What is in the Higher History course?

Syllabus content

Unit 1: Britain 1850's - 1979. This includes -

  • The growth of the welfare state.
  • Social and economic problems and how Governments dealt with them.
  • Changes in leisure patterns in Scotland.
  • The movement for women's suffrage.

Unit 2: Russia 1881-1921. This includes -

  • The control of the Russian peasantry and industrial workers by the Tsar.
  • Growing opposition to the Tsar.
  • The 1905 revolution and why the Tsar survived.
  • The 1917 revolution, the end of Tsarism and the rise of Communism.

Unit 3: Appeasement and the road to war 1933 to1939. This includes -

  • Fascist ideology and how it influenced German and Italian foreign policy.
  • The development of the British reaction to the German reoccupation of the Rhineland, the Spanish Civil War, the annexation of Austria and the crisis concerning Czechoslovakia.
  • Could Germany have been stopped? Could the Second World War have been avoided?

 

Aims of the courses:

At a personal level, Higher History aims to develop an enquiry and questioning attitude of mind; to help students prepare effectively for advanced education or employment; to foster an interest in history which will provide a lifelong source of enjoyment.

At a skills level, Higher History aims to:

  • Increase awareness of major historical issues and different interpretations.
  • develop the ability to think independently, make informed judgements and present sustained and reasoned arguments.
  • Base arguments on historical evidence.
  • Develop an ability to research a subject independently.
  • To develop clear communications skills.

Entry levels:

Students will be expected to have attained a Grade 1 or 2 at Standard grade History or other Social Subject. Higher History is open to 6th year students with no history background but who have gained Higher English or other Social Subject in S5.

Assessment:

This will take place at the end of each unit, leading to the external exam in May. Students will also be required to write an extended essay of their choice, for which they will have researched, prepared and planned in class.

 

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