S3 Modern Studies
S3 builds on the skills and content explored in S1/2 and sees pupils exploring themes of World Power and Crime & Law.
In S3, pupils follow a course that allows them to develop the skills and knowledge to make a smoother step up to S4. As such, we introduce the ideas, concepts and skills that will help them with Modern Studies (and other subjects) in S4.
A wide range of approaches to teaching and learning are used. Pupils are expected to organise and maintain their own folder of work, which acts as course notes and material for revision. Pupils are engaged in a range of activities including; group work, presentations, whole-class discussion and debate, independent research tasks, as well as more traditional written work.
The first unit helps pupils to explore a world power. We study the Republic of South Africa as both a regional and world power. Pupils will investigate the political, social and economic issues affecting the country as well as examining the government's responses to some of these issues. Ideas such as power, health, wealth, employment, democracy are explored.
The second unit examines the ideas of crime and the law in the UK. We will explore the extent of criminal activity in the UK before investigating the causes of crime, the effects of crime, and the ways in which the government deals with the problem in this country.
- Describing events and developments
- Explain the cause or impact of a development
- Evaluating the usefulness of sources
- Comparing and contrasting
Pupils are assessed through a variety of methods including; classwork, homework, end of unit tests. All of these are recorded centrally by the teacher and are regularly monitored by the Principal Teacher.
Homework tends to be preparation for the assessments, and is in the form of traditional written exercises. Pupils can expect a piece of formal homework every 2-3 weeks. The department is currently working on a homework booklet for each unit.
Recording & Reporting
Target setting is a key part of the course and pupils are involved in setting target from the start. Feedback is always focused on how to improve and teacher-pupil conversations are regular. Grades are monitored bt the Principal Teacher on a monthly basis, and any concerns are discussed at Departmental Meetings. Any causes for concern are communicated with parents through Support for Pupils.