Social Subjects
Social Subjects are recognised as important and high achieving subjects in St Andrew’s. The faculty comprises three departments Geography, History and Modern Studies. The study of the past, the present and how our world was formed gives young people a deeper understanding of fundamental issues today. The three discrete departments each form crucial parts of the broad general education young people receive in St Andrew’s from S1-S3.
Modern Studies
The study of Modern Studies involves pupils studying different political systems and theories as well as current affairs and is crucial in ensuring that our young people develop into responsible citizens with an appreciation of the rights and freedoms we have which are often taken for granted.
Broad General Education: S1 - S3
Our young people are exposed to a variety of issues affecting the world today:
- S1 - Citizenship (Human Rights and Democracy)
- S2 - Rich World Poor World & The Terrorism unit
- S3 - Democracy in Scotland and the UK
- S3 - Social Inequalities – Wealth and Health
- S3 - International Issues – The USA
Senior Phase
At the National level, pupils can specialise in up to two Social Subjects
National 4 and 5 Modern Studies
Course Content
The topics covered and methods of assessment are listed below:
- Democracy in Scotland and the UK
- Social Inequalities – Wealth and Health
- International Issues – The USA
Assessment
At National 5 level, pupils must pass three end of unit assessments, complete an assignment of their choice during the year which accounts for 20% of their grade. Finally, pupils sit a final exam worth 80% of their grade.
Pupils will get an October assessment in N5 Modern Studies.
At National 4 level, pupils complete an assignment of their choice and three unit assessments in order to pass. There is no final exam.
Further Information
S5 & S6 Modern Studies
The faculty offers higher qualifications in all three discrete subjects, details of which are listed below:
Higher Modern Studies
Course Content
- Democracy in Scotland and the United Kingdom
- Social Issues in the United Kingdom – Wealth and Health Inequalities
- International Issues – The USA
Assessment
At Higher level, pupils complete an assignment of their choice during the year which accounts for one third of their grade. Pupils sit a final exam worth two thirds of their grade.
Pupils will get an October assessment in Higher Modern Studies
Further Information
Advanced Higher Modern Studies
Course Content
In Advanced Higher Modern Studies we focus on Law and Order and research methods
In topics A–C, candidates use a comparative approach to analyse and evaluate similarities and differences between the UK (including Scotland) and other international countries in relation to complex law and order issues. Candidates have flexibility in the international countries they choose to compare with the UK. In topic D, candidates study social science research methods and issues. Relevant case studies and examples are used from either contemporary contexts, academic contexts, or the candidate’s own use of social science research methods.
- Understanding Criminal Behaviour
- Responses by society to crime.
- Social Science research methods and issues
Assessment
At Advanced Higher level, pupils complete a dissertation of their choice during the year which accounts for 50/140 marks, roughly 1/3rd of their grade. Pupils sit a final exam worth 90/140 or roughly 2/3rds of their grade.
Further Information
Higher Politics
Higher Politics
Course Content
- Political Theory
- Political Structures
- Political Parties & Voting
- Higher Assignment
Assessment
At Higher level, pupils complete an assignment of their choice during the year which accounts for one third of their grade. Pupils sit a final exam worth two thirds of their grade.
Pupils will get an October assessment in Higher Politics.
Further Information
Higher Sociology
Sociology
Purpose and aims of the course
Sociology will help you develop a sense of yourself as part of society. The sociological approach encourages you to ask questions about the social world in which we live, and to use evidence to support explanations for human social behaviour.
You will develop knowledge and understanding of the sociological perspectives, theories and concepts used to investigate and explain aspects of the social world. This sociological understanding enables you to question commonly-held assumptions about society and to consider sociological explanations.
Course Content
The course consists of three areas of study:
- Human society
- Culture and identity
- Social issues
Assessment
Question Paper
The question paper has 80 marks out of a total of 110 marks for the course assessment. The question paper assesses your use of skills, and their knowledge and understanding of sociological perspectives, theories, and concepts. You will use sociological explanations and research evidence to respond to questions.
Assignment
The assignment has 30 marks out of a total of 110 marks for the course assessment. You will carry out your own secondary research into a topic of choice and produce a report on their findings. Assignment topics can range from examining how social media influences our concept of body image to exploring the link between social class and crime.
Pupils will get an October assessment in Higher Sociology.
Further Information