S1 Social Subjects:
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S1 Social Subjects – Course overview

Through social studies, learners develop their understanding of the world by learning about other people and their values, in different times, places and circumstances; they also develop their understanding of their environment and of how it has been shaped. Learner experiences will be broadened using Scottish, British, European and world contexts for learning, while maintaining a focus on the historical, social, geographic, economic, and political changes that have shaped Scotland.

Our BGE Social Subjects courses have been designed to give pupils the opportunity to learn and experience a broad range of outcomes both within curricular areas and through interdisciplinary learning. The principles of breadth, challenge and application underpin course design and ensure pupils are motivated, stimulated and engaged in their learner journey.

All BGE courses contain a range of different resources and activities that are designed to stimulate and motivate pupils. Pupils are encouraged to work to the best of their abilities and staff will support pupil needs through differentiation and extension. Courses have been designed to challenge learners to push themselves and produce high quality work. There will also be opportunities for learners to express their views through discussion and debate.

S1 Geography –Oceans on the Edge & What’s up with our Weather?

The S1 Geography course has been designed to give the pupils the chance to learn about Geographical issues and processes around the world. Through the introduction to Sustainable Development Goals pupils develop an awareness of global issues and learn about the importance of protecting and looking after our oceans. What’s up with our weather helps to identify the differences between weather and climate. Learners will also understand the typical UK weather patterns but also how our weather is changing. Through the study of Geography learners will gain a stronger understanding of local, national, and global issues combined with an awareness of sustainability. Geography has strong links to science as learners gain a variety of problem solving and decision-making skills.

S1 Geography – key study areas

• Sustainable development goals

• The importance of oceans

• Problems with plastic – causes, impact, and solutions

• Difference between weather and climate

• Average weather patterns (temperature and rainfall)

• Wild weather (UK heatwaves and tropical storms)

S1 Modern Studies – The rights of children around the world

The S1 Modern Studies course has been designed to give pupils the chance to learn within curriculum areas and through interdisciplinary learning. The course aims to cover a range of modern political, social, and economic issues in the world today. Modern Studies also has the important role of giving learners a better understanding of the world and other societies. Through the study of needs and rights learners will gain a clearer understanding of different cultures, belief systems and governments. This course will also make comparisons between the UK/Scotland and other countries around the world.

S1 Modern Studies – key study areas

• Rights and Responsibilities of children around the world

• Needs and wants

• UK poverty – examples and impact

• Child soldiers – dangers and problems

• Hunger and famine in countries

Child labour – examples and impact

S1 History – Key events in Scottish History

The S1 History course has been designed to give learners the chance to experience and learn about a range of events, ones which have shaped the formation of Scotland as a nation. Studying History is crucial as it teaches pupils about the importance of respect and remembering key individuals and events from the past. History also has the important role of teaching pupils life skills such as analysis, extended writing and listening to and respecting different views and opinions. Through the study of History learners will gain key skills such as source analysis and report writing.

S1 History – key study areas

• Impact of the Celts on Scotland

• Influence of the Romans on Scotland

• Early tribes in Scotland

• Wars of Independence – Wallace and Bruce

The majority of work covered in S1 Social Subjects is based around CfE Level 3 outcomes. The majority of pupils at this stage of S1 are working at Third C or above. This does not mean that pupils performing below this level are not making progress - all pupils are making progress, but some require more support with CfE Level 3 content than others.

Working Level and Working Grade descriptions for S1 Social Subjects:

Third A: A pupil achieving this will be making excellent progress across all Social Subjects. They will be consistently demonstrating that they understand and can recall the content of the course and are able to apply that understanding to class work and assessments. They will also have performed exceptionally well in a range of assessments including written tests, reports, and presentations.

Third B: A pupil achieving this will be making good progress across all Social Subjects. They will be demonstrating that they understand and can recall much of the content of the course and are able to apply that understanding to class work and assessments.

They will also have performed well in a range of assessments including written tests, reports, and presentations.

Third C: A pupil achieving this will be making reasonable progress across all Social Subjects. They will be demonstrating that they understand and can recall some of the content of the course and may be able to apply some of that understanding towards class work and assessments. They will also have performed reasonably well in a range of assessments including written tests, reports, and presentations.

Third D: A pupil achieving this will be making some progress across all Social Subjects. They will be demonstrating that they understand and can recall some of the content of the course but may find it challenging to apply this understanding to class work and assessments.  They may also have difficulty in completing a range of assessments including written tests, reports, and presentations.

Second A to D: A pupil achieving this will be making limited progress across all Social Subjects. They may be demonstrating that they understand and can recall small portions of the content of the course but will likely find applying this content to class work and assessments a great challenge. They will also, likely find it very challenging to complete a range of assessments including written tests, reports, and presentations.