Modern Studies (National 4)

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parentforumscot NEWS For more detailed course information: SQA: Modern Studies National 4: www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/45701.html Education Scotland: www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nationalqualifications/index.asp Curriculum for Excellence Key Terms and Features Factfile: www.educationscotland.gov.uk/Images/CfEFactfileOverview_tcm4-665983.pdf The National Parent Forum of Scotland is grateful for the support of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Qualifications Authority and Education Scotland in the preparation of this series. NATIONALS IN A NUTSHELL The National Parent Forum of Scotland Summary of Modern Studies National 4 3 UNITS + ADDED VALUE UNIT HISTORY DEMOCRACY IN SCOTLAND AND THE UNITED KINGDOM SOCIAL ISSUES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM INTERNATIONAL ISSUES ADDED VALUE UNIT: MODERN STUDIES ASSIGNMENT WHAT WILL MY CHILD EXPERIENCE DURING THE COURSE? • Active and independent learning through self and peer evaluations, reflecting on learning, setting targets, learning logs • A blend of classroom approaches including visits and real life contexts; teamwork approaches; whole class learning; staff-led questioning; discussion and debate • Collaborative learning: in groups and with others locally, nationally and internationally; inter-curricular projects with English, maths and other social studies • Space for personalisation and choice: learners may choose their Assignment topic and their methods of researching and presenting evidence • Applying learning • Embedding literacy and numeracy skills: researching and presenting information including statistics; evaluating; communicating. ASSESSMENT • To gain National 4, learners must pass all Units • Units are assessed as pass or fail by the school/centre (following SQA external quality assurance to meet national standards) • Unit assessment (or ‘evidence of learning’) might include digital or oral presentations, recorded DVD/video, written work, podcasts, wall displays, extended writing. A portfolio of work may be prepared • The Added Value Unit (Assignment) will involve learners in selecting, researching and presenting findings on an issue of their choice, applying their knowledge and understanding. National 4 progresses onto National 5 MODERN STUDIES SOCIAL STUDIES NATIONAL 4 ACTIVE LEARNING IN THE CLASSROOM We took a topical issue that had just hit the news headlines and compared and contrasted how the issue was covered in different broadsheet and tabloid newspapers, as well as on the television news and on the internet. We analysed the importance the topic was given in each – how many minutes or column inches and words were allocated to it in each medium and what kinds of words were used to describe the story. Once we had this information, we each had to think of three explanations for the differences between the media types. Broadly, these were: types of reader/ viewer; political bias of the publication; available images and information. It has made me think differently when I watch the news on television! What skills will my child develop? • straightforward knowledge and understanding of the main democratic processes, institutions and organisations in Scotland and/or the UK • straightforward knowledge and understanding of social and economic issues at local, Scottish, national and international levels and ways of addressing needs and inequalities • awareness of different views about the extent of state involvement in society • the ability to detect and explain bias and exaggeration • an awareness of the nature and processes of conflict resolution • straightforward understanding of human and legal rights and responsibilities and their application in different societies • a range of research and information handling skills • the ability to draw valid conclusions from evidence • critical thinking skills such as explaining, analysing, evaluating