History
Historians develop an understanding of the world by examining people, events and societies in the past and their impact on the present and the future.
History aims to develop: an understanding for the importance of events over time; an explanation for continuity and change, cause and effect; research skills which will identify appropriate resources, use different methods of reporting and review their findings; and the pupils capacity to work individually or collaboratively with their peers.
SI
The first unit in SI begins by asking 'What is History?' and examines its importance and relevance today. This is followed by 'How the Historian works', concentrating on types of sources and how they are used. Using a range of different sources the basis of religious divisions in Europe is examined. The focus is on the ideas of Martin Luther and the Reformation in England and Scotland with particular reference to Henry VIII and a comparison between Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots. Building on unit 1, the second unit concentrates on the Jacobites in the aftermath of the Reformation and considers this period of religious upheaval, revolution and the foundations of modern Scotland. Both units conclude with written examinations assessing each pupil's progression in knowledge and understanding and the development of source based enquiry skills.
SII
Second year History puts ideas of discrimination into a historical context. The first unit examines the changing role of women from the Victorian ideal of femininity through the women’s suffrage movement to enfranchisement in the early 20th century. In the second unit we examine the Holocaust of World War II as an extreme example of racial discrimination. In the third unit pupils compare the experience of occupied France with Britain’s home front from 1939-1945. We build upon the knowledge and understanding and skills established in first year through class work, homework and examination.
SIII–SIV Standard Grade
The History course provides perspective on and understanding of factors which shape our world today. Studying the effects of war on society and the impact of social and economic change on people’s lives allows pupils to discover their heritage in community, country and the wider world. The overall grade in History is determined by weighting Enquiry Skills at 60% and Knowledge and Understanding at 40% of the marks.
SV/SVI Higher
Candidates study the period Germany 1815-1939 and are taught a number of themes including Nationalism, the rise of Nazism and the growth of a totalitarian state in Germany. In addition they study Britain from 1850 - 1979 and Appeasement and the Road to War. The skills of knowledge and understanding, and evaluating are also taught and assessed either through fact tests, extended writing, essay writing or source interpretation.
SVI Advanced Higher
Candidates study the period Germany: Versailles to the Outbreak of World War II. A number of themes are taught including the implications for Germany, internally and internationally of the First World War and its settlement; revolution, inflation and stabilisation of the Nazi state. The skills of knowledge and understanding, and evaluating are also taught and assessed through essay writing and source based extended answers. The skill of investigating is taught via a 4000 word dissertation.