Social Subjects
Hello and welcome to the Social Subjects department within Mearns Academy. We are a caring, approachable faculty who want all learners to thrive and succeed. Building positive relationships is at the heart of our faculty.
Social Subjects gives learners the chance to develop their understanding of the world by considering other people and their values and beliefs, in different times, places and circumstances. As learners mature, their experiences will be broadened using Scottish, British, European, and wider contexts for learning. There will be a focus on the historical, social, geographic, economic, and political changes that have shaped Scotland. Learners will also learn about human achievements and about how to make sense of changes in society, of conflicts and of environmental issues.
Faculty Staff
Mr S.Fleming – Faculty Head
Mr S. Shanks – Teacher of History/Modern Studies
Mrs L.Carlson – Teacher of Geography
Mrs A. Collins – Teacher of History/Modern Studies
Miss A.McGlashan – Teacher of History/Modern Studies
Miss H.Smith – Teacher of Geography
S1-S3 Broad General Education
The diagrams below show the subjects and topics studied in Geography, Modern Studies and History
Geog BGE Map.pdfS1-S3 Geography
History BGE Map.pdfS1-S3 History
Modern Studies BGE Map.pdfS1-S3 Modern Studies
Senior Phase Curriculum
Geography N4/5:
Learners are expected to develop their geographical skills through active learning activities like fieldwork and mapping and GIS exercises. The course content is made up of 3 units. In the Physical Environments unit students will cover the formation of limestone and river landscapes, land use management issues and weather systems. The Human Environments unit covers world population and distribution, contrasts in development and changes in rural and urban landscapes. In the Global Issues unit, learners study the issues involved in global climate change and health. Pupils will also undertake an Added Value unit or Assignment.
Higher Geography:
Students continue to develop their geographical skills, in particular mapping skills, research skills including field work skills and add a range of presentation skills. The first of the 3 units is Physical Environments and involves studying the earth’s atmospheric, ocean and fresh water circulatory systems, soils and the formation of glaciated and coastal features. The Human Environments unit covers the causes and impacts of changing population structure and land degradation as well as the management of urban change in developed and developing cities. The Global Issues unit adds depth to the study of Global Climate change. Pupils also study a topic on energy and this topic explains the global distribution of energy resources, reasons for changes in demand (in developed and developing countries) and evaluates their effectiveness of renewable and non renewable approaches to meet global demand.Pupils will also undertake an Assignment.
History N4/5:
Learners are expected to develop their historical skills through source work, research, and active learning. The course content is made up of three units. In the British unit, students cover Changing Britain, 1760-1900. Here pupils look at the development of the Industrial Revolution, its impact on health and housing, and finally the growth of democracy in Britain. The Scottish unit is The Era of the Great War, 1910-1928, where pupils look at WWI from the Scottish perspective. This includes fighting on the Western front, the rise and decline of industry, the role of women, and finally the impact the war had on Scottish politics. The European and World unit is on Hitler and Nazi Germany, 1919-1939. Pupils learn about the rise of Hitler and the Nazis and how life changed in Germany and across Europe. Pupils will also undertake a historical study added value unit and assignment.
Higher History
Pupils continue to expand their historical skills and analytical writing, particularly with analysing factors, source work, and historical research. The first unit of study is European and World in which we focus on the USA, 1918-1968. Pupils will learn about changing attitude to immigration in the US and also learn about the rise and effectiveness of the Civil Rights Movement within the US. Britain, 1851-1951 is the second unit and focuses on reasons why women gained the vote in 1918. Pupils also learn about the effectiveness of Liberal and Labour welfare reforms. The Scottish unit covers Migration and Empire, 1830-1939. In this unit pupils focus on the reasons why Scots left Scotland and their impact on other countries. Learners also study the impact of immigrants on Scotland.
N4/5 Modern Studies:
In National 4/5 Modern pupils study a range of relevant topics. Topic one is democracy in Scotland which examines Scottish politics. Pupils learn about the role and work of the Scottish Parliament and the role of pressure groups in Scotland. Following this pupils will then study the causes and impact of crime in the UK. Finally, pupils will then examine US politics, inequalities and the influence of the US on the world. Pupils will gain a range of different skills and will have the opportunity to present their work in different formats. Pupils will complete course work as well as an assignment.
Higher Modern Studies:
In Higher Modern Studies pupils also study three topics. Firstly, senior students will study the USA. The Higher course goes into far more detail and looks at relevant examples of social, political and economic issues in the US. Following this, pupils will then study the causes and impact of wealth and health inequalities in the UK. The final part of the Higher course will study Democracy in the UK and the workings of the UK Parliament and Government. This course provides pupils with a range of essential transferble skills that are important in later life. Course work will focus on essay and source skills. Pupils also complete an assignment.
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
Geography Club – every Monday lunchtime. Pupils have the opportunity to learn about real life Geography and are given the chance to work and gain Geographical skills from Mrs Carlson.
Revision sessions for all National 5 and Higher classes take place once a week after school and staff are also available to provide support at lunchtimes.
Pathways / Career Links
Studying Social Subjects will improve your understanding of the world by learning about other people, societies, beliefs and values, in different times and places. You will develop your general knowledge and thinking skills within social subjects (Geography, History, Modern Studies, and Classical Studies) and or religious and moral education. For example, you might research events from the past by looking at primary sources (original material) and secondary sources (research books or articles). Or, you might compare and contrast a society in the past with your own today, and discuss how they are different or similar You will learn many important skills on this course that are useful in other areas of study or work. These include numeracy, language and communication, problem solving, reflective skills and ICT skills.
Why study Geography? Geography courses are designed to enable you to use geographical analysis to develop a detailed understanding of important aspects of the contemporary world. This involves studying the ways that people and the environment interact and examining the environmental issues that arise in a rapidly changing world. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills including research, evaluation and presentation, IT, mapping and statistics. The skills you learn in Geography are valuable in a wide range of career sectors, including: working with development or aid agencies, environmental work, working for the census office and in tourism and leisure.
Why study History? Studying History provides us with an insight into our own lives and of the society and the wider world in which we live. Through an understanding of the concept of continuity, you can better appreciate change and its significance, both in your own times and in the past. It is also intended to enable you to develop skills in explaining historical developments and events, evaluating sources and drawing conclusions. The skills you learn in History are valuable in a wide range of career sectors, including public administration, business management, law, museum work, teaching and journalism.
Why study Modern Studies? Learning Modern Studies gives you a greater understanding of the contemporary world and your place in it. You will learn contemporary political and social issues in local, Scottish, United Kingdom and international contexts, and, in these contexts, develop an awareness of the social and political issues you will meet in your life. You will also develop investigating, evaluating and analysing skills in order to understand and explain political, social and international issues. The skills you learn in Modern Studies are valuable in many career areas, including public administration, business management, law, teaching and journalism.
Useful Resources / Signposting Websites