Modern Studies

What is Modern Studies?

Modern Studies Course develops learners’ knowledge and understanding of contemporary political and social issues in local, Scottish, United Kingdom and international contexts. In these contexts, learners develop an awareness of the social and political issues they will meet in their lives. Pupils develop and challenge their critical thinking, social skills, ICT, research skills and analytical skills which are all highly beneficial for positive pathways.

The course is appropriate for a wide range of learners, from those who wish to achieve a greater understanding of contemporary society and their place in it, to those wishing to progress into more specialised training, further education or employment. Modern Studies develops successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.

Candidates will develop:

• A breadth of research, ICT skills and information-handling skills including: evaluating information/ evidence in order to support and oppose a view; making decisions and drawing conclusions; constructing detailed arguments; communicating views, opinions, decisions and conclusions based on evidence.
• An in depth understanding of the democratic process.
• A breadth of understanding of social and economic issues at local, Scottish, national and international levels.
• Evaluation skills discussing ways of addressing needs and inequalities.
• Analysis skills discussing different views about the extent of state involvement in society.
• Challenge the nature, effectiveness and processes of conflict resolution.
• Leadership and communication skills discussing human and legal rights, responsibilities and their application in different societies.

Courses

S1 (Level 3)

What is Modern Studies?

Democracy

USA

S2 (Level 3) 

Freedom

China

S3 (Level 4)

Poverty and Health in Scotland

Crime

USA

Enquiry Skills / Source based questions

 National 4/ 5

•  World issues: Terrorism
• Political Issues: Democracy in Scotland
• Social Issues: Crime and Law in the UK
• Enquiry Skills/ Source based questions
• Assignment (20%)

  Higher

• World Issues: Poverty & Conflict in Africa
• Social Issues: Inequality in the UK
• Political Issues: Democracy in Scotland & the UK
• Enquiry skills/ Source based questions (17%)
• Assignment (33%)

Senior Revision Guides

Open or download the following Higher documents and links

• World Issues: Poverty & Conflict in Africa
• Political Issues: Democracy in Scotland & the UK
• Social Issues: Coming Soon
• Higher Source Skills
• Higher Essay booklet
• Higher Past Paper Practice
• Higher Bitesize notes
• YouTube Vice News (Africa documentaries) 
• Scottish Parliament education resource
• BBC News

Open or download the following N4/5 documents and links

• N5 Revision Tips
• N5 Specimen 2018 Past Paper Practice
• Police Scotland website
• Scottish Parliament education resource
• BBC News
• N4/5 Bitesize notes 
• N4/5 YouTube clips

Remember all class notes can also be accessed in school on the Pupil shared area under Modern Studies Shared Resources!

        Study Skills

Everyone learns and studies differently. You need to find what is right for you. Making a study timetable is very useful to plan your free time. You could choose 1 day per week is Modern Studies revision or instead spend 20 minutes each day on Modern Studies. You should plan what you want to study after discussing your targets with your teacher. You can access past paper questions from your teacher, the SQA online past paper service or buy Modern Studies revision books from various websites and bookstores. Remember your jotter is a fountain of knowledge too!

Things you may consider trying include:

• Highlighting your jotter notes and testing your memory.
• Creating a study buddy mind map.
• Practicing timed past papers questions.
• Creating flash cards.
• Asking a friend, family member or guardian to quiz you.
• Play Heads Up or Charades
• Watch documentaries on the topics you study such as Bitesize, You Tube, Netflix, iPlayer etc
• Follow related organisations such as BBC news, Police Scotland or Vice News on your social media or You Tube.
• Download mystudyplan from the App store or Android
• Ask your teacher for more help
• Attend supported study on Wednesdays with Miss Rocks
• Follow the Modern Studies School Twitter page @ugsmodies for tips and motivation

  Download a blank study timetable here.

  Download the SQA exam timetable here.  

   

   

  Developing Young Workforce (DYW)

  There are so many further and higher education courses and over 80 jobs to pursue your love for Modern Studies. This includes law, journalism, teaching, government work, policing, advice and advocacy, nursing and the care industry, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and research. Look out for the job and apprenticeship advertisement board outside of Miss Rocks' room. Donna and Frank in SDS can give you guidance too! Find out more at the links below:

  My World of Work

  Planit Plus

   

 Staff

• Mr A Paterson (FH)
• Miss G Rocks
• Mrs C Forrest
• Mrs C Kerr
• Ms L Moore

 Class Champions

Coming Soon