appropriate with the level of Course undertaken.
This course or its components may provide progression to: other SQA qualifications in the Social Studies suite of Courses, further study, or entry into employment or training for a diverse range of occupations and careers.
National 4 Pass:
National 5 Modern Studies
National 5 A or B: