Staff

Mrs. Daphne McWilliam (Principal Teacher)

Mr. Ray Johnstone

Mrs. L Cruickshank

What is Modern Studies?

Modern Studies is a subject that has been studied in Scottish schools for many years. It draws on the academic disciplines of sociology, politics and international relations to teach our pupils about the economic, social and political issues which govern their lives at local, national and international levels. As well as developing a knowledge of these areas, which goes beyond familiarity with current affairs, our pupils are taught skills which enable them to evaluate the different types of evidence that are used by social scientists. Using the media as well as statistical and tabular evidence our pupils will learn

At all levels we try to give pupils the opportunity to gather primary evidence for themselves in a series of real investigative activities.

 

Courses

S1

Unit 1 - Modern Studies - what’s it all about?

Unit 2 - The Council and the Councillor

Unit 3 - Meeting the needs of the community

Unit 4 - The USA

S2

Unit 1 - Laws and lawmaking

Unit 2 - Pressure Groups

Unit 3 - Participation in Justice

Unit 4 - Europe

 

Standard Grade

WHAT WILL BE TAUGHT?

There are FOUR topics:

 

Living in a Democracy - the UK: - e.g. Local and National Government, pressure groups, trade unions, elections and the role of the Scottish Parliament. The role and rights and responsibilities of the of the individual citizen.

 

Changing Society: - e.g. the needs of elderly people, the changing structure of families, employment and unemployment, the impact of new technology.

 

Ideologies:- The United States of America is studied in depth, focusing on lifestyles - the American Dream - myth or reality, rights and responsibilities and the system of government.

 

International Relations: - e.g. NATO, Eastern Europe, the European Union and the United Nations. Development issues relating to African states are also examined including their relationships with developed countries.

 

A balance of national and international issues has been adopted with Scottish examples being used wherever possible when studying British Topics.

 

Intermediate 1/2

These are courses which are taught together because the content is the same. The differentiating factor is the response of students to the assessments - the level and extent of explanation or exemplification and the difficulty of the sources. Students who have achieved a grade 5 or 6 at Standard Grade in Modern Studies or another social subject would do Intermediate 1 assessments. Students who have achieved a grade 3 or 4 at Standard Grade in Modern Studies or another social subject would sit the intermediate 2 assessments. Internal Assessment is set and marked by student’s class teacher on a pass/fail basis then moderated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Students must pass the internal assessments to sit the exam. External assessment is set and marked by the SQA and an overall course award is given on an A, B, C scale.

Content

Unit I

Political Issues in the UK

How is Scotland ruled?

  • the relationship with the UK - does it work?
  • how do local or environmental pressure groups try to change the law

Local Government in Scotland -

  • how local councils work.
  • housing for the elderly
  • homelessness
 Unit II

Social Issues in the UK

Gender and race in Society.

  • are there equal opportunities in our society for men and women and people from the ethnic minorities?
  • at work
  • in politics
  • in healthcare
 Unit III

International Issues

The European Union

  • comparing life in another country with the UK
  • too many rules and laws from Europe?
  • the single currency - good or bad?

 

Higher

Study at Higher Grade is designed for those students who have achieved a credit grade in knowledge and understanding at standard grade or in very special circumstances those who have achieved a grade 3.

Unit I

Political Issues in the UK

  • Decision Making in Central Government
  • The Electoral System, voting and political attitudes
 Unit II

Social Issues in the UK

  • Health Care in the UK
 Unit III

International Issues

2 of the following will be studied

  • South Africa
  • Ethnic Minorities in the USA
  • Global Security
  • The Politics of Food

There will be small end of topic assessments which require students to show that they understand the topic and can discuss the relevant issues relating to it in a well balanced way with developed conclusions. A pass is required in these assessments in order to sit the external exam. There will also be a prelim to estimate the grade for the external exam and to give formal exam practice. Both the prelim and the external exam will be 3 hours 10 minutes long and divided into two parts. Paper I will assess Knowledge and Understanding of the three units and Paper II will assess ability to analyse sources in relation to unit II and use them along with knowledge of the topic to come to developed, well supported conclusions. An overall grade - A, B or C will be awarded

 

Progression

Modern Studies Higher is excellent preparation for University and the development of management skills. If you are successful in the Higher course you could progress to Advanced Higher Modern Studies or to a Higher course in another social subject.

Alternatively you may progress to HNC or HND awards or use the Higher

qualification for general entrance to university or to particular degree courses in

social sciences such as Law, Law and Government, Politics, Sociology and International Relations or in Public Administration. You could also progress to employment in local government or social science related work.

 

Advanced Higher

For many years a small but significant number of pupils at Bridge of Don Academy have furthered their study of sociological or political topics that they are particularly interested in. Many have chosen topics which will also help them in their future careers.

A large part of the course - worth one third of the available marks is a dissertation of 3-4000 words which is researched and presented by students. This is great practice for higher education and the world of work where the ability to locate and use relevant information on a particular topic and successfully communicate the main themes and arguments in writing in a cogent way is a highly desirable skill and one that is valued by employers.

The remaining marks are allocated based on the student’s performance in and external exam. There will be four questions on the course content worth 30 marks each and students must answer two. There will also be two further questions worth 15 marks each. These are based on the research methods that students have under taken during work on their dissertation and will focus on the limitations of political or social research methods.

Topics:

Comparative Politics and Research methods

Students will study these topics in relation to the UK and either the USA or Germany

In addition they will examine case studies and make use a variety of research methods relevant to this topic.

Law and Order and Research Methods

In addition students will examine case studies and make use a variety of research methods relevant to this topic.