Mission
The Social Subjects faculty uphold and contribute to the aims, mission, values and ethos of Notre Dame High School. We aim to help pupils develop into responsible citizens, confident individuals and successful learners.
The study of the Social Subjects (Geography, History, Modern Studies) should help the process of allowing young people to place their own lives, their communities and their experiences in a wider context. Pupils are given the opportunity to study local, national and international history. They are encouraged to develop an interest and understanding of the lives and experiences of other communities, locally and globally. They are also given the opportunity to study environmental issues, past and current, and how these issues have relevance to their lives.
The Social Subjects faculty aims to meet the needs of all pupils and to allow all pupils to achieve success. In Social Subjects, pupils will have the opportunity to learn in different ways, through a variety of experiences:
· In class, pupils will be given the opportunity to work individually and to collaborate with others.
· Pupils are encouraged to extend their knowledge and understanding through project work and investigations.
· Pupils are encouraged to engage family and others in their study of the Social Subjects.
· Pupils are given opportunities to develop their ICT skills and to use ICT to enhance their learning in Social Subjects.
· Pupils, where possible, are given the opportunity to learn through experience.
Course Content
In S1 and S2, pupils are given the opportunity to experience all three Social Subjects.
In S3, pupils begin Standard Grade courses in one or more of the Social Subjects. They will be presented for SQA examinations at the end of S4.
In S5 / S6 a range of courses are offered to allow pupils of all abilities to continue to make progress and achieve success in Social Subjects.
Modern Studies
S1 & S2
In S1 Modern Studies, pupils complete a unit of work on the developing world and then a unit of work on the Scottish Parliament.
In S2, pupils study aspects of life and society in the USA. Pupils then complete a unit of work on rights and responsibilities.
S3 & S4
This course covers four separate syllabus areas:
· SA1 – Living in a democracy.
· SA2 – Changing society.
· SA3 – Ideologies: the USA.
· SA4 – International relations.
Higher
Higher Modern Studies is assessed in Paper 1 (essay based) and Paper 2 (decision making exercise).
The following topics are covered:
· Electoral Systems, Voting and Political Attitudes.
· Wealth and Health Inequalities in the United Kingdom.
· The Republic of South Africa.
· The United States of America.
Assessment and Homework
Assessment and homework is used appropriately across the faculty to reinforce class work and to support and monitor progress.
S1 & S2
A range of homework (formal and informal) is used to support class work in S1 / S2. Pupils are asked to carry out one research / investigation based project in each of the Social Subjects.
Informal homework is often used to encourage family involvement and discussion of some of the issues raised in Social Subjects.
Pupils are formally assessed at the end of each topic. Formative assessment strategies are used to provide constructive feedback after the completion of project work.
S3 & S4
Homework is more formal in nature at Standard Grade. Typically, homework is issued weekly and focuses on exam style questions to improve technique.
Pupils are formally assessed at regular intervals during the course of their Standard Grade courses. Formative assessment is also used to support pupils in their progress.
S5 & S6
A variety of homework is expected of pupils at Higher. In addition to formal homework issued in class, pupils are also expected to follow a programme of regular revision of course content throughout their Higher course.
Assessment is used regularly and reflects the challenge of Higher level courses in Social Subjects. Formative assessment is used to acknowledge areas of strength and identify areas for further development.