Higher History Study Skills
Purpose: To provide you with an insight into how you can best support your child as they prepare themselves for the History examination at Higher. The presentation will explain the content of the History course and exam, along with providing some information about the best ways to study.
The SQA Exam The exam consists of one paper with three sections as well as the assignment: Scottish section: Source section: Scotland and the Impact of the Great War 1914-1928. 1hr = 20 marks. British section: Extended response (essay): Britain 40 minutes = 20 marks European & World section: Extended response (essay): Germany 40 minutes = 20 marks Wednesday 16 May 2018 Assignment: Essay of pupil s choice from British or Germany section. Researched and drafted in class. Written up in school in exam conditions. 250 word resource sheet. Total: 90 marks 1hr 30 mins = 30 marks March/April 2018
Scottish Section: Source Paper. 4 main issues covered. 4 sources in the exam. 3 questions asked: 1 topic will be missing. Type of Question Source Evaluation Placing sources in Historical context (How fully) Time to Complete Mark Allocation 15 minutes 6 marks 25 minutes 9 marks Comparison 15 minutes 5 marks 3 different types of questions.
Source Section. 1. Scots on the Western Front Scotland on the eve of the Great War: political, social and economic conditions; martial traditions, Voluntary recruitment; the experience of Scots on the Western Front, with reference to the battles of Loos and the Somme; the kilted regiments; the role of Scottish military personnel in terms of commitment, casualties, leadership and overall contribution to the military effort. 2. Domestic impact of war: society and culture 3. Domestic impact of war: industry and economy Recruitment and conscription; pacifism and conscientious objection; DORA; changing role of women in wartime, including rent strikes; scale and effects of military losses on Scottish society; commemoration and remembrance. Wartime effects of war on industry, agriculture and fishing; price rises and rationing; post-war economic change and difficulties; post-war emigration; the land issue in the Highlands and Islands. 4. Domestic impact of war: politics The impact of the war on political developments as exemplified by the growth of radicalism, the ILP and Red Clydeside, continuing support for political unionism and the crisis of Scottish identity. The significance of the Great War in the development of Scottish Identity.
British and German Section : 2 Extended Responses Britain 1851-1951 Germany 1815-1939 1. Factors for Democracy 1. Reasons for the growth of German nationalism 1815-1850 2. Assessment of democratic Britain 3. Evaluation of political equality for women. 4. Reasons behind Liberal Government s Reforms 5. Assessment of Liberal Government s reforms 1906-1914 6. Assessment of Labour Government Reforms 1945-1951 2. Assessment of the growth of German nationalism up to 1850 3. Evaluation of obstacles to German Unification 1815-1850 4. Evaluation of the reasons for German unification by 1871 5. Evaluation of the reasons why the Nazis gained power in 1933 6. Evaluation of the reasons why the Nazis stayed in power, 1933-1939
Key Areas for Prelim Revision Evaluation of political equality for women. Reasons behind Liberal Government s Reforms Assessment of Liberal Government s reforms 1906-1914 Assessment of Labour Government Reforms 1945-1951 Evaluation of obstacles to German Unification 1815-1850 Changing attitudes to women in society: the women s suffrage campaigns; the militant Suffragette campaign up to 1914; the part played by women in the war effort, 1914-18; the example of other countries. Concerns over poverty - the social surveys of Booth and Rowntree; municipal socialism; foreign examples; national efficiency; fears over national security; the rise of the New Liberalism; party advantage; the rise of Labour. The aims of the Liberal Reforms; the extent to which the Liberal Reforms met these and the needs of the British people. The aims of the Welfare State; the extent to which the Labour Reforms met these and the needs of the British people. Divisions among the nationalists; Austrian strength; German princes; religious differences; economic differences; indifference of the masses; resentment towards Prussia.
Effective Study Techniques Study cards - pupils put question on one side and answer on the other. This helps them to revise specific examples. In particular, this can help with the knowledge and recall required in both their essays and source answers. Experiences of Scots on the Western Front. Trench conditions rats, lice, boredom, shell shock, trench foot etc Details about the Battle of Loos A third of British casualties were Scottish, role of John French etc
Study Skills We learn: 10% of what we read 20% of what we hear 30% of what we see 50% of what we both hear and see 70% of what is discussed with others 80% of what we experience personally 95% of what we teach to someone else
Mind Maps
Revision Resources Teacher led whole class revision lessons Textbooks Revision booklets (all three sections) Timed essays, marked essays and exemplar essays Timed source questions and exemplar answers. Use of the marking criteria Supported Study sessions SQA past papers booklet Homework booklet Extensive notes jotters and handouts Internet
Higher History Supported Study Dates Thursday 9 November Missed Content Thursday 15 November Missed Content Tuesday 5 December Sources (Scottish section) Thursday 7 December Sources (Scottish section) Tuesday 19 December Women's Movement (British section) Tuesday 9 January Liberal Motives (British section) Thursday 18 January Liberal Reforms (British section) Thursday 25 January Labour Reforms (British section) Thursday 1 February Sources (Scottish section) Tuesday 6 February Sources (Scottish section) Thursday 22 February Assignment Thursday 1 March Assignment Tuesday 27 March Assignment Tuesday 17 April Exam preparation Tuesday 24 April Exam Preparation Thursday 26 April Exam Preparation
SQA Exam Higher History Wednesday 16 May 2018 9am - 11.20am