Course Description

History helps us to understand ourselves and our society, nationally and internationally. It helps us look at evidence, respect different points of view, think critically and reach balanced conclusions. Learners will take part in investigations; class discussions; individual and cooperative learning; and will research historical events and people. Knowledge and understanding of historical events will help candidates function as effective contributors to society. Learners will develop confidence; 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 course emphasises the development and application of skills. Evaluation of a wide range of sources develops thinking skills. Using and synthesising information develops skills in literacy. Investigative and critical-thinking activities allow candidates to gain experience in contributing to group projects. Learners will have opportunities to present information in a variety of ways, which will allow them to develop their digital skills. The skills learned will be useful for life and work - History encourages independent, critical and imaginative thinking.

The S4 course covers the following:

A Scottish History topic - “Migration and Empire 1830 – 1939”. This topic examines immigration to Scotland, the experience of immigrants in Scotland, Scottish emigration, and the experience of Scots abroad.

A British History topic - “The Atlantic Slave Trade, 1770-1807”. This topic examines the nature of the British Atlantic slave trade in the late eighteenth century, changing attitudes towards the trade in Britain and the pressures that led to its abolition, illustrating the themes of rights, exploitation and culture.

A European and World History topic - “Free at Last? Civil Rights in the USA, 1918-1968”. This topic examines the open-door policy and immigration, “separate but equal” including the Jim Crow Laws and KKK, the civil rights campaigns to 1968, and the ghettos and black American radicalism.

History Assignment or AVU - Learners will be able to choose a historical topic to research and then report on what they find out.

Possible Careers

• Archaeologist

• Archivist

• Art gallery curator

• Broadcast journalist

• Civil Service officer

• Conservator

• Diplomatic Service Officer

• Further education lecturer

• Librarian

• Library assistant

• Magazine journalist

• Media researcher

• Museum assistant

• Museum curator

• Newspaper journalist

• Primary School teacher

• Secondary School teacher

• Solicitor

• Sub- editor

• Tourist guide

• Town planner

• Writer