Social Sciences

For full syllabus information please click here

Business Management
Here at Craigholme we aim not only to develop the pupils' insight into the business world in which they live, but also to equip them with the analytical and practical skills needed for business today. This involves developing a spirit of enterprise, challenging the pupils to think, develop and communicate their ideas effectively and put them into practice. The courses offered broaden the knowledge and understanding of the students of the real business world and provide opportunities to develop self-confidence and skills of problem-solving, team working and the presentation of information.

The Business Studies Department aims to provide a positive learning environment, keeping up-to-date with the dynamic nature of the subject and new developments in technology. The Internet is proving to be an invaluable research tool providing the latest news about real businesses and providing pupil access to the many high quality educational websites that are now online.

S6 pupils can take part in Young Enterprise which aims to inspire and equip young people to learn and succeed through enterprise. Achievers hold weekly meetings and throughout the year they produce a product which is sold at various events including the Young Enterprise Trade Fair and the school's Christmas Fair. A range of skills are acquired including team working, problem solving and communication. Achievers have the opportunity to sit the Young Enterprise exam which is marked by Strathclyde Business School.

STAFF: Mrs B Caplan (Head of Department)

Geography
Geography at Craigholme provides opportunities through fieldwork, for first hand investigation of places, environments and human behaviour. Pupils build their knowledge and understanding of current events, on both a local and international level. In addition, skills for the future are developed including: literacy; numeracy; ICT; problem-solving; teamwork; thinking skills; and enquiry skills.

In line with the Curriculum for Excellence:
// Geography encourages learners to relate to others in different countries and cultures.
// Geography uses literacy, numeracy, IT, graphical and spatial awareness skills
// Geography uses fieldwork to promote enterprising attitudes, problem-solving, teamwork and self reliance making effective contributors.
// Geography produces responsible citizens through examining economic, social, cultural and political issues.

As part of Standard Grade Geography, S3 pupils visit Lochranza, Arran each year. Taking the classroom outside in this way enhances pupils' understanding and enjoyment of the subject.

In 2010, Senior School pupils visited Vietnam to learn about the culture, geography and history of the country. In 2007 pupils visited Coast Rica and in 2011 there will be a trip to China.

Health, Food & Textile Technologies

The Health, Food and Technologies curriculum helps pupils make well-informed, logical and independent decisions in day to day activities.

S1 pupils advance their skills that are learnt in J7; their knowledge is expanded on, to encourage further awareness of the importance of food as part of a healthy lifestyle.

In S2, pupils look at food safety and continue healthy living studies before moving on to cooking more complicated dishes.

Pupils make a shoulder bag from a commercial pattern which they individually customise using a sewing machines and some hand sewing.

Intermediate 1, offered to S3 pupils, aims to build on the skills and knowledge required for basic everyday cooking. When Intermediate 1 is completed pupils then progress onto Intermediate 2, Hospitality – Practical Cookery.

In S5/S6 pupils are offered the Intermediate 2 course, Creative Cake Production. S6 undertake a Practical Skills: Fabric unit from Intermediate 1, which is designed for independent study. This course is particularly helpful to girls who are studying Art & Design or for those who are interested in dressmaking.

STAFF: Mrs H Magill (Head of Department)

History
History is a lively thought-provoking subject which aims to develop the critical mind, while, at the same time, extending knowledge and fostering skills in investigating, interpreting, evaluating and recording.

The starting point for all stages considers a variety of sources or historical evidence such as: paintings; drawings; photos; transcripts; artefacts; archaeology; monuments; cartoons; statistics; film; as well as oral and written evidence.

S2 pupils normally visit Holyrood Palace as part of their studies. A London field trip is organised for S3 pupils to reinforce their Standard Grade studies. Pupils visit the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey where the Chapter House is of particular interest. Pupils benefit from a study session on propaganda in the Cabinet War Rooms and participate in the hands-on experience that is the Churchill Museum.

Modern Studies
The study of Modern Studies aims to help students understand the political, social and economic forces affecting individuals and groups. It is concerned with contemporary issues and encourages students to consider these in an objective, tolerant and rational way.

The department also sponsors department of the school's Politics and Citizenship Society (PACS). The society is open to all senior pupils and has focused on a number of successful issues and initiatives. In May 2010, the PACS ran a whole school general mock election with each political party represented and pupils from J4-S6 voted for the party of their choice.

The PACS Society also sponsored an African child through the World Vision Programme, in which they received and sent correspondence to the child. The PACS society raised the sponsorship funds.