History is all around us. Rather than being a ‘dead’ subject, it connects things through time and encourages its students to take a long view of such connections. Understanding the links between past and present is absolutely crucial for a good understanding of the condition of being human. Ultimately that is why History matters. It is not just ‘useful’, it is essential.
The purpose of the National 3/4/5 History course is to bring the past to life, allowing learners to gain a deeper understanding of the world in which they live.
This will be achieved through the study of three units which will cover Scottish, British, European and World contexts in a variety of time periods. All units include elements of political, social and cultural history.
Historical Study: Scottish – The Era of the Great War, 1900–1928
A study of the experiences of Scots in the Great War and its impact on life in Scotland. This topic considers the impact of technology on the soldiers on the Western Front. It also considers the way in which the war changed life for people at home as the war began to impact on every aspect of life both during and after the war.
Historical Study: British –The Atlantic Slave Trade, 1770-1807
A study of the nature of the British Atlantic slave trade in the late eighteenth century, changing attitudes towards it in Britain and the pressures that led to its abolition, illustrating the themes of rights, exploitation and culture.
Historical Study: European and World – Hitler and Nazi Germany, 1919-1939
A study of attempts to establish democracy in Weimar Germany, the reasons for its collapse and the nature of the Nazi State.
Assessment
National 5
- The Course assessment will consist of two components: a question paper and an assignment.
- The purpose of the question paper is to demonstrate application of skills and breadth of knowledge across the three units. This is worth 80% of the total mark.
- The assignment is an opportunity for pupils to research an appropriate history topic or issue employing history skills to reach a well-supported conclusion. This is worth 20% of the total mark.
National 4
- Assessment will be done internally. Pupils will compile evidence such as extended writing, source evaluation and research activities.
- Pupils at National 4 will also be expected to complete an assignment where they will draw upon and apply the skills, knowledge and understanding they have learned during the Course.
National 3
- Assessment will be done internally. Pupils will compile evidence such as extended writing, source evaluation and research activities.