History

In S3 this course is optional

Why study History?

Young people are naturally curious about the past. We are all here because of what happened in the past. History encourages this curiosity and provides the facts and skills to explore and understand how people in societies and countries lived and changed.

History is a form of time travel. If you know about the past you can understand societies, you can learn by past deeds, and you can look forward in an informed way. History trains your mind and teaches you how to think and process information, to look beyond the headlines, to ask questions properly and express your own opinions. History improves literacy skills. History gives you skills employers look for.

Where does this course lead to in S4?

In S4 you will study a one-year course leading to an SQA qualification at one of the levels National 3, National 4 or National 5 in History.

What will you study in this course?

There are three main units of study:

The assassination of JFK – pupils will study the long period of tension between the democracies of the Western World and the communist countries of Eastern Europe. This will lead to one of the most infamous moments in history - the murder of president John F Kennedy. Pupils will investigate the scene of the crime, examine the range of suspects and their motives, in order to come to a conclusion about the murder based on clear factual evidence.
The Scottish Wars of Independence - pupils will learn about the succession crisis which led to the legacy of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. They will study three major battles (Stirling Bridge, Falkirk and Bannockburn), and identify causes and consequences of these events in Scottish history.
Revolutions - pupils will study three key revolutions throughout history: the American, the French and the Russian revolution. They will be able to identify the causes of a revolution, analyse the historical context of each revolution and be able to explain how countries can create positive change.

You will also pick up historical skills which will help you in other subjects and daily life:

Using primary and secondary historical sources and documents
Research skills (gathering, processing and interpreting information)
Presentation of quality information in imaginative ways

Assessment in this course

You will be assessed in class on a daily basis. Copies or photographs of some of your work will be collected and kept in an evidence file. There will also be an assessment at the end of each block of work. The skills that you will need if you decide to study this subject in S4 will be introduced to you throughout the year. You will keep a record of your progress and skills.

Homework in this course

Homework is usually given to consolidate and revise skills previously learned. Sometimes a homework task is given to allow you to prepare for a future lesson or to broaden your knowledge. You will be given written homework to complete for most topics. You will be issued with some homework most weeks.

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