The study of history gives pupils insight into their own lives and the society in which they live. By

examining the past, they discover their heritage as members of a community, a country and a wider

world and place themselves and their society in the context of the past. One of history's strengths is

that it covers a wide range of human activity. It embraces, for example, social, economic,

technological, political, ideological and cultural aspects of life. Consideration of past situations can

throw a revealing light upon the world today; current issues cannot be fully understood without an

appreciation of their roots in the past. The infinitive variety offered by the past means that history

provides interest and challenge for pupils of all abilities.

It is hoped that as well as developing skills and knowledge, History will encourage tolerant social

attitudes.

History is predominantly taught in F4, but is also taught in F5 and F15.

In S1 pupils attend Geography, History and Modern Studies on a rotational basis.  Four periods per

week for twelve weeks.

In S2 pupils attend Geography, History and Modern Studies on a rotational basis.  Three periods

per week for eight weeks.  Followed later in the session by a five week block, also of three periods

per week.

In S3/4 pupils attend three periods per week and are usually presented for Standard Grade in one

or more of the subjects.  Some pupils may be presented at Access 3 level if this is deemed

suitable for their needs.

Senior pupils attend for six periods per week and are presented at Intermediate 1 and 2, Higher

and Advanced Higher.

The upper limit for all our year groups is thirty pupils per class.  S1 to S4 classes are often close to

this limit.  Senior classes are usually between ten and twenty pupils per class.

There is one full time History specialist in the department although several other members of staff

also teach History.