History

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History helps us understand change and how the society we live in came to be. The past causes the present, and so the future. At James Gillespie’s we aim to provide an experience that will engage young people and develop a life-long interest in the subject. We build on the pupils’ knowledge and understanding and develop the skills of enquiry and critical thinking which will help them at school and in their adult life. Employers and academic institutions place a high value on skills developed through the study of History.  In particular they are impressed by the ability of Historians to research, analyse and present information. Above all, History helps pupils to think logically and put forward reasoned arguments.

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Broad General Education

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The S1 – S3 course covers a wide-range of Experiences and Outcomes. Through differentiated teaching methods and a variety of resources, it is anticipated that pupils will finish S2 having achieved Third or Fourth level in People, Past Events and Societies.

S1:

1. Introduction to history – using evidence, time, historical skills.
2. Early People – Scotland’s first people, the Vikings
3. The Wars of Independence

S2: 

1. Black Peoples of America – slave trade to civil rights.
2. The Assassination of President Kennedy – an investigation.

S3:

1. The First World War 

This topic will cover Level 3 and 4 Experiences and Outcomes. Knowledge and skills will be developed to prepare for National 4 and 5 work and some aspects of these courses will begin.

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