Modern Studies at Knox

Hi everyone!

Our debate this week has been on ‘Do we still need NATO?’. A very important and controversial topic! One of the arguements for keeping NATO is that the rise in international terrorism has meant that we should keep our country as safe as possible by being part of the biggest military alliance in the world.

 A point of discussion is….do you feel that international terrorism is a real threat to our safety or is it blown out of proportion?

 Any thoughts?????

If you have a video/DVD recorder, or you are super keen/insomniac, there are some BBC Modern Studies revision programmes on in October.

Standard Grade 26th October 4-6am

Higher 17th October 3.20-4am 

Hi folks!

As you are all aware you will be having your first NAB after the holidays. It is important to get into the habit of planning then writing your essay. The bigger ‘bank’ of essays you have, the easier revision will be - trust me! Here are some possible essay questions.

• To what extent are there limits to the powers of the Scottish Parliament?
• The Scottish Parliament has improved democracy in Scotland? Discuss.
• Critically examine the ways the Scottish Parliament has used its powers.
• To what extent does local government provide an effective service for the people of Scotland?
• Local Government in Scotland plays an important part in people’s lives. Discuss.
• To what extent are there criticisms of local government?
• To what extent do particular PR systems improve representation?
• To what extent is social class the most important influence on voting behaviour?
• Critically examine the way the main parties use the media during elections.

 Good luck!

Hi Everyone!

This week we have been looking at the differences between the developed and the developing world. The gap between the rich and the poor on earth is huge - any ideas how we could change this???

I hope that Higher Modern Studies pupils can use this resource for asking any questions about the course/essays and also to initiate discussion on topics which are raised in class.

Last year in Youth Parliament we ran a incredibly successful Fair Trade Christmas Evening - we had stalls, a Fair Trade Cafe, music and a raffle (remember that huge chocolate cake?!). We managed to raise over £100 which bought us a ‘Lovely Loo’ and safe drinking water for 100 people from Oxfam www.oxfamunwrapped.com. We hope to do the same this year but obviously on a bigger and better 2007 scale!

Additionally the group is hoping to enter School Question Time (which they won last year). http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/question_time/schools_question_time/default.stm

We are also working on creating our own school newspaper, this will be a really exciting project - watch this space!

Hello all,

 After hearing for months how absolutely wonderful blogs are I have bowed down to peer pressure and set up my own. In all seriousness I think that having this resource could be really beneficial.

 I hope that all year groups can come on to have a look at some of the things we do in Modern Studies and also comment on some of the topis we discuss in class.

Happy blogging!