Kear Social Subjects
Why study Social Subjects?
Studying Social Subjects will improve your understanding of the world by learning about other people, societies, beliefs and values - across different times and places.
Within social subjects, you will develop your general knowledge and thinking skills. You can choose from Geography, History, Modern Studies, and RMPS (Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies). Within Social Subjects you might research events from the past by looking at Primary Sources (original material) and Secondary Sources (research books or articles). Or you might compare and contrast a past society with your own, and discuss how they are different or similar. You might wish to explore the moral issue of Capital Punishment and if we should bring the death penalty back in Britain. Or you might want to explore Democracy in Scotland and whether we have a fair voting system and how the Government runs our country.
You will learn many important skills within these subjects that are useful in other areas of study or work. These include numeracy, language and communication, problem solving, reflective skills and ICT skills.
HISTORY
The aim is to provide enjoyment and stimulate a lasting interest in History. By studying contemporary problems in their historical setting, you will develop a better understanding of contemporary society. Comparing past societies and their values with the present will introduce pupils to their cultural heritage (local, national and international) and to provide a framework for reinforcing and developing basic skills. Pupils will be provided with a disciplined method of study that develops an awareness of the need for evidence and how to use it appropriately. The overall aim is to help pupils develop a tolerant but critical attitude via the study of societies, which are removed in time and place, from our own.
We also provide an understanding of human development, including an awareness of:
- Change and continuity
- Cause and consequence
- The influence of the environment in shaping human development
- The impact of change on individuals and societies
Why study History?
Studying History provides us with an insight into our own lives, and of the society and wider world in which we live. Through an understanding of the concept of continuity, you can better appreciate change and it’s significance. You can then apply this to your own time as well as the past. The ability to explain historical developments and events, evaluating sources, and drawing conclusions are some of the skills that are developed.
The skills you learn in History are valuable in a wide range of career sectors, including public administration, business management, law, museum work, teaching and journalism.
Click on the links below to find out more information on the History Qualification;
Nationals in a Nutshell - History (National 4)
Nationals in a Nutshell - History (National 5)
Nationals in a Nutshell - History (Higher)
Useful web links for History
History Past Papers and Marking Schemes
Modern Studies
The aim of Modern Studies is to develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of social, political, and international issues in the contemporary world. The course will inspire and motivate learners to understand more about values, conflicts of ideas and how they can influence events by exercising democracy and citizenship. Studying Modern Studies fosters attitudes of open-mindedness and tolerance. Another aim is to inspire and motivate learners to understand more about values, conflicts of ideas and how they can influence events by exercising democracy and citizenship.
Pupils will be provided the opportunity to become an informed and responsible citizen, including an understanding of;
- Human activities and achievements.
- Their own values, beliefs and cultures and those of others.
- The principles of democracy and citizenship through experience of critical and independent thinking.
Why study Modern Studies?
Learning Modern Studies gives you a greater understanding of the contemporary world and your place in it.
You will learn contemporary political and social issues in local, Scottish, United Kingdom and International Contexts. Within in these contexts, you will develop an awareness of the social and political issues you will meet in your life. You will also develop investigative, evaluation and analysis skills in order to understand and explain political, social and international issues.
The skills you learn in Modern Studies are valuable in many career areas, including public administration, business management, law, teaching and journalism.
Click on the links to find out more information on the Modern Studies Qualification;
Nationals in a Nutshell - Modern Studies (National 4)
Nationals in a Nutshell - Modern Studies (National 5)
Nationals in a Nutshell - Modern Studies (Higher)
Useful links for Modern Studies
Modern Studies Past Papers and Marking Schemes
Higher Modern Studies Bitesize
Why study Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies?
The aim of the course is to give you the opportunity to investigate the nature and scope of religion and morality. We will also consider philosophical viewpoints on religious and other stances, for living in the modern world. This helps you to reflect on your own life experiences and develop your personal beliefs and values. In addition, you will gain knowledge and understanding of the different beliefs and values of others and the ability to express your opinions and give informed comment.
The skills you learn in this course are valuable in a wide range of careers, and provide a valuable contribution to your personal, social and intellectual development.
Click on the links to find out more information on the RMPS Qualification;
Nationals in a Nutshell - Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies (National 4)
Nationals in a Nutshell - Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies (National 5)
Nationals in a Nutshell - Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies (Higher)
Useful links for RMPS;
RMPS Past Papers and Marking Schemes
Religious Studies BBC Bitesize
Why study Geography?
The course is designed to enable you to use geographical analysis to develop a detailed understanding of important aspects of the contemporary world. This involves studying the ways that people and the environment interact and examining the environmental issues that arise in a rapidly changing world. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills including research, evaluation and presentation, IT, mapping and statistics.
The skills you learn in Geography are valuable in a wide range of career sectors, including working with development or aid agencies, environmental work, working for the census office and in tourism and leisure.
Click on the links to find out more information on the Geography Qualification;
Nationals in a Nutshell - Geography (National 4)
Nationals in a Nutshell - Geography (National 5)
Nationals in a Nutshell - Geography (Higher)
Useful links for Geography;
Geography Past Papers and Marking Schemes