Senior Phase (S4-6) Course Information 2017/18 Oban High School Vision and Values

Modern Studies

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  Political Issues: Democracy in Scotland and the United Kingdom:
  

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  Understand the role of representatives
  
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  The voting system
  
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  Rights and responsibilities of citizens
  

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  Social Issues in the United Kingdom: Crime and Law:
  

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  Extent, causes and consequences of crime
  

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  Government responses to crime
  

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  International Issues: World Power:
  
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  Study of a G20 Power, e.g. USA
  

To achieve a National 3 award in Modern Studies you must pass all three unit assessments. National 4 is also internally assessed; you must pass all three unit assessments and complete an assignment.

To gain an award at National 5 you must pass all three unit assessments which are internally assessed as well as the course assessment.

The course assessment to gain an award at National 5 consists of

1 A Question Paper

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  lasting 1 hour 45 minutes
  
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  externally set and assessed by the SQA
  

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  Democracy in Scotland and the United Kingdom 20 marks
  
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  Social issues in the United Kingdom 20 marks
  
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  International issues 20 marks
  
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  Total marks for the Question Paper 60 marks
  

2 An assignment written under controlled conditions 20 marks

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  Advice centre worker, Welfare rights officer
  
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  Broadcast journalist, Reporter,
  
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  Political researcher, Local councillor, Local government administrator, Election agent
  
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  Civil Service, Diplomatic service, European Union administrator
  
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  Teacher, Police officer, Librarian
  

The course aims to develop the student’s knowledge and understanding of political, social and international issues. It develops the skills of evaluating sources and communicating through extended writing. The course addresses the rights and responsibilities of the individual in a democratic society.

Units studied:

Political issues in the UK - decision making and voting systems

Social issues in the UK Health – health and wealth inequalities

Assessment comprises of

1. 
   Question paper lasting 2 hours 15 minutes – worth 60 marks
   
2. 
   An Assignment written under controlled conditions worth 30 marks