S1 Social Studies

In the Broad General Education (S1-S3), the Social Studies course aims to build on both the knowledge and skills learned in primary school through the study of significant historical, geographical, political and business events. Learners receive four periods of Social Studies per week.

In S1 learners study an integrated Social Studies course involving elements of History, Geography, Modern Studies and Business Studies. This involves the study of a wide range of ecosystems across the world, including rainforests and deserts. They then continue on to study the early peoples who settled in Scotland. The course then continues with the study of key points in Scotland's history as well as the evolution of Scottish society and political systems taking us right up to the present day. Learners will also work in groups to create their own award-winning chocolate bar. They will be responsible for carrying out market research as well as designing, marketing and advertising their product.

Throughout S1, a variety of teaching methodologies will be utilised. Learners will be responsible for working individually as well as in pairs or as part of a group on a range of different tasks.

Not only will learners develop a deeper understanding of various geographical, historical, political and business concepts, they will also begin to encounter the skills associate with the study of each individual subject. Acquiring the understanding of these skills will give pupils a solid grounding should they continue with the study of these subjects into the Senior Phase.

Both formative and summative assessment will be used throughout each topic and learners will be asked to participate in both peer and self assessment.