Higher History

DURATION

1 year /240 Hours

COURSEWORK

Assignment 30% of award

EXAM

Question Papers 70% of award

COST

no cost

What will you learn?

To develop breadth and depth in knowledge and understanding of historical themes and to develop skills of explaining developments and events, evaluating sources and drawing conclusions. To foster a lifelong interest in History. The three units we will study are:

  1. 1. MIGRATION AND EMPIRE, 1830 - 1939

A study of population movement and social and economic change in Scotland and abroad between 1830 and 1939, illustrating the themes of empire, migration and identity.

  • The migration of Scots

  • The experience of immigrants in Scotland

  • The impact of Scots emigrants on the Empire

  • The effects of migration and empire on Scotland, to 1939

2. BRITAIN 1851 - 1951 -

A study of the development of the United Kingdom into a modern democracy and the development of the role of the state in the welfare of its citizens, illustrating the themes of authority, ideology and rights.

  • An evaluation of the reasons why Britain became more democratic, 1851–1928

  • An assessment of how democratic Britain became, 1867–1928

  • An evaluation of the reasons why women won greater political equality by 1928

  • An evaluation of the reasons why the Liberals introduced social welfare reforms, 1906–14

  • An assessment of the effectiveness of the Liberal social welfare reforms

  • An assessment of the effectiveness of the Labour social welfare reforms, 1945–51

3. USA 1918 - 1968 –

A study of the growing tensions in American society, focusing on racial divisions, economic difficulties, the growth of federal powers and the struggle for civil rights, illustrating the themes of ideology, identity and rights.

  • An evaluation of the reasons for changing attitudes towards immigration in the 1920s

  • An evaluation of the obstacles to the achievement of civil rights for black people up to 1941

  • An evaluation of the reasons for the economic crisis of 1929–33

  • An assessment of the effectiveness of the New Deal

  • An evaluation of the reasons for the development of the Civil Rights campaign, after 1945

  • An assessment of the effectiveness of the Civil Rights movement in meeting the needs of black Americans, up to 1968

Why do this course?

Candidates acquire breadth and depth in their knowledge and understanding of the past through the study of British, European and world, and Scottish contexts in a variety of time periods. Options cover topics from the Medieval, Early Modern and Later Modern periods, and include elements of political, social, economic and cultural history. Candidates develop an approach and understanding that they can apply to other historical settings and issues.

What will you experience?

Class lessons will form the basis for teaching this course. In addition students will be involved in note-making and group discussion. There is a wide variety of videos which support this course and these will be used as appropriate. Students will also be expected to undertake independent reading.

Key Facts

Everything you need to know before selecting this course

Assessment

  • Paper 1 – Essay based (British, European and World) - 44 marks

  • Paper 2 – Source based (Scottish History) - 36 Marks

  • Assignment (pupil choice) - 30 marks

Additional Assessment Information:

The Extended Essay will be completed under exam conditions. In preparation for this students will choose their own topic and prepare an outline plan of their proposed Essay.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Entry is at the discretion of the Principal Teacher Faculty, Humanities. However, as a guide:

  • A pass a the previous NQ level. i.e. for Higher, a pass at National 5.

Homework

Homework will be set by the class teacher on a regular basis, this will be available on TEAMs.

Progression and Employment

Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course

Progression

Pupils can progress onto study Advanced Higher History, or to study a second Higher within the Humanities Faculty.


Employment

Higher History can provide the basis for a university degree in History and a history related career such as teaching, research, museum or archive work.

However, more often the study of history develops vocationally valuable skills which can keep career opportunities open. Students of history can be found working in a wide range of careers such as journalism, publishing, law, banking, the police force, retail management, tourism, the media and business.

Learner Experiences

Higher history has helped me to improve my essay writing skills and my time management.

I took Higher History this year as I really enjoyed National 5 last year. History is also counted as an English subject by some universities so it is really useful. I have gained essay writing skills that I use in other subjects,

I have really enjoyed gaining a deeper understanding of Nazi Germany, a very interesting topic. Although there is a lot to remember at times, it is building useful skills for the future.