Thursday 9 September 2010
The subject can be taken at Standard Grade, Higher and Advanced Higher like any other.
Modern Studies can be thought of as a combination of politics, sociology and international relations. Pupils study a range of topics and will gradually build up a fuller understanding as they progress through the school.
Examples of some of the topics studied at different stages:
Modern Studies gives pupils a wide range of knowledge. Pupils explore contemporary issues, using a wide variety of methods to learn, thus allowing everyone to achieve their full potential.
The Modern Studies department has arranged outside speakers, e.g. an MSP, a Trade Union official and a representative of a pressure group, to come into school and inform pupils of their organisation and work.
Pupils have been able to ask questions as well as listening to the presentations. For example Nicol Stephen MSP came to speak to Upper IV to enhance their learning of the democracy topic. He was very impressed by the originality of the questions asked and interest shown.
Upper III Modern Studies makes an annual trip to Margaret Clyne Sheltered Housing. The pupils take a bus to Kincorth to see some of the adaptations and speak to some of the residents.
This means that the elderly people topic is taken out of the textbook and into real life. The class is given a guided tour and interview some of the residents in their community lounge.
Both pupils and residents enjoy the visit and gain a lot from it. Upper III also visit the Townhouse for a tour with the Lord Provost to find out about the workings of Aberdeen City Council. Pupils particularly enjoy debating in the Chamber and trying on the Lord and Lady Provosts’ chains.
As you can see Modern Studies offers every pupil the opportunity to learn in a variety of ways. Even for pupils not continuing beyond UII it provides information that is very relevant to everyday life.
Even if you have never studied the subject before you will find it interesting. The Standard Grade, Higher and Advanced Higher topics covered are the same as in the majority of other schools.