Staff
Mr J McSherry (Faculty Head)
Mrs H Hamilton (Principal Teacher Pupil Voice and Leadership)
Mr M Gilroy
Miss K Williamson
Mrs K Stevenson
Miss S Andrews
Mr S Roberts
Course Information
History courses develop each pupil’s understanding of the world through learning about other people and their values, in different times, places and circumstances. The courses help candidates to develop a map of the past and an appreciation and understanding of the forces which have shaped the world today. Discipline-based knowledge and understanding of historical events helps candidates to function as effective contributors to society. Courses develop important attitudes such as: confidence; an open mind and respect for the values, beliefs and cultures of others; openness to new thinking and ideas; and a sense of responsibility and global citizenship.
Philosophy courses develop the reasoning skills of learners by focusing on abstract concepts and philosophical problems. They develop basic knowledge and understanding of philosophy and encourage learners' ability to engage with abstract thought. They also offer learners insight into the ideas of others, while developing a range of skills such as analysing arguments, recalling, selecting and using specified knowledge, explaining philosophical ideas and theories, explaining criticisms of philosophical ideas and theories, and presenting ideas in a logical sequence in an extended piece of writing.
RMPS courses help learners to develop an understanding of the society in which they live and work through learning about, and from, religious beliefs, non-religious viewpoints and personal experience. The course encourages learners to develop values and beliefs and learn how to express them. It helps them to develop respect for others and an understanding of beliefs and practices which are different from their own. They develop an understanding of human beliefs, values and behaviour; and examine how religion, morality and philosophy might help people find meaning and purpose in life.
S1
As part of the Broad General Education in S1 pupils come to each social subject for a ten week block, of two periods per week. Pupils will have the opportunity to undertake a wide variety of individual and group tasks to help develop skills and discover information about the following topic areas.
History
The Scottish Wars of Independence
The Normans
RMPS & Philosophy
Philosophical Questions
Practices and Traditions
S2
In S2 pupils visit each social subject for a first block of twelve weeks followed by a second block of eight weeks. Pupils will continue to experience a wide range of activities and challenges. Topics of study are;
History
World War 2
The Holocaust
RMPS & Philosophy
Sectarianism
Islamophobia
Anti-Semitism
S3
In S3 pupils continue to experience and develop the level four outcomes of a Curriculum for Excellence and begin to prepare their understanding of contexts needed for National 4 or 5. These topics will be completed in S4.
History
The impact of the Great War on Scottish Society
Free at Last? Race Relations in the USA, 1918-68
Philosophy
Moral Philosophy
Core RMPS
Making Moral Decisions: Human Rights
Pupils have the opportunity to take their studies further in senior years by studying at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher level and developing their extended writing and evaluative skills.
National 4/5 History
Free at Last? Race Relations in the USA, 1918-68
Changing Britain, 1760-1914
National 5 Philosophy
Arguments In Action
Knowledge and Doubt
Moral Philosophy
S4 Core RMPS
Morality and Belief: Global Issues
Higher History
Scottish History: Migration and Empire, 1830–1939
Britain 1851 – 1951
Germany, 1815–1939 & The Cold War, 1945–1989
Higher Philosophy
Arguments In Action
Knowledge and Doubt
Moral Philosophy
Advanced Higher History
Field of study 8 — Russia: from Tsarism to Stalinism, 1914–45
Homework
The nature and degree of homework issued in the faculty varies from year group to year group. It is important in developing core skills in learners that will serve them throughout school and working life. Improved attainment, discipline, time management, using resources and improving communication are all vital life skills that will open the door to many opportunities and help learners find success in future careers. Completing regular homework ought to be considered as an investment in each learner’s potential.
all students learn at different paces, and the time spent in the classroom may not be enough for some students to fully grasp the key concepts of a subject
additional time for learning at home can help children gain a deeper understanding than they would if they were solely reliant on their time in school
extension and consolidation homework will make certain knowledge points and concepts easier for learners to understand and apply
homework helps learners manage workload and increase time management skills as it is often set with a deadline: meeting this deadline helps learners think independently and develop problem-solving skills
homework can act as a bridge that helps teachers and parents learn more about how students like to learn, providing a deeper understanding of how to approach their learning and development
homework is an opportunity to learn and retain information in an environment where learners can feel most comfortable, which may also help accelerate development
research homework tasks teach learners to actively search for information using a wide range of information resources to complete tasks
regular homework helps children discover and develop routines and patterns that will help when they are required to study for important tests and exams
Extra-Curricular
Warhammer Club
A safe space for all, where we use our hobby and learning to focus on health and wellbeing. We talk about our hobbies and learn new skills by painting and assembling Warhammer miniatures. We will also be working towards Duke of Edinburgh awards, a trip to the Warhammer store and themed painting events. Speak to Mr Gilroy if you are interested in Warhammer and miniature battle games: this is the place for you!
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