Modern Studies at Meldrum Academy

Modern Studies makes a major contribution to learners’ knowledge and political understanding, providing a sound and necessary knowledge base about effective citizenship and promoting successful learners.

The department takes every opportunity to encourage learners to participate in the society in which they live. Learning about effective contributions to society takes place in a variety of ways, with opportunities for learners to contribute to the local community and, importantly, to experience the difference their contributions can make.

We encourage learners develop an understanding of political citizenship by participating in mock elections and legal trials and through discussing and debating political issues with a range of outside speakers from political parties, pressure groups and local authority services. Learners are given opportunities to explore current knowledge and understanding of the contemporary political, social and economic world and Scotland’s place in it.  We also ensure that all pupils contribute to class or group discussions through promoting the skills of active listening and encouraging critical questioning.

Modern Studies has a key role to play in the modern curriculum. It provides a sound context for learners to develop an awareness of the social and political issues they will meet in their lives. It can help them to:

• understand the democratic process and how and why people participate in society;
• be aware of their rights and responsibilities as local and global citizens;
• understand the nature and processes of conflict resolution at all levels;
• have an increasing awareness of social issues and ways of addressing needs; and
• develop the ability to critically appraise and evaluate important sources of evidence.

As part of our S1 Social Subjects integrated course, pupils will learn about the benefits of living in a democracy and compare and contrast this with life in a dictatorship.  Pupils will also learn about the arrangements for political decision making at the local and national level as well as the role of the media in influencing their choices and decisions.  As much of the subject content is constantly evolving, pupils will be delivered a relevant and up to date curriculum and they are encouraged to use the media to keep abreast of social, political and economic developments so that they can make the most effective contributions to the subject.

Pupils continue with their integrated course into S2 and link closely with RMPS in the delivery of a series of lessons on Terrorism and also with Geography in the delivery of a series of lessons on Trade and Aid.  In the run up to Christmas pupils will use their knowledge and understanding gained in all of the Social Subjects as well as their research skills practiced throughout the school to carry out an investigation into a developing country in Africa. 

At Standard Grade pupils are provided the opportunity to further enhance their knowledge and understanding and skills developed in the S1/2 Social Subjects integrated course.  Pupils will study the democracy of the UK, the changing societies of the elderly, unemployed and the family, the ideology of the USA, the politics of aid in Africa and the work of the EU, UN and NATO and their responses to international crises.  Guest speakers are invited in to address pupils and curricular visits are organised to give the pupils an enriched and relevant learning experience.  Some of our S4 pupils recently visited the Scottish Parliament and got to witness for themselves democracy in action as well as meeting with their local MSP and First Minister.

In the senior phase pupils can currently study for a Modern Studies qualification at Intermediate, Higher and Advanced Higher.  The experience of the Modern Studies staff has meant that a range of different topics can be taught and this allows pupils an element of personalisation and choice in deciding which topics we will study.  Pupils will get the opportunity to experience learning and teaching in some of the following: Scottish politics, British politics, the USA, China, Brazil, Development in Africa, Law and Order and Wealth and Health.