Social Subjects

The Social Subjects’ faculty aim to empower young people with the skills of critical thinking and empathy. We aim to cultivate informed global citizens through a wide social subjects curriculum which develops a deep understanding of diversity, culture and society.

The Social Subjects department at Williamwood High School provides a wide range of courses and learning opportunities to suit the needs of all pupils. Our courses are designed to offer a more flexible approach to learning and reinforce a commitment to achievement. We provide a coherent, flexible and enriched curriculum that aims to help prepare children and young people with the knowledge and skills they need in a fast changing world. Beyond the “traditional” Social Subjects we also offer alternative pathways in subjects such as Politics, Travel and Tourism, Scottish Studies. Additionally, we encourage citizenship in all pupils through our involvement in rights education and developing their experiences within the voluntary sector.

S3 is a period of transition. Pupils move on from the Experiences and Outcomes which make up the broad general curriculum into Fourth Level Experiences and Outcomes which form the basis of study in the Senior Phase. Pupils will be able build the depth of knowledge, understanding and application of skills necessary to lay the foundations for more specialised learning in the Senior Phase.

Pupils move to the Senior Phase in S4 to S6. It includes studying for National Qualifications. The approach offered in Social Subjects ensures a broad experience across the curriculum areas up to the end of S4, providing pupils with a wide range of knowledge, skills and exciting experiences that they can draw on as their lives, careers and job opportunities continue to change.

‘The social subjects department has a welcoming and positive atmosphere’

‘ Teachers create a motivating learning environment’

‘Staff are approachable and care about us. They allow us to express our opinions’

‘Social subjects provides a safe space to share our opinions’

Curricular Choice / Course Information

GEOGRAPHY

Geography

The Broad General Education
Earthquakes and Volcanoes
Climate Change
Urban (Glasgow and Brazil)
Health (HIV, Heart Disease, Malaria)
Weather

National 4 & 5
The study of geography introduces candidates to our changing world, its human interactions and physical processes. Candidates develop the knowledge and skills to enable them to contribute to their local communities and wider society. The study of geography fosters positive life-long attitudes of environmental stewardship, sustainability and global citizenship. Practical activities, including fieldwork, provide opportunities for candidates to interact with their environment.

Candidates develop:

  • a range of geographical skills and techniques
  • detailed understanding of the ways in which people and the environment interact in response to physical processes and human interactions at local, national, international and global levels
  • detailed understanding of spatial relationships and of the changing world in a balanced, critical and sympathetic way
  • a geographical perspective on environmental and social issues
  • an interest in and concern for the environment, leading to sustainable development

The units we study for N4/N5 are:

  • Glaciation with land use management
  • Coasts
  • Weather
  • Population
  • Urban
  • Rural
  • Health
  • Environmental Interactions

Higher Geography
Candidates develop a wide range of important and transferable skills, including using, interpreting, evaluating and analysing a wide range of geographical information; interpreting and explaining complex geographical phenomena; using a wide range of maps and other data to process and communicate complex geographical information; and researching skills, including fieldwork.

The course consists of three sections:

Physical
Candidates develop and apply knowledge and understanding of the processes and interactions at work within physical environments on a local, regional and global scale.

The topics we study as part of this sectin include,

  • Atmosphere
  • Biosphere
  • Hydrosphere
  • Lithosphere (Glaciation and Coasts)

Human
Candidates develop and apply knowledge and understanding of the processes and interactions at work within urban and rural environments in developed and developing countries.

The topics we study as part of this section include,

  • Population
  • Rural Land Degradation (Desertification and Land Use Management)
  • Urban (Glasgow and Mumbai)

Global Issues
Candidates develop and apply knowledge and understanding of global geographical issues which demonstrate the interaction of physical and human factors, and evaluate the strategies adopted to manage these issues.

The topics we study as part of this section include,

  • Climate Change
  • Health

 

Advanced Higher Geography
The Advanced Higher Course is an application of Geography course. Pupils are expected to have excellent knowledge of National 5 and Higher to enable them to be successful.

Portfolio – Issues Essay
Candidates develop critical thinking and the ability to evaluate sources and viewpoints on current complex geographical issues.

 

Portfolio – Geographical Study
Candidates develop a wide range of geographical methods and techniques including mapping skills, graphical techniques, and a range of statistical techniques for analysing and interpreting geographical data. Candidates develop a wide range of investigating skills while undertaking independent research such as:

  • scoping or identifying appropriate research topics
  • how to plan and manage a complex programme of research
  • techniques to source, collect and record appropriate and reliable primary and secondary information
  • methods of independent fieldwork
  • techniques to present findings using appropriate conventions
  • how to evaluate research methodology

Exam

Map Interpretation
Application of Geographical understanding to OS maps and sources.

Human and Physical Fieldwork Techniques
Undertake fieldwork to discuss methodology.
Evaluate techniques.

Data Handling
Analyse maps and graphs.
Analyse statistics.
Apply geographical knowledge and understanding to data

HISTORY

The Broad General Education
Nazi Germany
America: Progress and Protest
The Atlantic Slave trade

National 4/5
Candidates acquire breadth and depth in their knowledge and understanding of the past through the study of Scottish, British, European and World contexts in a variety of time periods. Options cover topics from the Medieval, Early Modern and Later Modern periods and include elements of political, social, economic and cultural history. The approach and understanding gained can be applied to other historical settings and issues.

Candidates develop:

  • a conceptual understanding of the past and an ability to think independently
  • the ability to apply a detailed historical perspective and evaluate sources in a range of contexts
  • a detailed understanding of the factors contributing to, and the impact of, historical events
  • the skills of investigating historical events and, on the basis of evidence, forming views
  • the skills of explaining and analysing historical events and drawing reasoned conclusions

The topics we study for N4/N5 are:
The Great War 1900-1928
The Atlantic Slave Trade 1770 – 1807
Free at last? Civil Rights in the USA, 1918 – 1968

Higher History
The units we study are,

  • Britain, 1851 – 1951
  • Germany, 1815 – 1939
  • Appeasement and the Road to War, to 1939
  • Migration and Empire, 1830 – 1939

Skills, knowledge and understanding for the course

The following provides a broad overview of the subject skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the course:

  • developing and applying skills, knowledge and understanding across contexts from British, European and world, and Scottish history
  • evaluating the origin, purpose, content and context of historical sources
  • evaluating the impact of historical developments and synthesising information in a well-structured manner
  • evaluating the factors contributing towards historical developments, and drawing well-reasoned conclusions supported by evidence
  • researching and analysing historical information
  • developing a detailed and accurate knowledge and understanding of complex historical issues in British, European and world, and Scottish contexts 

Advanced Higher
The unit we study is Britain: At War and Peace, 1938 – 51.

Candidates undertake a detailed study of a single historical period. Through this study they develop their ability to evaluate a wide range of historical sources which have some complex features, taking into account their provenance, content and historical and historiographical contexts. Candidates engage with the views of a range of historians, analyse issues to sustain a coherent line of argument, and draw well-reasoned conclusions supported by detailed evidence.

Candidates select one field of study from a choice of specified fields, allowing for personalisation and choice.

Researching historical issues

Skills achieved are:

  • justifying appropriate research issues
  • planning a complex programme of research
  • researching, collating and recording information
  • explaining approaches to organising
  • presenting and referencing findings
  • using an appropriate referencing convention

Skills, knowledge and understanding for the course:

The following provides a broad overview of the subject skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the course:

  • developing and applying skills, knowledge and understanding from a chosen historical field of study
  • evaluating a wide range of historical sources which have some complex features, taking into account their provenance, content and historical and historiographical contexts
  • engaging with the views of a range of historians
  • sustaining a coherent line of argument
  • drawing well-reasoned conclusions supported by detailed evidence
  • identifying appropriate research issues, supported by an abstract
  • planning and managing a complex programme of researchsourcing, collecting and recording appropriate and reliable information from primary and secondary sources
  • analysing, evaluating and synthesising evidence
  • understanding how to organise, present and reference findings using appropriate conventions

MODERN STUDIES

Modern Studies

The Broad General Education
Democracy in the United Kingdom
Conflict and Co-operation
Crime and the Law in society

National 4/5
The course uses a multidisciplinary approach to develop candidates’ knowledge and understanding of contemporary political and social issues in local, Scottish, United Kingdom and international contexts. Candidates develop the skills to interpret and participate in the social and political processes they will encounter in their lives.

Candidates develop:

  • a range of research and information-handling skills including: evaluating information/ evidence in order to support and oppose a view; making decisions and drawing conclusions; constructing detailed arguments; communicating views, opinions, decisions and conclusions based on evidence
  • detailed understanding of the democratic process
  • detailed understanding of social and economic issues at local, Scottish, national and international levels
  • ways of addressing needs and inequalities
  • an understanding of different views about the extent of state involvement in society
  • an understanding of the nature and processes of conflict resolution
  • an understanding of human and legal rights and responsibilities and their application in different societies

The units we study for N4/N5 are:

  • International Issues – USA
  • Democracy in the UK
  • Crime and the Law

 

Higher Modern Studies

Higher

The three units we study are

  • Social Issues – Social Inequality
  • International Issues – USA
  • Democracy in the United Kingdom

Skills, knowledge and understanding for the course

The following provides a broad overview of the subject skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the course:

  • developing and applying factual and theoretical knowledge and understanding, and giving detailed explanations and analysis of:
  • the democratic processes, institutions and organisations which make up political life in Scotland and the United Kingdom
  • a major social issue in the United Kingdom, focusing on either social inequality or crime and the law
  • an international issue, focusing on either a political and socio-economic study of a major world power or a contemporary world issue
  • analysing, evaluating and synthesising a wide range of evidence which may be written, numerical and graphical to:
  • detect and explain the degree of objectivity in contexts which may be familiar or unfamiliar
  • draw and support conclusions in contexts which may be familiar or unfamiliar
  • analysing and evaluating a wide range of evidence which may be written, numerical and graphical to explain the degree of reliability in contexts which may be familiar or unfamiliar
  • researching, analysing, evaluating and synthesising a wide range of evidence which may be written, numerical and graphical to make and justify decisions in contexts which may be familiar or unfamiliar

Advanced Higher Modern Studies

The units we study is Political issues alongside developing research skills.

Skills, knowledge and understanding for the course
The following provides a broad overview of the subject skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the course:

  • applying knowledge and understanding of complex political or social issues in the United Kingdom and adopting an international comparative approach
  • justifying and analysing complex political or social issues
  • analysing, evaluating, and synthesising a wide range of evidence and arguments
  • analysing and evaluating sources of information and social science research methods
  • planning, researching, collecting and recording information
  • explaining approaches to organising, presenting and referencing findings
  • synthesising information to develop a sustained and coherent line of argument, leading to a conclusion, supported by evidence

 

Higher Politics

The course consists of three areas of study: Political theory, Political systems, and Political parties and elections.

 

Skills, knowledge and understanding for the course

The following provides a broad overview of the subject skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the course:

  • researching, analysing, evaluating and synthesising information from a wide range of political sources
  • using a wide range of sources of information to draw detailed and balanced conclusions about political concepts and ideologies
  • Comparing and contrasting different political systems, making generalisations, where appropriate, on the political process
  • interpreting and evaluating a wide range of electoral data
  • drawing on factual and conceptual knowledge of political theory, political systems, and political parties and elections

TRAVEL & TOURISM

Travel & Tourism

Summary of course content
This course is the base-level vocational course in travel and tourism. It is designed to enable a learner who has little or no experience of travel and tourism to gain the basic skills for work, as an introduction to employment in the industry. Specific employability skills are experienced in the Travel and Tourism: Employability (National 5) unit. All other units have been designed to include skills which are essential for employment in the travel and tourism industry. Customer care and enterprise skills related to selling are included in a second unit Travel and Tourism: Customer Service (National 5). Product knowledge relating to dealing with customer enquiries feature in the remaining two units: Travel Tourism: Scotland (National 5) and Travel and Tourism: UK and Worldwide (National 5).

 

Summary of unit content
Units are statements of standards for assessment and not programmes of learning and teaching. They can be delivered in a number of ways; however Skills for Work units are designed to provide an experiential learning process.

 

Travel and Tourism: Employability (National 5)
The general aim of this unit is to enable learners to develop skills to become effective job seekers and employees in the travel and tourism industry. Learners will be introduced to the different functions of travel and tourism organisations and employment opportunities across the industry. Learners will gain an understanding of the skills and qualities identified by employers as being the most important in the travel and tourism industry. Learners who complete this unit will be able to investigate different careers from across the travel and tourism industry. They will also be able to demonstrate employability skills and plan for employment in a particular travel and tourism job.

 

Travel and Tourism: Customer Service (National 5)
The general aim of this unit is to allow learners to develop the skills and knowledge to enable them to meet the needs of customers. Learners will be able to develop communication skills and learn about promoting products and services and how to deal with customer issues.

Learners who complete this unit will be able to establish and respond to customer needs and promote a range of products and/or services from the travel and tourism industry. Learners will also be able to deal with a customer issue in a travel and tourism environment.

 

Travel and Tourism: Scotland (National 5)
The general aim of this unit is to enable learners to develop their knowledge, in relation to travel and tourism in Scotland, and the skills required to meet the needs of customers. Learners who complete this unit will be able to carry out an investigation of travel and tourism in Scotland and meet customer holiday needs.

 

Travel and Tourism: UK and Worldwide (National 5)
The general aim of this unit is to enable learners to develop their knowledge, in relation to travel and tourism in the United Kingdom and the rest of the world, and the skills required to meet the needs of customers. Learners who complete this unit will be able to carry out an investigation of travel and tourism in UK and rest of the world to meet the customer holiday needs.

The National 5 Travel and Tourism: Skills for Work Course has a course structure which is consistent with the course structure of the National 4 Travel and Tourism: Skills for Work Course. Both courses form a suite of courses.

 

Conditions of award
To achieve the award of National 5 Travel and Tourism Skills for Work Course, learners must achieve all the required units as outlined in the course outline. They will be assessed pass/fail within centres. Skills for Work courses are not graded.

 

Social Subjects Plus
The Social Subjects faculty are now offering a new course called Social Subjects Plus.
If you would like any further information on this please speak to Miss Mowat.

 

What is in the course?
Pupils will study two of the traditional Social Subjects (either geography, history or modern studies) in full at National 4 level. This will be based on pupil preference.

Pupils will also study an additional two units that will then allow them to gain a level 4 award in Scottish Studies.

 

Additional Units for Scottish Studies Level 4 Award
Scottish Studies: Scotland in Focus (SCQF level 4)* Mandatory Unit
Travel and Tourism: Scotland (National 4)

 

Why study Social Subjects Plus?

  • Social Subjects Plus will be internally assessed over the course of S3 and S4.
  • More focus on experiences and active learning.
  • Candidates gain two qualifications plus an award.

 

Pupils who have successfully completed the Social Subjects Plus course could progress onto:

  • Any National 5 social subject
  • National 5 Travel and Tourism
  • Any Higher Social Subject in their S6
  • It may also provide a good foundation for progression to training or employment in a variety of sectors including business, tourism, hospitality and the creative, cultural and heritage industries.

Success and Achievement

Successes and Achievement

  • Young Creative Competition
  • The Anne McLean Award- Kelvingrove Drawing Competition
  • Mackintosh the Innovator Design Awards
  • My Place Photography Competition Winners
  • Maths Inside Photography Competition Winners

Skills for Life, Learning and work

We pride ourselves on putting creativity at the centre of our learner experiences. We have a skill set for creative life, learning and work that is embedded in the curriculum.

Assessment Events: take place in the street area. These events allows both senior and junior classes to come together in one area of the school. The students lay out their design and expressive folios in order for them to be discussed, critiqued and evaluated. Students use guidelines and pre-determined success criteria to personally reflect and assess the work of their peers. This exercise allows learners to target certain aspects of their folio in order to set themselves next steps and future targets. Teachers facilitate this process and can give instant verbal feedback to the learner to reinforce forward steps.

Skills For Work: Through our skills based approach we nurture learners who can: communicate ideas effectively, collaborate, work in a team, meet deadlines, problem solve solutions creatively, adapt to new situations, take risks, demonstrate passion and commitment. 

Skills for Life: Self awareness, decision making, confidence, self worth, creative thinking, perseverance, responsibility, coping with stress/emotions, resilience, ability to fail and try again, individuality.

Literacy Skills: Learners study the work of designers and artist, they learn how to describe through conversation, the written word, sketchbook entries, and presentations. Learners produce I see…….., I think…….. because…….. statements about their own work and the work of others. They produce artist’s statements and dissertation on the work of key artists and designers.

Numeracy Skills: Measuring, estimating, scale, volume, fractions, mixing, model making, ratios, shapes and forms, three dimensions, perspective, proportion.

Digital Literacy: Our Learners are skilled in using digital technologies to demonstrate their creativity and further their ideas. Electronic portfolios for college or art school application. Digital recording techniques, photography, digital sketchbooks, online tutorials with teachers.

Careers

Coming soon…

Outdoor Learning

Higher Geography River Trip Whitecart 2024

Higher Geographers using fieldwork techniques to collect data from the Whitecart River as part of their upcoming assignment.