Subjects taught in Social Faculty:
Why Study Social Subjects:
Geography
Geography is one of the most wide-ranging subjects taught in schools today. The world around us is continually changing and is repeatedly facing social, political economic and environmental issues. Geography examines how the physical world is shaped and how this affects human activity. Geography is interested in patterns on the earth’s surface, what processes were involved in creating those patterns and the impacts of changes on people, the economy and the environment.
Through studying Geography at Dalkeith High School, students will develop the key skills of collecting, processing and evaluating information accurately. Fieldwork opportunities will be offered in S2, S3, S4 and at Higher to help students develop these skills. Senior phase students will use this fieldwork to prepare for and produce the assignment element of the course. Students will develop skills in analysing information from a range of sources including maps, diagrams and statistical techniques.
The study of Geography enables students to have a broad understanding of the world around them and of the key natural and human global issues that are facing our planet today. Geography gives pupils a global perspective not experienced elsewhere and is the perfect subject to study in preparation for both further education and for entering the world of work.
Modern Studies
Modern Studies is a highly interesting and topical subject, there are many important reasons you should study it:
Politics
The study of politics aims to deepen your understanding and knowledge on one of the most powerful influences on people, society and places. This knowledge is valuable for all citizens of an increasing global world and is essential in many careers today. The course covers important political concepts and ideologies, the comparison of different political systems, and the evaluation of factors that impact on the electoral performance of political parties. Candidates will develop their knowledge and understanding of key political concepts throughout the year. The theoretical perspective of the course enables candidates to identify, explore and analyse political issues in order to develop their own views and perspectives. Candidates develop analysing and evaluating skills during the course, which help them to interpret and understand political issues. Studying politics helps to prepare learners for a vast range of pathways, both vocational and educational, and to understand the world and its political systems.
Business
The world of business is all around us and is changing continuously. Within this subject, it is our goal to give pupils a better understanding of how the business world operates. No matter what field of work you leave school to embark on, ultimately you will work in one of the following sectors; Public, Private, Third or Quaternary. You will learn important life skills such as finance and budgeting, legislation affecting employment, how modern technology can impact businesses and how external factors that cannot be controlled impact and influence businesses to name but a few.
Administration & IT
Administration and IT is a growing subject, which offers employment opportunities across all sectors. The key aims are to develop pupils’ ability to contribute to the effective functions of organisations in an administrative capacity. They will achieve this by developing an understanding of administration in the workplace investigating key concepts such as legislation, customer care and events management. They will also develop a range of IT skills including the use of word processing, spreadsheets, databases, desktop publishing, the internet, e-diaries and email. Embedded throughout are employability skills and applications for not only employment but at home, in the wider community and further studies. Skills developed in Admin also help our pupils greatly as they progress into college or university.
Travel & Tourism
Travel and Tourism offers pupils the opportunity to develop communication skills, deal with customer issues and learn about promoting products & services. Pupils will be able to establish and respond to customer needs and promote a range of products and services from the travel and tourism industry.
Learners will develop a detailed understanding of tourism in Scotland and worldwide and improve skills in preparation for working within the industry.
Study Club Details:
The Social Subjects faculty will run after school study clubs for all Senior Phase classes. The specific dates of these depend on teacher and pupil availability – all study club dates will be posted onto google classrooms.
Excursion Opportunities:
The Social Subjects faculty prides itself on the range of excursions and field trips we have been able to offer over the years. Although the field trips vary each year here are a selection of some of the trips we offer or where teachers have been involved.
BGE
Senior Phase
International Trips
Skills:
Geography:
Modern Studies:
Modern Studies helps you to understand important issues in the world today. It helps you gather information about these issues, evaluate the information you have and, most importantly, it helps you to make up your own mind and come to your own conclusions about these issues. You will learn skills that will help you if you go to college to university such as developing informed decisions, informed discussion and debate and investigating / research strategies.
Politics:
Source evaluation and analysis, making conclusions, using evidence to support view points, counter arguing the relative importance of different factors, debating as well as literacy and numeracy.
Business:
Administration and IT:
Travel and Tourism:
Pupils will develop invaluable transferable skills including:
