S1 Social Subjects  

S1 Humanities - BGE Level 2 and 3 
Level 3 Social Subjects: Your Journey Through Humanity 

Ready to explore your local area, Scotland and the wider world? In S1 Humanities, you will learn how people live, how the past has shaped society, and how decisions are made today. 

Throughout the year, you will study three exciting units: 

Unit 1: Your Local Area - West Calder 

Learn about the place you live and its importance. 

• Geography: Explore the local area of West Calder using OS maps. You will learn how to read maps and understand key features of your surroundings. 

• History: Discover the history of shale mining in West Calder and how it shaped the local community. 

• Modern Studies: Find out about your local representatives and the important role they play in your community. 

Unit 2: Scotland 

Understand Scotland's landscape, history and politics. 

• Geography: Study Scotland's landscape features, including mountains, rivers and glaciated valleys. 

• History: Learn about the Wars of Independence and key figures such as William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. 

• Modern Studies: Explore how Scotland is governed by studying the political system and taking part in a mock election. 

Unit 3: The USA 

Explore life in a global superpower. 

• Geography: Learn about the geography of the USA, including Route 66 and natural hazards such as hurricanes and earthquakes. 

• History: Investigate the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and its impact. 

• Modern Studies: Examine social issues in the USA, including immigration and gun control. 

S1 RMPS 

In S1 RMPS, pupils will have the chance to explore a range of topics within world religion, morality and philosophy. Pupils will be introduced to philosophy through studying explanations of how our universe and world came to be. They will study how the humans have tried to answer universal questions such as "how did we get where?" and "why are we here?". Pupils will be expected to navigate different sources from ancient religions and science. Afterwards, S1 will explore the religion of Buddhism and study how Prince Siddartha Gautama would become enlightened from the suffering of the world and become known as 'The Buddha'. The final unit in RMPS will center around Animal Rights and explore different ethical dilemmas such as animal testing, pets, and using animals for food and entertainment. By the end of the unit, pupils will be expected to answer the question "how far should animals be given rights?"   

S1 IDL 

Solorpunk Island: Designing a Sustainable Future 

Welcome to Solorpunk Island, an exciting interdisciplinary learning (IDL) project where imagination meets innovation. In this project, learners will collaborate to design and build a fully sustainable island inspired by solarpunk ideals—where technology, nature, and community work in harmony to create a better future. 

Across a range of subjects, learners will explore real-world challenges such as renewable energy, eco-friendly architecture, food production, waste reduction, and community wellbeing. Subjects will provide a unique "insert," allowing learners to develop knowledge and apply skills in meaningful, connected ways. 

Throughout the project, learners will build essential skills for the future, including problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, critical thinking, and resilience. They will be encouraged to think like designers, engineers and global citizens as they develop innovative solutions for a sustainable world. 

By the end of the project, learners will have created their own vision of Solorpunk Island—demonstrating not only their understanding of sustainability but also their ability to work collaboratively and think forward. 

S2 Humanities - BGE Level 3 

Level 3 Social Subjects: Your Journey Through Humanity 

Ready to explore the world, its history, and the big issues we face today? In Level 3 Social Subjects, we travel across continents and through time to understand how people live, how the past shaped us, and how we can change the future. 

In this course you'll  dive into three fascinating areas: 

Geography: The Wonders of Africa 

Forget what you think you know—Africa is a massive, diverse continent of 54 countries! 

• Journey from the golden sands of the Sahara to the lush mountain volcanoes of the Rift Valley. 

• See how rapidly growing cities like Lagos and Nairobi are changing the world. Learn about different levels of development like life expectancy and wealth.  

History: Lessons from the Holocaust 

We take a serious and important look at one of the most significant events in modern history. 

• We investigate how and why the Holocaust happened, looking at the lives of those who lived through it. 

Modern Studies: Today's Big Issues 

If it's on the news, it's in the classroom! This is your chance to talk about what's happening in the world right now. 

• From the impact of knife crime, the conditions in death row to racism in sports. You will enough learning about current policy and issues. 

Climate Justice 

In this course, learners will explore how climate change affects people differently across Scotland and the wider world. They will investigate who is most impacted, why certain communities face greater risks, and how issues such as inequality, poverty and colonial history shape climate injustice. 

Students will examine real examples of unfair climate impacts — from Scottish communities affected by extreme weather to global cases involving indigenous groups and low‑income nations. They will also learn how young people can take meaningful, responsible action, developing skills to campaign, communicate and make positive changes in their own communities. 

S2 RMPS 

In S2 RMPS, pupils will have the chance to explore a range of topics within world religion, morality and philosophy. Pupils will be given the opportunity to answer the philosophical question "what happens after we die?" Pupils will explore a range of religious and non- religious responses to this question such as Christianity, Buddhism, Humanism while also debating whether or not Ghosts and psychics are real. After this unit, pupils will move onto their world religion unit and will study the different beliefs and practices in Judaism. This unit will help develop their understanding of the Holocaust which they will study in their Social Studies classes. The final unit in RMPS will be a morality unit that will encourage pupils to answer the question "should the death penalty be reintroduced in the UK?". Pupils will develop their knowledge, analysis and evaluation skills as they look at causes of crime, the purpose of punishment and religious and non- religious responses to capital punishment.   

S2 IDL  

S2 IDL: Building Skills for the Future 

In S2, learners will take part in an exciting Interdisciplinary Learning (IDL) experience that combines creativity, innovation, and real-world problem solving. Across two engaging projects—Forestopia and Campaign for Kindness—learners will work across subjects, with each area contributing to support and deepen their learning. 

The first project, Forestopia, challenges learners to design a sustainable theme park experience inspired by nature. Working collaboratively, they will create ideas for eco-friendly rides, food stalls, or merchandise, considering environmental impact, design, and user experience. Through inputs from different subjects, learners will explore sustainability, engineering, design, and business concepts, applying their knowledge in meaningful and creative ways. 

The second project, Campaign for Kindness, shifts focus to social impact. Learners will design and develop their own campaign aimed at promoting kindness within their community. Using skills from across the curriculum, they will research, plan, and present a campaign that raises awareness and encourages positive change. 

Throughout both projects, learners will develop essential skills for the future, including communication, teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. By making connections between subjects and applying their learning in real-life contexts, they will become more confident, responsible, and forward-thinking individuals. 

S3 Modern Studies  

S3 Modern Studies helps learners develop an understanding of important social and political issues affecting Scotland and the wider world. The course encourages students to become informed and responsible citizens by exploring real-life issues, systems and current events. 

Students begin by studying a key Scottish social issue: drug deaths in Scotland. They explore the causes and consequences of drug misuse, the impact on individuals and communities, and evaluate the government's responses to this issue. 

They then move on to study prisons in Scotland, where they examine the role of prisons, different types of sentences, and how effective prisons are at reducing reoffending. As part of this unit, students have the opportunity to design their own prison model, considering how it could better rehabilitate offenders. 

The final unit looks at North Korea, where learners explore the country's political system, leadership, and the rights and freedoms of its citizens. They compare this to life in the UK and consider the challenges faced by people living in North Korea. 

Towards the end of the course, students begin a transition topic into S4, where they are introduced to the Crime and the Law unit. This helps prepare them for National 5 by developing their understanding of crime, the causes of crime, and how the legal system works. 

Throughout the course, students develop knowledge-based skills, including answering knowledge questions, using skills of support and oppose, making conclusions, and considering different options. These skills support success in school and future courses. 

S3 Geography 

In S3 Geography, students will build their understanding of the natural and human world through a series of core modules that support their Scottish Studies SCQF Award. Learners will study River Landscapes and Weather & Climate, exploring how landscapes are shaped and how atmospheric processes influence life in Scotland and beyond. 

Students will also develop key mapping and data‑handling skills, preparing them for success in National and Higher Geography. Alongside this, they will investigate global development, comparing how and why countries progress at different rates, and examine major environmental hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes and tropical storms. 

Throughout the year, learners will strengthen their geographical knowledge, analytical skills and confidence, building a strong foundation for further study in the senior phase. 

S3 History 

In S3, pupils can choose to study History as an individual course. The course aims to develop pupils' knowledge and understanding of significant historical events and issues from Scottish, British and worldwide perspectives. Pupils investigate the past through a range of sources and interpretations, building skills in critical thinking, analysis, discussion and forming supported conclusions based on evidence. 

The S3 course is organised into three main topics: 

Scottish Topic: The First World War 

This topic explores Scotland's experiences during the First World War. Pupils investigate why men volunteered to fight, the use of propaganda and recruitment campaigns, and the experiences of Scottish soldiers on the Western Front. They also examine trench layouts, the technology and weapons used, and the effects of loss and remembrance within Scottish communities. 

Worldwide Topic: The Cold War 

This topic examines the growing tensions between the USA and the USSR after the Second World War. Pupils investigate key events including the atomic bomb, the division of Germany, the Berlin Wall, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Space Race and the Vietnam War. The course explores how these tensions shaped international relations and created a conflict that remained 'cold'. 

British Topic: The Trade in Enslaved African Peoples 

This topic explores Britain's involvement in the trade in enslaved African peoples. Pupils investigate how and why the trade developed, the experiences of enslaved Africans, and the impact slavery had on individuals, societies and the British Empire. This topic continues into S4, where pupils build on their understanding of slavery, abolition and historical sources as part of the National 4/5 History course.