The Edinburgh Academy

	6th	7th
Higher
AS Level
A Level

Modern Studies is the ideal Higher if you are interested in current affairs.  Turn your general interest into a more profound understanding. Modern Studies is the ideal Higher if you know nothing about current affairs.  Gain the knowledge needed for adulthood in our democracy.

A smaller proportion of citizens now choose to exercise their votes than at any time since the universal franchise was so hard won. A very high proportion believe that politicians are not to be trusted or that the individual is powerless to influence events. What has brought the cradle modern democracy to this state of affairs and what can be done about it? Knowledge is a prerequisite of effective participation in modern democracy. How many UK born citizens for example would pass the citizenship test now given to immigrants? Here is a chance to equip yourself to make a difference.

A recent development in the department has been the acquisition of an interactive smart whiteboard. This has immediately had an impact on Modern Studies, where it is now possible, for example, to use the Internet live with a whole class.

Entry requirements

An interest in human affairs. This subject has excellent educational value even for those who find it diffi cult. Good grades do require reasonable English language skills. In particular the data response exercise in Paper 2 requires fairly rapid reading. It is impossible to do well at Modern Studies without studying current events. All pupils should read and watch serious journalism, not as a casual interest but as a regular, deliberate course of self-education.

Progression

Pupils are ready to move on to Politics A-Level. The emphasis on the use of statistical evidence to support clear and well balanced short essays makes this a very valuable preparation for all university courses involving any of the Social Sciences.