This course will build on and expand pupils’ political understanding of the world. It will deal with local, national and international issues whilst explaining and enhancing the pupils understanding of their role in each of these areas. We will look at political systems within the UK, social issues in the UK and look in depth at one of the G20 countries. The assignment will give pupils the chance to 

investigate any of these areas to a much greater depth whilst developing key learning skills. It is hoped that this course will challenge pupils to look beyond their local environment. They will develop an understanding of how they can play a role and influence decision making processes in Scotland and beyond 

You need to have already passed a social subject at Nat 5 (A/B). It is also preferable if you have a good pass in English as the assessment is dependent on your ability to express yourself clearly and in an organised manner. 

Course Details: This course has 3 mandatory units and an assignment 

Democracy in Scotland and the UK 

• We will look at the political structures in the UK and Scotland 

• Electoral systems in use in the UK 

• Political participation 

Social inequality in the UK 

• Where does inequality exist in the UK 

• Why does it exist and who is affected 

• What has been done to reduce inequality 

International powers: China 

• We will look at social, political and economic change in China 

• Chinas increasing role on the world stage 

• What role China may play in the future 

Assignment 

Pupil driven exercise focussed on one of the areas we have studied in class 

Pupils will develop skills in communication, research, personal expression, political awareness, evaluation, teamwork, sense of humour and a whole range of other useful life skills. 

There will be assessment throughout the course via learner check-ins aimed at developing exam technique. 

There will also be an assessment opportunity in January via the prelim exams. 

Homework will be issued regularly and in a variety of formats. There is also an expectation that you will thoroughly revise everything you have learned in class 

 From Higher Modern Studies pupils may progress to any of the other social subjects at Higher level or 

 Advanced Higher Modern studies 

 Law, Medicine, Social Work, Police, Politics, Business, Marketing, Economics, Teaching, Psychology, 

 Dentistry, Journalism, Criminologist, Sociologist, Judge, Librarian, Solicitor