Humanities

Course leaflets here

The Faculty of Humanities & Citizenship includes the Geography, History, Modern Studies and Religious, Moral & Philosophical Studies (RMPS). The courses provided by these departments develop research, analytical, evaluative and organisational skills and aim to help young people develop an understanding of the changing world around them with focus on physical, social, economical, political and philosophical issues. The subjects studied in these departments have broadly similar approaches, methodologies and skills.

Geography Department

In S1 to S3 Geography provides opportunities to discover the impact forces such as ice, rivers, wind, coasts and tectonics have on the landscape and develop an understanding of the interaction between these forces.

Geography also builds on previous knowledge of different population structures through exploring aspects such as demographics, migration and the effects of population growth.

Mapping skills are developed progressively using maps in a variety of contexts. The main stages of progression within these skills would be: using and making simple maps; using and interpreting maps; using thematic maps and mapping conventions; using map information to support conclusions. Throughout this process, learners will develop their own mental map to be able to recognise and locate a range of key features at the local, national and global levels.

In the Senior school, S4 to S6, Geography continues to build on previous knowledge of the world’s physical features, including landscape and atmosphere -how they change and how people live with the landscape and atmosphere. The subject looks at weather, the environment and the forces that drive the planet, from tides to volcanoes.

As well as using maps and diagrams, learners will get involved in practical fieldwork activities – to help them observe Geography in action. They will develop skills in research, analysis, presentation and solving problems.

Geography in S1 to S3 is studied under the curricular area of Social Studies –   People, Place and Environment.

S1: Pupils study Geography in 2 six week blocks as part of their Social Studies rota.

Theme 1 – Map Skills – learning to use ordnance survey maps and Atlases to measure distance, direction and heights. Pupils also learn how to describe the Physical and Human landscapes around them, using maps.

Theme 2 – Weather and Climate – Pupils learn how the weather is measured and how the weather affects people. They also look at climatic areas around the world.

S2: Pupils study Geography in 2 six week blocks as part of their Social Studies rota.

Theme 1 – Natural Hazards – pupils study examples of natural hazards such as volcanoes, earthquakes and tornadoes. They look at the causes, effects and coping strategies for people living near these hazards.

Theme 2 – Rich World/Poor World – pupils carry out a comparative study of India and UK, comparing climate and life in rural and urban areas.

S3: Pupils study Geography in 2 six week blocks as part of their Social Studies rota.

Theme 1 – Aberdeenshire from mountain to sea – pupils study the glaciated and coastal landscapes of Aberdeenshire, studying their formation, land use and conflicts of land use.

Theme 2 – Aberdeenshire – Earning a Living – pupils study the economy of the local area – the industries and economic activities through carrying out a range of fieldwork tasks e.g. visit to GlenDronach distillery, interviewing local people and looking at land use in Turriff.

S4 – S6

National 4/5

National 4-5 Units studied include:

1 Physical Environments – this includes studying the weather in greater depth, finding out how rivers have shaped parts of the UK and how Upland Limestone scenery has been formed. Pupils also study how the land in these areas is used. As part of this they find out about land use conflicts and who protects the landscape for future generations.

2 Human Environments – This involves pupils looking at how population is spread out across the world. It also involves pupils studying developed and developing countries, looking at the issues facing people in changing urban and rural landscapes.

3 Global Issues – Two global issues will be studied:

• Environmental Hazards looking at earthquakes, volcanoes and tropical storms.

• Impact of human activity on the natural environment which looks at Tundra and Equatorial climates and their ecosystems. It also looks at how these areas are used, misused and managed.

The N4-5 Added Value Assignment   Pupils undertake research including field visits and write up a report based on their findings – see below for details.

Higher:

Physical Environment topics – Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Hydrosphere and Biosphere.

Human Environment topics – Rural, Urban, Population and Industry.

Environmental Interactions – River Basin Management and Urban Change and Its Management.

Advanced Higher:

Geographical Study – This is an investigative exercise and it requires pupils to research a topic in depth. This may be undertaken in the local area. They will have to use appropriate techniques to analyse, evaluate and present information and their findings. The Geographical Study will involve the candidate in collecting and processing information from field studies and/or published sources such as census data. The Geographical Study is worth 40% of the final award.

Geographical Issues – This is an essay which critically evaluates an issue from a geographical perspective. This is worth 30% of the final award.

Geographical Methods and Techniques – pupils have to undertake a variety of fieldwork and statistical techniques and a number of map work techniques which will be used in the Geographical Study and tested in the final exam.

Fieldwork

This is an important part of Geography; studying the real or natural world and how people interact with it is a main focus of the subject. We have a well-planned programme which we are always looking to enhance:

S1 to S3 Geography pupils carry out fieldwork exercises in the local area.

National 4/ National 5

In June or September, the new National 4 and 5 classes in Geography go to the Cairngorms National Park, to gather valuable field work data for the assignment or added value component of their course. (worth 25% of the overall award at National 5).

Higher

Higher Geography pupils are given the opportunity to spend two days in Edinburgh, looking at how the city has changed and how this change is managed. Edinburgh is a case study city which pupils will use in their exams.

Advanced Higher Geography pupils are given the opportunity to join pupils from across Aberdeenshire for a three day field work course at Kindrogan Field Studies centre, covering the Geographical Methods and Techniques which they should be familiar with in order to carry out their own Geographical Study, pass the Geographical Methods and Techniques. NAB (national assessment bank item) and be able to write about these in the exams.

The Geography department also offers a trip during the activities week. This trip has included travelling to Barcelona and London.

History Department

History is the study of past events and societies.

As well as giving pupils useful general knowledge about the past, a History course helps them to understand the world we live in now and form opinions about issues seen in the media.

History  S1-6:

• Provides opportunities through fieldwork for first hand investigation of heritage sites across Scotland

• Builds knowledge and understanding of historical events, both local to global.

• Develops skills for the future, including literacy, numeracy, ICT, problem solving, team work, thinking and enquiry skills.

• Values pupils’ views when making decisions about difficult issues.

Permeating the S1-6 courses are three core aspects:

• Local History

• National History

• International History

Course outline

S1-3 – Broad General

As part of the broad general education pupils study History in 2 six week blocks in S1, S2 and S3 as part of their Social Studies rota

S1 – 2 main themes are explored.

Theme 1 – Scotland 400AD -1066 – this unit explores the development of the Kingdom of Scotland and examines the impact of the Romans, the Celts, Picts on the formation of Scotland.

Theme 2 – Scotland 1066-1328AD – this unit examines the impact of the Norman invasion and then the events of the Scottish Wars of Independence

S2 – 2 main themes are explored

Theme 1 – Scotland from 1500AD to 1760 covering the events of the Reformation, Mary Queen of Scots, the Union of the Crowns, the Act of Union, the causes, course and consequences of the Jacobite rebellions with a visit to the battlefield at Culloden.

Theme 2 –Scotland & Britain during the Great War 1914-1918. The centenary of this conflict provides an appropriate opportunity to examine the impact of the war on our local communities. The study includes visits to the local memorials and war graves in local cemeteries as well as a project involving the Gordon Highlanders Museum. There is also the opportunity to participate in the study tour of the battlefields in France & Belgium.

S3 – 2 main themes are explored

Theme 1 – Hitler’s Germany – an investigation into the rise of the Nazis, the nature of life in Nazi Germany covering the period 1918-1945. The unit involves a study of the Holocaust.

Theme 2 – The Cold War – topics include conflict and cooperation between 1945-1990 focussing on the development of the Cold War, events during this period including; The Nuclear Arms Race, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Vietnam War, The Era of Détente and causes and consequences of the fall of the Berlin Wall

S4-6 – Senior Phase

History offers a range of options for pupils in the senior phase (S4-6) during which they prepare for National Qualifications.

National 4-5:

The course is made up of three main aspects:

Scottish History  – options:    

 Mary Queen of Scots, and the Reformation 1542-1587  

Migration and Empire 1830-1939

British History – options:                             

 The Atlantic Slave Trade

The Making of Modern Britain

European & World – options:    

Appeasement and the Road to War, 1918-1939 

Free at Last? Civil Rights in the USA, 1918-1968    

The N4-5 Added Value Assignment    Pupils undertake research including a field visit and write up a report based on their findings – see below for details

Higher: Topics covered are:

The Crusades 1071-1204

The Scottish Wars of Independence 1286-1328

The Atlantic Slave Trade

Advanced Higher: this comprises a detailed study of Germany from the end of World War 1 to the outbreak of World War 2, assessed by a 4000 word dissertation as well as an external exam.

Educational Field Visits

This is an important part of History.   We have a well planned programme which we are always looking to enhance:

Local Heritage Society – Cottage Museum & Old Post Office in S1

Culloden – visit to the battlefield in S2

Gordon Highlanders Museum – hands on experiences with artefacts and tours by ‘old soldiers’ in S2/3

Edinburgh – 2 day residential field trip for the National 4-5 assignment with visits including: Edinburgh castle, the Scottish Parliament, National Museum of Scotland, Holyrood Palace in S4/5/6

Speakers:

Bob Holsman, Historical Re-enactor from Historic Scotland: Bob is an expert on World War One and arrives in school as a soldier in full kit and uniform to explain weapons and trench warfare and then becomes a Roman auxiliary describing life on Hadrian’s Wall in 400AD

Battlescar productions – Historical re-enactors with living history presentations on a range of historical periods including Wallace & Bruce and the Jacobites.

Activity Week Opportunities

The History Department offer visits as part of the Activity week. These include:

France & Belgium – Bi-Annual 10 day visit to the battlefields of WWI to cover the battle of the Somme in France and the battles of Ypres in Belgium

Modern Studies Department

Modern Studies S1-6:

• Provides opportunities through fieldwork for first hand investigation

• Builds knowledge and understanding of current events, both local to global.

• Develops skills for the future, including literacy, numeracy, ICT, problem solving, team work, thinking and enquiry skills.

• Values pupils’ views when making decisions about difficult issues.

Permeating the S1-6 courses are three core aspects:

• Local Society

• Politics and Society in Scotland & Britain

• International Issues

Course outline

S1-3 – Broad General

As part of the broad general education pupils study Modern Studies in 2 six week blocks in S1, S2 and S3 as part of their Social Studies rota

Course Outline

S1: 2 main themes are explored.

Theme 1 – Democracy & Dictatorships – a comparative study of the features of these systems of Government.

Theme 2 – Crime & the Law – an examination of the nature of justice system and role of the police in our society.

S2: 2 main themes are explored

Theme 1 – China – a study of government, society and economic issues of this new super state and a discussion of its future role in world politics.

Theme 2 – Terrorism – “one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter” a study of the nature of terrorism and debate over its place in the modern world

S3 –2 main themes are explored

Theme 1 – British Politics – a study of electoral systems, political parties and the role of democracy in UK society

Theme 2 – USA – a study of politics and society including focus on ethnic groups in American society

S4-6 – Senior Phase

Modern Studies offers a range of options for pupils in the senior phase (S4-6) during which they prepare for National Qualifications.

National 4-5:

The courses are made up of three main aspects:

Democracy in Scotland and the UK – the focus being Politics in Scotland; looking at the work of people who represent us in a democracy, how people can participate in politics and the role of external groups such as pressure groups and the media.

Social Issues – the focus being Crime and the Law. We will investigate causes and effects of crime in the UK as well as crime trends and patterns. We will also look at the legal side of the crime including the role of the police and the court system in preventing crime and punishing and rehabilitating offenders.

International Issues – the focus being the development of Africa. We will look at the needs of developing countries and how international organisations and other nations can help meet the needs of less developed nations.

The N4-5 Added Value Assignment

Pupils undertake research including a field visit to sites including the Scottish Parliament, High Court and street surveys and write up a report based on their findings – see below for details

Higher Modern Studies:

Scottish and British Politics – the focus areas include: Electoral systems used in elections in the UK, voting and factors influencing the development of political attitudes and how these have changed over the years.

Health & Wealth – the focus areas include contemporary issues in British society influencing the provision of welfare policies and the growing inequalities experienced in our society today. We look at what causes these inequalities as well as what can be done to reduce them. This unit includes a policy brief decision making exercise using numerous sources.

International States  USA – politics and society: an investigation into life in the USA including the immigration debate, social and economic inequalities and the political system.
China – politics and society: research into changes between tradition and modern day China in terms of politics, inequalities and human rights issues.

 Higher Politics: the 3 focus areas are:

Political Theory
This Unit will introduces a range of political concepts and ideologies such as democracy, the state, power, authority and legitimacy as well as comparing here key political ideologies: Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism

Political Systems
A comparison is made between political structures in the UK with those in either Scotland or the USA. Areas investigated include the judiciary and constitution, political assemblies and the role of the executive and political leader(s).

Political Representation
Explores a variety of elections in the UK, the US Presidential election along with other electoral systems and theories of representation and voting behaviour.

Advanced Higher:

Crime and Law in the UK – focus areas include: causes and effects of crime, the development of the penal system and issues influencing potential changes in the future on how society will deal with those involved in crime.

Pupils will get the opportunity to speak professionals within this topical environment and carry out field work research to courts and prisons across Scotland.

Educational Field Visits

This is an important part of Modern Studies.  We have a well planned programme which we are always looking to enhance:

Banff Sheriff Court (S1) role play into the work of the court system as part of their study of Crime and the Law

Edinburgh – 2 day residential field trip with visits to the Scottish Parliament and High Courts for researching the topics for the Added Value assignment in National 4-5

Prison Visits – the Advanced Higher Class participate in trips to local and national prisons as part of their research

Speakers

Local Politicians – MP’s, MSP’s and Councillors regularly visit classes to discuss their role and to discuss current affairs

Cyrenians – presentations for S1-3 classes looking at social issues

Police – presentations for N4-6 classes on various specific topics

The Modern Studies Department take the lead role in the organisation of  Turriff Academy’s participation in Aberdeenshire highly successful Mock Election and Referendum as well as the Mock Trial which is held in the High Courts in Aberdeen.

These projects provide opportunities for pupils to pit their wits against other schools and learn key skills including debating, speech writing and presentations and gaining an understanding of participation and representation.

Activity Week Opportunities

The Modern Studies Department offer visits as part of the Activity week. These include:

London: visits to various cultural and educational sites

China: tour of the country with visits to the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Beijing.

Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies Department

RMPS Department

This department delivers courses that give all pupils the opportunity to explore their personal beliefs and values, and to develop an appreciation of the beliefs and values of others.

Students have the opportunity to consider many questions and issues of importance in the world today. They are able to extend their knowledge and understanding of religious, moral and philosophical issues so that they can evaluate ideas and express informed opinions.

Course Outline 

S1                            Introduction to Religion, Philosophy & Ethics

Term 1         -       Introduction to Philosophy – Epistemology

Term 2         -       Christianity (Religion)

Term 3.1      -       Buddhism (Religion)

Term 3.2      -       Islam (Religion)

Term 4         -       Introduction to Ethics

S2                            Arguments For & Against the Belief in God

TT Change   -       Modern Religion

Term 1         -       Life After Death      

Term 2         -       Good & Evil

Term 3.1      -       Religion Vs Science

Term 3.2      -       Creation 

Term 4         -       Religion in Society

S3                            Humanity and Equality in Modern Society

TT Change   -       Crime & Punishment

Term 1         -       Medical Ethics

Term 2         -       Protest & Conflict

Term 3.1      -       Persecution – Remembrance

Term 3.2      -       Persecution – Learning

Term 4         -       Equality & Society

S4

The Religion, Belief and Values Award helps learners to deepen their knowledge and understanding of how religion and values can shape and contribute to the lives of individuals and communities.

The Award encourages learners to explore and reflect on their personal faith or values, and to deepen their understanding of this through practical engagement in local, national or global communities.

Religion Beliefs & Values Award

Level 4/5/6 – 8 Lessons

Topics:         -       Abortion

-       Euthanasia

-       War

-       Capital Punishment

-       LGBTQ+ Rights

Nat 4/5 RMPS

Unit 1          -       World Religion – Christianity

Unit 2          -       Morality & Belief - Morality, medicine and the human body

Unit 3          -       Religious and Philosophical Questions - Existence of God Does God

                               exist?

Unit 4          -       Independent Essay

Higher RMPS

Unit 1          -       World Religion – Christianity

Unit 2          -       Morality & Belief - Morality, medicine and the human body

Unit 3          -       Religious and Philosophical Questions - Existence of God Does God

                                 exist?

Unit 4          -       Independent Essay

Please note Higher RMPS course content will change 2025/26 so modules are not repeated.

For more information