This department comprises three subjects: History, Modern Studies and Religious and Moral Education (RME) - with five staff members in total.
Curriculum
The curriculum in S1 and S2, in all three discrete subjects, follows the 5-14 guidelines. In History, pupils study ‘What is History?’ and the ‘Making of Scotland’ in S1, and ‘Medicine Through the Ages’ and ‘The Industrial Revolution’ in S2. The course aims to develop and extend pupils historical knowledge and understanding as well as develop their interpreting and evaluation skills.
In Modern Studies, the topics studied are, in S1, People in Society and The Media, and, in S2, the pupils study People Power and Crime and Law. Again, the course aims to develop the pupils knowledge of understand of contemporary society and current affairs as well as developing their Enquiry Skills.
In S1 and S2 RME, the focus is on studying differing religions to gain a better knowledge and understanding of their importance and how they function. Pupils are asked to link their personal experiences to religious concepts. Pupils are also asked to consider moral issues to and justify and explain their viewpoints. Topics covered range from Love in Action, Creation vs. Evolution, Islam and Buddhism to Homelessness and Human Rights.
All three subjects offer Standard Grade, Intermediate and Higher courses. Exam results are in the good to very good range.
All courses in all three subjects have Core, Extension and Simplification work. Pace and challenge are a feature of courses too. There are also a wide range of activities built into courses - for example, group work and presentations, individual research projects, class debates, etc. - all helping to provide social confidence and competence as well as life skills such as decision making, problem solving, etc.
The department also makes use of DVD Videos and ICT to enhance course work. Speakers are inviting into the department - these have included representatives from homeless charities and environmental groups, politicians and Second World War veterans. A range of visits have been offered to museums, archaeological digs and to places of religious significance.
Staff MembersThe Principal Teacher is M. Morris. She teaches history and is particularly interested in World War One and the role of women in history. She has taught for 28 years, and has been a PT for 17 years - and still enjoys the job! She has coordinated Preston Lodge’s Holocaust Memorial Day.
History is also taught by A. Arnot. He is most interested in Russian and German history. As the sole male in the department, and the only jambo - a life long Heart of Midlothian supporter - he has his work cut out!
G. Duthie teaches both History and Modern Studies. She is particularly interested in social history and historical demography. She showed her gardening talents when developing Preston Lodge’s Japanese garden. She was also seconded to the Learning Support department and her experience there has proved very useful to this department.
G. McGeachie teaches Modern Studies but has also taught History. She was also a guidance teacher. She is the artistic advisor to the department and inspires pupils to produce some wonderful posters. She is also a keen Hibee!
RME is taught by L. McGaw. She is greatly interested in developing philosophy in schools. Before entering teaching she travelled extensively. Having met people from all walks of life, she is accepting of people of all creeds and cultures.
RME currently have one Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) M.Hughes who will be at Prestonlodge until June 2008 before taking 8 months out of teaching to explore religion in their native cultures in the Australasia and the Far East.
We look forward to welcoming a new NQT Kate Johnstone who will be starting with us in August 2008.
The Social and Moral department are generally a dynamic, enthusiastic and highly motivated group of staff who enjoy teaching and who want the best for their pupils. They aim to instil an interest in their subject in addition to equipping pupils with the skills they need for active participation the world of work and for life in general.
