S3 BGE Modern Studies

Why do this course?

The course will provide pupils with the opportunity to develop thinking skills, collecting, processing, comparing and interpreting/evaluating information. There will be opportunities to use and develop skills in ICT.

Studying MODERN STUDIES will encourage you to develop important attitudes, including: An open mind; Respect for the values, beliefs and cultures of others; Openness to new thinking and ideas; A sense of responsibility and global citizenship

What will you experience?

A wide range of teaching strategies are used with classes, such as thinking skills, direct teaching, paired and/or group work. Work in class is supported through the use of work guides, ICT and other digital media. Pupils will be involved in setting their own targets and evaluating their own as well as others progress. Pupils are expected to take on an early responsibility for their learning.

What will you learn?

The aim of this course is to provide pupils with a broad experience of social studies, providing coverage of the Level 4 experiences and outcomes. The three units we will study are:

Interdependent world

  • A look at the inequalities in the world and the reason for it

  • Measuring development

  • Diseases – case studies and country specific issues

  • Foreign aid – types and issues

  • Role of NGO’s in supporting development

  • Child Soldiers

  • Terrorism in Africa

Who’s in charge in Scotland?

  • Where does the power lie?

  • Participation

  • Influence on voting behaviour of media/pressure groups

The USA: Democracy and Gun Control

  • Media influence on society

  • Inequalities in society

  • A study of the ongoing gun control debate in America

  • Background and statistics linked to the problem

  • Arguments for and against gun control

Case studies

Key Facts

Everything you need to know before selecting this course

Homework

Homework will be set by the class teacher on a regular basis and may involve practice of skills, preparation for assessments or research assignments.

Assessment

Knowledge and skills will be assessed in different ways, depending on the topic being studied. This will include project work and assessed work/homework. Pupils will undertake peer evaluation of class work and use assessment to set achievable short-term targets.

Progression and Employment

Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course

Progression

  • S4 – National 3 People and Society or National 4/5 Modern Studies

  • S5 – National 4/5 or Higher Modern Studies

  • S6 – Higher or Advanced Higher

Employment

This course is suitable for all learners who are interested in becoming a:    


Learner Experiences