Download higher history - Elgin High School

HISTORY - HIGHER
PURPOSE
The course aims to build on the knowledge and understanding, research and source skills
developed at Standard Grade, Intermediate 2 or National 5 History. Higher History is an interesting
and challenging course that offers a valuable insight into the past and helps us to understand some
of the issues relevant to the world we live in today. The course can be invaluable preparation for
further education and may be useful for pupils considering careers in many different professions
such as law, journalism, media and broadcasting, teaching, local government, public relations,
marketing and advertising. In addition to essays and source skills, pupils will have the opportunity
to work in groups, participate in class discussions, undertake research and problem-solving tasks,
evaluate sources, take part in a field trip to Aberdeen and watch DVDs relevant to the chosen
topics. Use of computers and the internet is encouraged as a valuable resource for learning.
ENTRY REQUIREMENT
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Students will normally be expected to have attained:
a pass (A-C) in National 5 History or
a credit pass (1 or 2) in Standard Grade History or
a pass (A-C) in Intermediate 2 History or
a National 5 / Standard Grade Credit / Intermediate 2 / Higher pass in any another Social Subject
and / or English
COURSE OUTLINE
There are 3 course units – Scottish, British, European & World:
Scottish History: Age of Reformation 1560 - 1603
This unit looks at the dramatic events surrounding the Reformation in Scotland during the
Middle Ages. This key turning point in Scottish History is explored through themes such
as: the conflict between the Protestant and Catholic Church; the turbulent reign of Mary
Queen of Scots and the murder of Lord Darnley; the reign of James VI , first king of
Scotland and England, and the impact of the Reformation on Scottish culture and society.
British History: Britain 1850 – 1950s
This unit looks at some of the social, political and economic changes that took place in Britain
between 1851 and 1951. Topics include the Growth of Democracy 1867 - 1928, the Women’s
Suffrage campaign 1850s - 1928, Poverty and the Liberal Reforms of 1906-14, the impact of World
War 2 on British society and the establishment of the ‘Welfare State’ under the Post-War Labour
Government of 1945 – 51.
European and World History: Germany 1815 – 71
This unit looks at the origins of German nationalism as a consequence of the French Revolution
and the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo in 1815 had major consequences for the
great European Powers – Britain, Austria, Russia, France, Prussia and the other German states.
Major events - including the Franco-Prussian War - led eventually to the Unification of the German
States under Bismarck in 1871.
ASSESSMENT
The exam consists of a single paper: two essay questions – one from the ‘Britain’ and one from
the ‘European and World’ topics (40 marks) and 3 source-based questions from the ‘Scottish
History’ topic (20 marks). There is also an Extended Essay folio piece written in class on a theme
of the candidate’s own choice (30 marks).