General Information
The History department aims to give pupils a sense of belonging and understanding of their place in society. Throughout their secondary education, pupils are given the opportunity to explore their local history as well as significant Scottish, European and wider international momentous historic events that have shaped the world we live in today. The department is committed to presenting History to pupils in an interesting way which really brings the subject to life. Studying History teaches life-long literacy, analytical and investigation skills essential for the wider world beyond school years.
Bringing History to Life
One of the best ways to learn about History is to visit historical sites. All of S1 in 2019 visited Stirling Castle, a place steeped in medieval history which has great importance in Scotland.
The History Department has also organised (fr
om 2019) a yearly trip to 
the Battlefields of northern France. Opportunities like this help to shine light on Broughton's history in the war and remembering the pupils and teachers who fought in World War One.
Assessment and Course Outlines
National 5 History
47 OUT OF 48 students passed their National 5 exam. This is a success rate of 98%. The National Pass Rate for Scotland is 78%.
30 Students achieved a grade A which is 62.5%. This is well above the national average in Scotland.
Last 3 years (2016-18)
Broughton % pass rate: 98% National Average % pass rate: 79%
% of Grade A = 43%
% of Grade B = 72%
HIGHER History
24 OUT OF 29 students passed their Higher History exam. This is a success rate of 82%, The National Pass Rate for Scotland is 74%.
Last 3 years (2016-18)
Broughton % pass rate = 92% National Average % pass rate = 77%
% of Grade A = 56%
% of Grade A/B = 76%
Well done to all Nat 5 and Higher History students who did so well!
HIGHER MODERN STUDIES
11 OUT OF 12 students passed their Higher Modern Studies exam. This is a success rate of 91%.
For more information on the individual courses please click on the Course Information tab above.
Course Information
S1
- What is History?: An introductory unit on chronology, sources and the basic skills of historical investigation.
- The Romans – We study the Roman Empire in all its glory, from the everyday lifestyles of the people, to military tactics and how the Romans have shaped the modern world.
- Genghis Khan: The largest empire that ever stretched across the eart and its brutal and mysterious emperor - The Great Khan! We investigate the early life and challenges of Genghis Khan, his rise to power, religion in the empire and military campaigns undertaken by Khan and his descendants.
- Scotland’s Story – The Scottish Wars of Independence, from the time of Alexander III, through to the work of Wallace and Bruce. We ananlyse the famous Scottish battles of Stirling Bridge, Falkirk and Bannockburn.
- Modern Studies: An introduction to modern issues, with a particular focus on the environment. We focus on the production of chewing gum, consumer society and how companies develop their products.
S2
- The Native Americans: We investigate the First People’s of North America, the tribes and their location, customs and beliefs. We also investigate the conflict between Native Americans and White Settlers, leading to battles such as Little Bighorn and the Massacre at Wounded Knee.
- The Civil Rights Movement: This topic investigates the legacy of slavery in the US and focuses on events and people who helped to pave the way for black Americans to achieve greater equality in the USA during the 1950s and 1960s.
- History of Medicine: An analysis of historical diseases, medieval medical practices, Islamic medicine, improvements in surfery and a case study of the work of Burke and Hare.
- The Titanic: The world's most famous ship and a famous disaster. We investigate what life on board the ship would have been like, the class system, the role and responsibility of the captain and consequences of the tragedy
- Modern Studies: An introduction to politics and political science. An analysis of the current forms of governance in our country.
S3 and 4
The Atlantic Slave Trade, 1770 – 1807:
A study of the nature of the British Atlantic slave trade in the late eighteenth century, changing attitudes towards it in Britain and the pressures that led to its abolition, illustrating the themes of rights, exploitation and culture.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zqyfr82
The Era of the Great War, 1900 – 1928
A study of the experiences of Scots in the Great War and its impact on life in Scotland. This topic considers the impact of technology on the soldiers on the Western Front. It also considers the way in which the war changed life for people at home as the war began to impact on every aspect of life both during and after the war.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z8phvcw
Hitler and Nazi Germany, 1919 – 1939
A study of attempts to establish democracy in Weimar Germany, the reasons for its collapse and the nature of the Nazi State.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/znk9q6f
S5/6 Intermediate 1 and 2
- Appeasement and the Road to War - British and Nazi foreign policy between the wars.
- Cradle to the Grave – Tackling social welfare in Britain from 1850 – 1951.
- Free at Last? – Race Relations in the USA 1918 – 1968 - the growing demand for racial equality in the USA .
S5 (Higher)
Britain, 1851 – 1951 (Paper One)
Development of the United Kingdom into a modern democracy and the development of the role of the state in the welfare of its citizens. Themes: authority, ideology and rights.
- An evaluation of the reasons why Britain became more democratic, 1851-1928
- An assessment of how democratic Britain became, 1867–1928
- An evaluation of the reasons why some women were given the vote in 1918
- An evaluation of the reasons why the Liberals introduced social welfare reforms, 1906–14
- An assessment of the effectiveness of the Liberal social welfare reforms
- An assessment of the effectiveness of the Labour reforms, 1945–51
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zr49q6f
The Wars of Independence, 1249 – 1328 (Paper Two)
Political change and military conflict arising from the Wars of Independence. Themes: authority, conflict and identity.
- Alexander III and the succession problem, 1286–92
- John Balliol and Edward I, 1292–96
- William Wallace and Scottish resistance
- The rise and triumph of Robert Bruce
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zpnnb9q
Advanced Higher
- Soviet Russia - the transformation of Russia from a backward autocracy to a modem communist super power, including the revolutions of 1917; the civil war; Stalin's rise to power and his economic policies and purges; the spread of Soviet power after the 2nd World War.