For great ideas on Geography, why not try Juicy Geography or Georesources, both of which give plenty of links to many sites and resources.

Members of Mrs McCaffers Higher class get to grips with urban geography on their Glasgow field excursion

MODERN STUDIES

Modern Studies is a study of modern society, in the UK and around the world. It informs the pupils of the issues in world around them and promotes active citizenship. Over the year we study the following:

SI
The first unit in SI introduces the pupils to Modern Studies and develops the ideas of Rights and Responsibilities. For a look at some of the issues we cover, have a look round UNICEFs Rights Site. www.therightssite.org.uk

The second unit in SI focuses on ways in which we can participate in a democracy. The students develop their enquiry skills through an investigation in to a pressure group. Click here for some links to interesting pressure groups. www.ltscotland.org.uk/citizenship/links/politics/pressure.asp

SII
Throughout second year the pupils undertake a thorough study of inequality. This is achieved by an in depth study of the USA. We start the year by looking at the history of immigration. We then look political, social and economic inequality. The pupils will further develop their enquiry skills at this stage by producing their own investigative study of inequality in America. For the latest news from the America click here. www.usatoday.com

SIII

The third year pupils start their standard grade with an introduction to Democracy in the UK. We concentrate on the concepts of participation, representation and rights and responsibilities. We have been visited by Trish Godman MSP and David Cairns MP www.davidcairns.com/diary/?September2005 in the last few weeks. The unit will culminate in a visit to the Scottish Parliament on December 15th to see First Ministers Question Time. You can take a virtual tour of the parliament by clicking here.
www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/education/youth/explore/index.html
After Christmas we will focus on International Alliances. This involves a detailed study of the roles of the EU, UN and NATO in an increasingly complicated modern world. We look at the Africa and how the continents needs are best met. For a better look at NATO click here http://www.nato.int/docu/xperience/uk/xperienceuk.html

SIV

The fourth year pupils started the year revisiting the USA. They will then move on to a look at social issues in the UK. This section concentrates on poverty and unemployment.
Having completed these topics it is time to revise. For a look at BBC Bitesize Modern Studies, click here.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/education/bitesize/standard/modern/

SV/VI Higher

The Higher course looks at Decision Making in Central Government and Voting Systems in the UK. It also looks at Healthcare in the UK. Finally it takes a more international perspective when discussing Ethnic Minorities in the USA and South Africa.
Part of the final assessment demands that the pupils assume the role of a government advisor on healthcare and produce a policy document relating to a current health issue, using a variety of background material. This develops a number of analytical skills, not least report writing, that equip pupils for the challenges ahead.
The BBC Bitesize website covers a variety of the topics within the Higher course. http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/education/bitesize/higher/modern/

SVI Advanced Higher

The Advanced Higher looks the problems of crime and the role of law in society. Part of the course requires the pupils to prepare a 5,000 word dissertation. It is a thorough preparation for the challenges of university ahead. For a look at some of the issues visit the BBC websites crime section. http://www.bbc.co.uk/crime/

General Studies

General Studies is a new addition to the sixth year curriculum. It ensures the pupils have a wide knowledge base. It also concentrates on developing critical thinking skills that will be so crucial at university and in future employment. As part of the increasingly competitive university entry process and employment market a General Studies (AS level) qualification is a valuable selling point.
There are 3 units, which will be examined in January:
" Unit 1- Culture, Morality, Arts and Humanities.
" Unit 2- Science, Mathematics and Technology
" Unit 3- Society, Politics and the Economy
For a look at the content, click here to visit the BBC General Studies website. http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/asguru/generalstudies/intro.shtml

We are planning a trip to a Glasgow Art Gallery and one of the many theatres in the near future.