This course has three mandatory units designed to develop knowledge and understanding of various themes and concepts but also to develop skills for learning, life and work.  Pupils will study: 

The Era of the Great War (1900 - 1928) – in this unit pupils will study the experiences of Scots during the Great War and it's impact on life in Scotland.  Pupils will learn about Scots on the Western Front and their experiences of life in the trenches as well as looking at the development of new technology during this time.  They will also study the domestic impact of war in terms of society and culture; industry and economy; and politics at the time.

The Atlantic Slave Trade - in this unit pupils will study the nature of the British Atlantic slave trade in the late 18th century.  Pupils will discover the reasons for the changing attitudes towards slavery in Britain and the pressures that led to its abolition. 

Free at Last? Civil rights in the USA - this will involve a study of the development of race relations in the USA during the years 1918-68.  Pupils will study the impact of Jim Crow laws and the activities of the KKK.  Within this context the growing demands for civil rights will be explored.  Particular attention will be given to the key individuals involved (e.g. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Stokely Carmichael).  

Within all units there will be ample opportunities for pupils to develop analytical skills through working with a variety of sources. 

Depending on their level of study, pupils can progress through the National Levels or move on to the Higher course.