Social Subjects

Aims of the Social Subject Department

The Social Subjects Department aims to give pupils an understanding of their environment in historical, geographical, political and economic contexts as well as helping pupils to identify their place in our global society.

Through Social Studies, young people develop their understanding of the world around them by learning about other people and their values, in different times, places and circumstances. They also have the opportunity to develop an understanding of their environment and of how it has been shaped by both human and natural events.

The Social Subjects department is ideally placed to offer pupils the opportunities to become Responsible Citizens, Successful Learners, Confident Individuals and Effective Contributors.

During their time in the department pupils will:-

• develop their understanding of the history, heritage and culture of Scotland, and form an appreciation of their local and national heritage within the world
• gain an understanding of our changing world and its human and physical processes
• develop their understanding of their own society, values, beliefs and cultures and those of others
• develop an understanding of the principles of democracy and citizenship through experience of critical and independent thinking
• develop an awareness of the impact of human activity upon the environment

Staff
Faculty Principal Teacher Social Subjects Ms M. Garbutt (Modern Studies) Rm. 82
Miss E. A Boyle (Geography) Rm. 85
Miss M. MacKinnon (History) Rm. 86

Courses

S1 and 2 Courses
In S1, pupils have one social subjects’ teacher. Pupils will study each of the social subjects on rotation, in blocks of approximately 3 weeks. The aim of the S1 course is to provide breadth of study across the 3 social subjects, developing the basic knowledge and skills of pupils.

In S2, pupils will rotate around the 3 social subjects, studying each with a subject specialist. The S2 course continues to develop knowledge and skills in each of the subjects, providing a breadth of study of the curricular area. Topics are studied slightly more in depth in S2 – pupils will spend 4 weeks on a topic.

S3 Course
Pupils will study 10 weeks of geography, history and modern studies throughout the year. This will be undertaken in two 5-week blocks.

The 5 week units will cover Level 4 Experiences and Outcomes. Learners will study two topic in depth, with the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills to aid progression with NQs in the senior phase.

Pupils will have the opportunity to personalise their social subjects’ curriculum before timetable changes in June. During this time pupils will have the opportunity to choose which subject they would like to study for the remainder of S3. Topics of study will be advertised to pupils in order to inform their choice. In this 2 -4 week block, pupils will undertake work which prepares students for their National Social Subjects course. This will be at the discretion of the class teacher in order to tailor the course to the needs of the students.