The Modern Studies Department at Ellon Academy is just one of many departments in the school which offers a varied, interesting and topical syllabus to the school's 1650 pupils. It is an interesting and useful subject, centered around current affairs, which gives all pupils the opportunity to learn about today's world. It provides a basis for an understanding of our own society and world affairs, leading into careers as diverse as the Armed Forces or International Business.

From Pressure Groups and Politics to the NHS and NATO, pupils leave this department equipped for life!

1 - 6 YEAR SYLLABI

First Year

• Local/National Politics (ending with a Mock Election)
• Decision Making Exercise on Local Issues. eg : School overcrowding
• Investigation on Greenpeace

Second Year

• United Nations
• Investigation on Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan or Ethiopia
• European Union

Standard Grade

• Living in a Democracy
• Changing Society
• Alternative Ideologies
• International Relations

In the second year of the Standard Grade Course, pupils also have to complete a detailed Investigative Study on a topic of their choice. A 2 hour examination completes the course.

Higher Grade

• UK Politics
• Politics of Food
• Health Care in A Democratic Society
• Ethnic Minorities in the USA
• The Middle Eastern Conflict

The Higher examination consists of 2 papers.
Paper 1 - 2 hours long with four 25 mark questions.
Paper 2 - 2.5 hours long. A decision-making exercise.