MODERN STUDIES

Modern Studies - S

Modern Studies aims to help pupils understand the facts behind tomorrow's headlines, to give them the skills they need to interpret the social and political issues they will meet in later life and to develop a knowledge and understanding of contemporary society both in the U.K. and abroad. Pupils studying at Credit, General or Foundation levels will all follow the same basic course which aims to the pupils' preparation for full and active membership as open-minded citizens of a democratic society.

The course includes the study for 8 basic units.

1. Living in a Democracy
   A study of how British democracy works with the emphasis on elections and how M.P.s represent you.
2. The Elderly
   A study of how society looks after the elderly and takes care of their needs with particular emphasis on the role of the government, local authorities, voluntary organisations and the family.
3. Employment and Unemployment
   A study of the causes and consequences of unemployment and the role of government in supporting the unemployed and providing re-training.
4. Trade Unions
   A study of how Trade Unions operate in the workplace with the emphasis on the role of the shop steward representing his/her members.
5. The Politics of Aid
   A study of the division of the world into "North" and "South", and the problems of underdevelopment in the South. There is also a study of the different types of aid that can be given.
6. International Relations (The New Europe)
   A study of the Cold War in Europe and recent development since the collapse of Communism. The Yugoslav Civil War and the changes in the European Union are also studied.
7. USA
   The economic and political system of the U.S.A. and China are studied. There is a particular emphasis on minorities, standards of living and the concept of human rights.
8. Family Incomes
   A study of the different types of family which currently exist in the U.K. and the UK and the differences in income which exist between these families.

The nature of the subjects means that pupil contribution is an essential part of the course. Discussion of current issues is vital and pupils are encouraged to make use of the media as a major source of information for these discussion and the course in general.

This part of the course above is assessed internally by "end-of-unit" tests and by a final external exam. The final exam is assessed half on "Knowledge and Understanding" and the other half "Enquiry Skills".

There is now no formal investigation to be submitted in 54 - instead the concept of "Evaluating" has been replaced by one of "Enquiry Skills" - this covers much the same ground as the old "Evaluating" and "Investigating" areas. Pupils are taught how to evaluate written or statistical sources, and how an investigation into a topic is carried out - no formal investigation is however, now submitted in S4.

Modern Studies - NU
"Europe: War and Peace"

This course allows pupils to explore the economics and political impact of conflict within Europe and consequent attempts to establish greater European co-operation.

The course will look at how the Second World War split Europe into two hostile armed camps. It will also look in detail at how the "European Community" attempted to establish co-operation in Europe after 1955.

Pupils will have the chance to study a European conflict of their choice and the attempts to resolve it in some detail.

Pupils will be assessed for S.Q.A. certification in 2 ways.

1. A written test on the first part of the course.
2. A 500 word report on the attempts to resolve the European conflict they chose to study.