Social Subjects & RMPS

Faculty Information

At Alva Academy the Social Subjects and RMPS Faculty deliver a wide range of curricular pathways including Criminology, Geography, History, Modern Studies, People and Society, Politics, Powering Futures, RMPS and Travel & Tourism.

Across Social Subjects and RMPS we strive to develop a pupil's knowledge of the world we live in and equip them with key skills for learning, life, and work. 

Our Faculty offers a wealth of experiences including participation in wider school activities such as Remembrance Evening, Holocaust Memorial Day, Pupil Parliament and YPI. In addition, students will also have the opportunity to sign up for several extra-curricular trips such as the Battlefields trip and New York trip at various points from S1-S6 as well as fieldwork opportunities to support classroom knowledge.

History

In History from S1-6 our units allow pupils to gain a conceptual understanding of the past and an ability to think and work independently. Pupils are able to apply a detailed historical perspective and evaluate sources in a range of contexts and gain a detailed understanding of the factors contributing to, and the impact of, historical events. Pupils will develop skills in investigating historical events and use this to form judgements. They will have the opportunity to work with a range of partners to deepen their knowledge of historical events and the importance of remembrance in our current climate.

Geography

Geography is the study of the earth and how we interact with it. From S1-S6 students will study a wide range of topics within Physical Environments, Human Environments and Global Issues. Students will develop their knowledge of the physical forces of our planet and different cultures. In Geography we will engage with the issues of today and students will develop and deploy a wide range of skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, evaluation and empathy. In our subject, students will be prepared for a wide range of pathways due to Geography’s unique insight into the social, economic and environmental aspects of our lives. 

Modern Studies

Whilst studying Modern Studies pupils will access a range of activities and experiences intended to develop their capacity as responsible citizens and successful learners. The topics studied across S1-6 have been specifically chosen to develop a range of skills such as drawing conclusions, acknowledging different viewpoints, and justifying opinions. The Department has fostered strong links with a range of partners who regularly contribute to learning and teaching for example, Scottish Prison Service, Police Scotland and the Scottish Parliament education service.

Politics

In S5/6 pupils have the opportunity to undertake the study of Higher Politics which seeks to develop a deeper understanding of the principles of democracy and the role of our elected representatives and political parties. The course contributes to candidates’ understanding of society by helping them to develop an understanding of political theory, political systems in the UK and international contexts, and factors affecting the electoral performance of political parties. Candidates develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationship between political theories, systems, and parties.

RMPS

RMPS explores life’s biggest questions – beliefs, ethics, and philosophies that shape our world. The subject helps pupils gain an understanding of major world religions and moral dilemmas. Pupils can skills in describing, explaining, debate and discussion, find your voice and confidence in expressing your ideas along with critical thinking – useful for many different future careers.

Criminology

Criminology is offered within the Social Subjects and RMPS to S5/6 pupils. We offer this qualification at a NPA Level 5. Within the qualification pupils will explore the ways crimes are reported, understood and sanctioned in Scotland. Pupils will also be able to explore crime scene analysis and forensic psychology as well as exploring the ways that crime is addressed in a court of law. Pupils will develop stronger literacy, numeracy and source handling when completing this qualification. While completing the course pupils will also be able to speak with Police Scotland and prison services to deepen their understanding of the knowledge they are learning.

Travel and Tourism

Travel and Tourism is offered at both National 4 and 5 level for S5/6 in Alva Academy. Embarking on this course can prepare you for college courses in Travel and Tourism and the many future career paths that are open to you with your new found knowledge and skills for the industry.  Travel and Tourism offers the chance to learn and develop customer service skills, employability skills and specifically within the Geography department an inside look at the Tourism industry and its inner workings in Scotland and across the world develop  their skills of working with customers and effectively dealing with the demands of sourcing and producing accurate information.

People and Society

Pupils will work toward a QS qualification which will appear on your QS certificate at the end of S4.  People and Society gives you the opportunity to learn more about all the subjects offered in the Social Subjects and RMPS corridor- History, Geography, Modern Studies and RMPS.

Powering Futures

Pupils completing our Powering Futures course in S5 will have the opportunity to achieve a SCQF Level 6 qualification. Pupils will have the opportunity to develop and enhance essential Meta skills which are highly sought after by employers and higher education establishments, including communication, decision-making, collaboration, critical-thinking, workload management, and self - awareness. Pupils have the chance to take part in real-life sustainability challenges set by business, to collaborate on a solution as part of a team and to present this to a panel of industry judges.

Subject Information

Social Subjects Roadmaps