1. Higher Modern Studies
Torry Academy

2. Modern Studies
Pupils will have 5 periods (two double periods and single) each week
Pupils will study 3 different topics
Pupils will learn answer knowledge and understanding (KU) questions & skills questions
Pupils will complete their own assignment

3. Social Inequality in the UK Democracy in Scotland and the UK
Course Outline
Pupils will study 3 different topics
Social Issue
Political Issue
International Issue
Social Inequality in the UK
Democracy in Scotland and the UK
The USA
June - July (5 weeks) + August - September
September - December
January - March

4. In order to pass Higher Modern Studies pupils must complete the three areas of assessment:
Unit Assessments
Assignment
The Exam

5. How pupils will be assessed (1) – Unit Assessments
Throughout the year, unit assessments will be carried out in order to gather ‘evidence’ and assess pupil’s ‘basic competency’ in the course.
This will ensure that pupils are meeting the required standard for Higher Modern Studies

6. How pupils will be assessed (2) – The Assignment
Worth 33% of a pupil’s final grade (out of 30 marks)
Pupils will choose their own topic, research it and write it in exam conditions in one hour and 30 minutes
Pupils will need to put a lot of effort into this and spend a good amount of time researching their topic independently in order to get a good grade

7. How pupils will be assessed (3) – The Exam
Worth 66% of a pupil’s final grade
The exam paper is out of 60 (20 marks per unit)
Each section will ask either a knowledge question (12 marks) and a skills question (8 marks) totalling 20 marks or simply a 20 mark knowledge question
Exam will last 2 hours 15 minutes

8. The course is graded A-D and this is determined by a the total mark for all the Course Assessments (Exam and Assignment)

9. Social Inequality in the UK
The Welfare State: Creation & Principles
Evidence of Inequalities in the UK: poverty & social exclusion
Explanations/Theories of Inequality: individualism vs collectivism
Health Inequalities: geography, lifestyle choices
Government Responses to Health Inequalities
Impact of Social Inequality: gender inequalities & ethnic inequalities
Government Responses to Inequalities

10. Democracy in Scotland & the UK
The UK constitutional arrangement: the role and powers of government, changes to the role and powers of the Scottish Parliament, the ongoing debate over European Union.
The study of representative democracy: the role of political representatives, pressures on political representatives (MSPs, First Minister)
Electoral systems and voting behaviour: — the impact of electoral systems on election results , strengths and weaknesses of different electoral systems + factors which affect voting behaviour: social class, media, age, gender and ethnicity
Participation & Pressure Groups: — the role and influence of pressure groups & the role and influence of the media

11. The USA The USA as a World Power: capitalism, American Dream
Immigration: immigration debate, impact on the country
Political system and processes: political system arrangement, powers and limitations of the President, political parties, opportunities for participation
Recent socioeconomic issues —socio-economic issues (health, education crime & law), impact of the socio-economic issue on a specific group in society & the effectiveness of government responses to a socio- economic issue
The role of the world power in international relations — involvement in international organisations & relationship with other countries