AuchmutyModern Studies
Learner Pathway
The following Learner Pathway is available for Modern Studies:
Course Information
Please click on the + to reveal the course information for each level:
National 4 Modern Studies
What will I learn in this subject?
This course focuses on local, Scottish, British, and International Contexts. Learners will also have to develop an awareness of the social and political issues they will meet in their lives.
National 4 Modern Studies is split into three topics:
National 4 Modern Studies is split into three topics:
- Political - Democracy in Scotland and the UK
- Social - Social Inequality
- International - International issues – Terrorism
How will I be assessed?
National 4 Modern Studies is not graded, and to achieve a pass you must complete three Unit Assessments (one for each context) and an Added Value Unit on a topic of your choice.
What are the entry requirements for this subject/level?
Discussion with department staff.
National 5 Modern Studies
What will I learn in this subject?
This course focuses on local, Scottish, British, and International Contexts. Learners will also have to develop an awareness of the social and political issues they will meet in their lives.
National 5 Modern Studies is split into three topics:
National 5 Modern Studies is split into three topics:
- Political - Democracy in Scotland and the UK
- Social - Social Inequality
- International - International issues – Terrorism
How will I be assessed?
National 5 Modern Studies is graded A-D, based on an external exam and an Assignment of your choice. The exam is worth 80 marks and is sat over 2 hours and 20 minutes. The Assignment is worth 20 marks and is also completed in exam conditions.
What are the entry requirements for this subject/level?
Discussion with department staff.
Higher Modern Studies
What will I learn in this subject?
This course encourages learners to develop important attitudes including: an open mind and respect for the values, beliefs and cultures of others; openness to new thinking and ideas and a sense of responsibility and global citizenship.
The investigative and critical thinking activities in this course give learners important experience in contributing to group work and also working on their own. Learners will acquire attributes which will be important for their life and work.
The investigative and critical thinking activities in this course give learners important experience in contributing to group work and also working on their own. Learners will acquire attributes which will be important for their life and work.
Through the skills and content of this course, learners will develop an increased understanding of the democratic political system and their place in it as well as a sense of responsible citizenship. The emphasis on the evaluation of a wide range of sources and decision making will develop thinking skills.
This course consists of three units:
Component 1: Paper
Three main topic areas are studied:
Three main topic areas are studied:
- Politics – Democracy in Scotland and the United Kingdom
- Social – Social Inequality
- International – World Power – South Africa
Component 2: Assignment
Candidates have an open choice of a Modern Studies issue. Their choice is not constrained by the content of Component 1: question paper (although focussing on a topic covered in class may help consolidate to learning).
How will I be assessed?
The course assessment is graded A–D. The grade is determined on the basis of the total mark for all course assessments together (worth a total of 110 marks), these include:
- Question Paper 1 = 1 hour and 45 minutes external exam: 52 marks
- Question paper 2 = 1 hour and 15 minutes assignment; 28 marks
- Assignment = 1 hour and 30 minutes assignment; 30 marks
What are the entry requirements for this subject/level?
Learners are expected to have a C pass or above in National 5 Modern Studies. However, pupils who have a C pass or above in English and another Social Subject (History or Geography), will be eligible for entry to Higher Modern Studies. S6 pupils who have a passed National 5 Modern Studies and/or have passed Higher in another Social Subject will also be eligible to study for the new higher course.
Advanced Higher Modern Studies
What will I learn in this subject?
Advanced Higher Modern Studies builds on the work carried out at Higher Modern Studies. It gives learners the opportunity to develop a high level of skill in independent study, co-operative learning, objective thinking and the ability to communicate clearly and confidently.
Learners will gain expertise in the use of a range of sources, research, debate and IT. The course aims to give a detailed understanding of many aspects of the contemporary world which are of concern to all citizens. Learners will gain understanding of the ways in which people interact in response to a major social issue.
The course consists of 3, 40 hour units plus 40 hours flexible time.
The course consists of 3, 40 hour units plus 40 hours flexible time.
How will I be assessed?
Internal Assessment - evidence will be gathered throughout the course and internal assessments will be undertaken.
External Assessment - a dissertation and final exam make up the final award. The dissertation is sent away to be marked by external examiners.
External Assessment - a dissertation and final exam make up the final award. The dissertation is sent away to be marked by external examiners.
What are the entry requirements for this subject/level?
Achieved Higher Modern Studies.
