SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY – DECEMBER 2011 CURRIC ULUM EVENTS – COURSE AIMS AND STRUCTURE
SUBJECT:
HISTORY
PURPOSE:
The purpose of the Course is to open up the world of the past for learners. History provides learners with
insights into their own lives and of the society and the wider world in which they live. By examining the past, learners can
better understand their own communities, their country and the wider world. Through an understanding of the concept of
continuity, they can better apprecia te change and its significance, both in their own times and in the past.
Access 3
National 4
National 5
Higher
 develop learners’
conceptual
understanding and
foster their ability to
think independently in
order to reach balanced
conclusions
 encourage learners to
apply a historical
perspective in order to
more fully understand
modern society
 enable learners to
acquire breadth and
depth in their knowledge
and understanding of
the past
 analyse a range of
 develop learners’ conceptual
understanding and foster their
ability to think independently
in order to reach detailed,
reasoned conclusions
 encourage learners to apply a
historical perspective in order
to more fully understand
modern society
 enable learners to acquire
breadth and depth in their
knowledge and understanding
of the past
 analyse various
interpretations of historical
sources
 encourage learners to
COURSE AIMS
 apply a basic historical
perspective
 develop a range of historical
skills
 have an awareness of the
impact of historical events
 draw a basic conclusion on the
factors which contribute to an
important historical
development
 develop learners’
conceptual
understanding and
foster their ability to
think independently in
order to reach
conclusions
 encourage learners to
apply a historical
perspective in order to
more fully understand
modern society
 enable learners to
acquire breadth and
depth in their knowledge
and understanding of
the past
 evaluate straightforward
Access 3
National 4
historical sources
 encourage learners to
draw a basic conclusion
on the basis of evidence
National 5
straightforward historical
sources
 encourage learners to
draw reasoned
conclusions on the basis
of evidence
Higher
evaluate issues and, on the
basis of evidence, form
balanced views, critically
evaluating those of others
STRUCTURE, ASSESSMENT AND HIERARCHIES
3 Units
3 Units and Added Value
Unit
3 Units, Question Paper
and Assignment
3 Units, Question Paper and
Assignment
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
 commenting on the origin and
authorship of a limited range of
primary sources in a routine
way
 commenting on the impact of a
historical development in a
routine way
 commenting on the factors
contributing towards a
historical development, and
drawing a basic conclusion
 drawing upon a basic factual
knowledge and understanding
of an important area of
historical study from Scottish,

 develop and apply basic
knowledge and
understanding and a
limited range of skills in
straightforward contexts
from Scottish, British or
European/World history
 with limited guidance,
research and use
information collected
from a limited range of
straightforward historical
sources, taking into
account their content
and context
 develop and apply
knowledge and
understanding and skills
across contexts from
Scottish, British and
European/World history
 research and use
information collected
from a limited number of
sources of information,
to evaluate historical
sources, most of which
are straightforward, but
may have some
complex features,
 Develop and apply
knowledge, understanding
and skills across contexts
from Scottish, British and
European/World history.
 Synthesise information
collected from a wide range of
historical sources, some of
which is relatively complex
and unfamiliar, drawing
detailed and reasoned
conclusions, taking into
account their content and
context.
 Evaluate the content and
Access 3
British and European and
World contexts by giving basic,
factual descriptions and
explanations
National 4
 evaluate the usefulness
and purpose of a limited
range of straightforward
historical sources
 describe, explain and
present straightforward
information about the
content and context of
historical themes and
events, taking into
account the
consequences of
actions/inactions for
individuals and society
 compare differing
historical viewpoints,
taking into account their
content and context,
from a limited range of
straightforward historical
sources
 demonstrate a basic
knowledge and
understanding and give
straightforward
explanations, which is
mainly factual, of
historical themes and
events in Scottish,
British, European and
World contexts
National 5
 evaluate the content
and context of a range
of straightforward
historical sources, most
of which are
straightforward, but may
have some complex
features
 explain and analyse
historical themes and
events , drawing a
relevant conclusion
 evaluate the factors
contributing towards a
historical development,
drawing a relevant
conclusion.
 demonstrate a basic
factual knowledge and
understanding of
historical themes and
events in Scottish,
British, European and
World contexts
Higher
context of a wide range of
historical sources which have
some complex features.
 Explain and analyse historical
themes and events,
evaluating the impact of a
historical development and
drawing balanced conclusions
supported by evidence.
 Evaluate the factors
contributing towards a
historical development,
structuring information and
drawing balanced conclusions
supported by evidence.
 Gain detailed factual
knowledge and understanding
of historical themes and
events in Scottish, British,
European and World contexts.