History
Progression Pathways
The diagram below shows the progression pathways in this subject area.
SCQF Level 4/5
Subject: National 4/5 history
Aims of the Course
Through the successful completion of this course important skills for learning, life, and work are developed. These skills include: researching, understanding and using a range of information/evidence on historical issues, communicating conclusions based on evidence, evaluating straightforward sources of information, and presenting information about important historical themes and events.
Course Content
Unit 1: Scottish Unit: Students will study the Wars of Independence (1286-1328) and in doing so will learn about the impact of the succession problem, John Balliol and Edward I, William Wallace, and Robert the Bruce.
Unit 2: British Unit: In this unit students are given the opportunity to learn about the Atlantic Slave Trade (1770-1807) and in doing so will gain an in-depth understanding of the triangular trade, the relationship Britain had with the Caribbean, the captive’s experience, slave resistance and the abolitionist campaigns.
Unit 3: European and World Unit: Learners are encouraged to expand on their understanding of Hitler and Nazi Germany (1919-1939) by studying Weimar Germany, the Nazi’s rise to power, their control of Germany and their social and economic policies.
Course Assessment
As well as completing unit assessments throughout the course National 4 learners are required to research a historical topic of their choice. National 5 students will also be required to complete an assignment which is worth 20% of their overall mark as well as sitting a final SQA exam at the end of the course.
SCQF Level 6
Subject: Higher history
Recommended previous experience: this course is a natural progression from National 5 History, but it is not essential to have National 5 to complete this course. Students are, however, required to have a National 5 qualification in either Modern Studies, RMPS, Geography or English.
Aims of the Course
The Higher History course aims to promote understanding of continuity and change, promote awareness of major historical issues and develop the ability to think independently and make informed judgements based on historical evidence. Throughout this course there is also the opportunity for students to be actively involved in the learning process through independent study and participation with others.
Course Content
Unit 1: British Unit: This unit looks at the development of the United Kingdom into a modern democracy, the role of the state in the welfare of its citizens, and the themes of authority, ideology and rights.
Unit 2: European & World: USA: Starting from the end of the WW1 this unit studies the growing tensions in American society by focusing on racial divisions, economic difficulties, the growth of federal powers and the struggle for civil rights up to 1968.
Unit 3: Scottish Unit: Migration and Empire: Students will gain a better understanding of Scotland by looking at the migration of Scots, the experience of immigrants in Scotland, the impact of Scot emigrating on the Empire and at home from 1830-1939.
Course Assessment
In addition to the final exam which is worth 80 marks learners may be required to complete an assignment which is worth 30 marks.
SCQF Level 7
Subject: Advanced Higher History
Recommended previous experience: students are required to pass Higher History prior to studying this course.
Aims of the Course
In order to prepare students for life after school, either in work or study, the Advanced Higher History course provides learners with essential skills such as critical analysis, developing skills in order to debate, organisational skills, and presenting conclusions all while reflecting on the complexity of a historical issue.
Course Content
The course is divided into two parts – the historical study of Russia: From Tsarism to Stalinism (1914–1945) and the completion of a dissertation which is a piece of independent research based on the historical study.
More specifically, the historical study of Russia includes the Bolshevik’s rise to power, Lenin and the consolidation of power, the making of the Stalinist system and the spread of his authority.
This unit will allow the candidate to carry out independent research on the content in the Historical Study unit. Candidates will develop the investigative skills of planning, reading, analysing and presenting to produce dissertations which should be a maximum of 4,000 words in length.
Course Assessment
The Advanced Higher History course is assessed through a final exam which is made up of questions relating to the historical study of Russia and source based questions which are worth 90 marks in total. The dissertation is completed throughout the year and is worth 50 marks of the overall grade.